Quantum 7 is developed with seventh generation FPGA devices that further expand audio processing power, and ultimately allows DiGiCo to provide its users with an unrivalled amount of further flexibility. To put this advancement into perspective, the current Stealth Digital Processing is heavily based around third generation FPGA devices.
Although not scheduled for release until Spring 2017, DiGiCo will present an SD7 installed with Quantum 7 at Prolight+Sound 2016. Those attending the show will see some of the unique ways this processing and flexibility are being implemented.
Some examples of these enhancements are the patent pending Nodal Processing and True Solo.
Nodal Processing means that for the first time processing can be applied to any node on the auxiliary section of the console, allowing engineers to send unique processing on each send from a single, or multiple channels. This level of creativity will allow engineers to tailor and deliver dedicated mixes that were simply not possible before Quantum 7.
Coupled with Nodal Processing is the new True Solo system that allows the operator's monitoring system to replicate almost any section of the console, and how that source is being processed and heard. This saves time and speeds up the process of managing the potentially daunting number of channels and busses available to the user.
Getting into the numbers, Quantum 7 expands an SD7 to over 600 channels of processing in 96kHz operation that can be connected in the outside world to approaching 3000 potential I/Os. New connectivity goes further, as the engine is also equipped with eight newly assignable MADI connections and two DMI slots (DiGiCo Multi-Channel Interface) for AoIP and other connectivity options from the complete family of DMI card options.
Perhaps the most interesting feature of Quantum 7 is its ability to be retro-fitted into any existing SD7, allowing owners to take advantage of these developments.
"Even though I have worked with DiGiCo's R&D team for 20 years, I am still amazed at the creativity of the complete team and how they continually strive to add value to our products," says DiGiCo managing director James Gordon. "Last year they managed to take Stealth Digital Processing to a new client base with S21, and now this year they present the Quantum 7 concept. There's never a dull day at DiGiGo."
(Jim Evans)
