Prolight + Sound 2019: DiGiCo Unveils Upgrades to Quantum 7 Processing Engine, SD10/SD12 Consoles

Prolight + Sound 2019 sees DiGiCo showcase new software upgrades for the SD12 and SD10 which take both consoles to a completely new level, the integration of KLANG:technologies in-ear mixing into the SD-Range and the latest A3232 DMI for S-Series consoles, and the reveal of Mustard, a new set of algorithms and options for channel strip processing for Quantum 7 that offer enhanced flexibility and choice when extra control and creative adjustment is needed within a mix.

Mustard For Quantum 7
Making full use of the Quantum engine’s new seventh generation FPGA infrastructure, the Mustard channel can be used in conjunction with the standard SD processing to add pre-amp, filters, EQ, gate and a selection of compressor types to any existing channel strip.

The Mustard Tube options include a fully controllable Pre-Amp Modeler, which gives users access to every aspect of their front-end drive, while the Mustard Dynamics include Vintage VCA and Optical compressor types that emulate some of the best-known devices available. All of this will enable users to add classic character and new textures to drums, bass, vocals, and guitars.

DiGiCo will also be revealing the Spice Rack, which delivers additional new processors that can be freely inserted on any channel type in any position. Controlled from the Master screen and its worksurface controls, the first addition to the Spice Rack will be a six-band compressor, which includes two floating bands and allows complete, detailed control of envelope shaping for definable frequency bands.

“The beauty of having the most advanced FPGAs at the heart of our consoles is that it allows us to continually unlock new functionality,” says Roger Wood, DiGiCo’s head of software. “Both Mustard and the Spice Rack take the SD7 Quantum to a completely new level, not only opening up a new world of creativity for our users but assuring them that their investment will continue to deliver a return for many years to come.”

SD12 and SD10 Upgrades
When the SD12 was launched, it raised the bar for a compact, affordable, multi- application digital console. It delivered DiGiCo sonic quality, had dual 15-inch touch screens and was the first SD Range console with a built-in recording interface. This combination, along with its power and expandability, all packed in a reduced footprint, has fast made the SD12 one of the world’s favorite live mixing consoles, especially during festival season.

Now you can super charge your SD12, taking it from 72 to 96 channels and from 36 to 48 aux/subgroups, with the new SD12 96 upgrade.

Along with the SD12 96 chargeable upgrade, the new SD10+ upgrade comes free of charge. Only available for Core 2 consoles, SD10+ expands the already powerful SD10 from 132 to 144 input channels. Both upgrades continue DiGiCo’s commitment to providing continued additional value on clients’ original console investment.

Both the SD12 and SD10 upgrades will be available from the DiGiCo online shop in April.

KLANG Integration and S Series Stage48
ISE gave a first glimpse of the advantages the collaboration of DiGiCo and KLANG:technologies will bring to the companies’ customers. Now, Prolight + Sound 2019 gives a first opportunity to experience a working version of their new control integration for immersive in-ear mixing; the bidirectional control of mixes and immersive pan positioning will allow monitor engineers to provide fully immersive IEM feeds as part of their normal workflow.

A beta version of the software will be running on the SD7 Quantum 7, SD10 and SD12 96 throughout the show.

Also, first shown at NAMM and ISE, the A3232 DMI card from DiGiCo’s 4REA4 Range is now incorporated into the S-Series consoles. This I/O expansion allows the 4REA4 I/O to be directly connected to S-Series consoles, widening the I/O possibilities. Part of this upgrade, the recently launched S21-Stage48 and S31-Stage48 system, offered with 48 Mic inputs from stage via three A168STAGEracks, will also be on show.

“There was a lot of interest in what DiGiCo’s acquisition of KLANG would bring when it was first announced, which were soon dispelled when the logic of having immersive in-ear mixing capability integrated into DiGiCo consoles became apparent,” says DiGiCo general manager Austin Freshwater. “We are delighted to be able to show a working version of the software so quickly and to fully demonstrate the groundbreaking nature of the collaboration between the two companies.”

To find out more about these and other exciting new developments, please visit Stand 8.0 F40 at Prolight + Sound 2019 from April 2-5.