DiGiCo has announced the launch of their latest addition to the highly regarded Quantum range, the Quantum 638 mixing console. Combining the best elements of the SD7 and SD5 with the latest Quantum technology, the new desk is designed around giving theatre sound teams a familiar yet powerful worksurface with quicker access to cue firing and Macros for musicals, plays, tours and installs- where speed, redundancy and compact control are critical. Previously codenamed ‘Tarpon’, the console is also available as a Quantum 638T version, designed specifically for highly demanding theatrical productions.
Boasting 256 input channels and 128 aux/sub-group busses, the new Quantum 638 sits between the company’s flagship Quantum 852 and popular Quantum 338 Pulse, a position previously occupied by the longstanding SD7 and SD5. Sporting 3 x 42cm LCD high-resolution touchscreens, 38 x 100mm touch-sensitive motorised faders, split into three worksurface sections with two dedicated Master faders, enhanced Macro buttons, and new usability features, the Quantum 638 is notably available in single-engine and dual-engine versions, both with dual DMI card slots and hot-swappable PSUs, for a choice of preferred redundancy options.
Particularly well-suited for the theatre market when paired with DiGiCo’s optional ‘T’ theatre software extension, the Quantum 638T version adds indispensable functions like Auto Update, Aliases, Players, advanced CG programming tools, and Matrix Nodal Delays for plays and musicals. With a footprint that is nearly identical to that of the SD7, the console is an ideal upgrade for theatres where there is a need for increased horsepower but space is at a premium. Larger, brighter screens, plus 3 x 17.3cm TFT screens located adjacent to the fader bays provide more workspace for enhanced productivity, and dual headphone outputs allow the sound designer and audio engineer to each have individual control over what they choose to hear.
“We took the best elements of our time-tested SD7 and SD5, and combined them with the latest Quantum tech to create the ultimate Q6,” says DiGiCo’s Managing Director, Austin Freshwater. “With its compact footprint and familiar operator-focused layout, the Quantum 638 is an ideal worksurface for theatrical tours and installs, as well as live concerts, festivals, and houses of worship. Built for both today’s productions and tomorrow’s demands, our newest Quantum console provides a platform that feels familiar on day one, reducing operational effort under pressure and delivering modern capabilities without compromising trusted workflows.”
The Quantum 638 marks the first time that DiGiCo has offered a Quantum console in both single- and double-engine configurations, the latter of which can be run in single-engine mode- giving users the flexibility to choose the architecture that best suits their workflow, applications, and budget. “Engineers often have strong preferences one way or the other, so providing both options within the same platform is a significant step for us,” says DiGiCo’s Head of Product, Digby Shaw. “Customers who choose the dual-engine version can also operate it in single-engine mode if they wish, so it’s the best of both worlds.”
Compact without compromise, the advanced Quantum 638 combines the extraordinary might of large-scale, seventh-generation FPGAs whilst putting everything an engineer would need within easy ergonomic reach. In addition to offering 256 input channels and 128 aux/sub-group channels, all with full processing, DiGiCo’s latest console offers a 48×48 matrix with full processing, plus comprehensive and coveted Quantum Range features, including 128 Nodal Processing instances, 64 insertable Mustard Processing strips, 16 Spice Rack slots, and True Solo functionality.
As standard, the product is equipped with onboard Dante and other connectivity options, including a built-in Fourier Interface Card for native worksurface compatibility with Fourier Audio’s transform.engine platform.
Newly enhanced Macro buttons are found within easy reach, putting clear visual information exactly where it is needed, and there are four designated channel Macros, allowing the Macro to move with the channel, depending on the console layout. The Quantum 638 also sports assignable ‘Macroder’ rotary encoder knobs, similar to those found on the Quantum 852, that dynamically change their function to control programmable parameters on whichever channel is currently selected. Fans of DiGiCo’s SD7 will further appreciate seeing the line of Gain/Trim encoders found at the top of each channel strip, plus a choice of individually assignable Next buttons at hand.
The inclusion of a new ‘InfoBar’ ensures that critical information is always visible: be it snapshots, timecode, actual time, or warnings that can indicate when listening to copied audio or True Solo, as well as if the surface is offline or all touch is disabled.
Beyond the console’s three primary daylight-bright displays, comprehensive visual monitoring is achieved via 3 x custom-mounted, high-resolution LCD meterbridge screens, 3 x bank switcher screens, and a total of 53 touch sensitive full-colour TFT LCD displays. Left, centre, and right worksurface sections each offer six layers of six banks, and all faders can be assigned to control any channels of any type. Also included are LR/LCR/LCRS/5.1 Master busses, 36 VCA-style or mute group-style control group channels, two solo busses, and an internal FX rack allowing users to pick from 34 different FX. Up to 48 stereo FX can be added, comprising of up to 32 floating-point reverbs and up to 48 delay/chorus/pitch/enhancer effects. An internal set of 32 x 32-band graphic EQs are also accessible.
The rear panel features 32-bit mic/line inputs, 8 x 32-bit line outputs, 4 x AES/EBU inputs (eight channels), and 4 x AES/EBU outputs, as well as a DSub37 GPI and DSub37 GPO (16 inputs and 16 outputs), one set of MIDI In/Thru/Out, and a set of XLR SMPTE LTC I/O. Additional connections include 4 x switched Ethernet ports and 8 sets of MADI I/O, giving up to 8 x MADI interfaces or up to 4 redundant MADI interfaces at 48kHz or 4 interfaces at 96kHz.
Each engine is equipped with a MultiMode Optocore interface, providing 504 additional audio paths at 48kHz and 96kHz, with HMA, OpticalCon, and ST connection types available. An optional second Optocore loop can be added to each engine, effectively doubling the audio paths.
“Highly advanced in nature yet comfortably familiar by design, the Quantum 638 is the next logical piece of the puzzle in DiGiCo’s console line-up,” adds Shaw. “Powered by Quantum and packed with features, our newest product provides everything that our operators have loved, re-engineered for what’s next.”
See more about the Quantum 638 on the official DiGiCo website.
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