dbx Launches Quantum Digital Mastering
Processor
 January 28, 1999
dbx Professional Products proudly announces the worldwide
launch of its new 'Quantum' Digital Mastering Processor, the world's only
96 kHz, 48-bit mastering solution.
Quantum packs every necessary mastering resource into a single 1U unit,
including a Digital Multi-band Compressor, Limiter, Expander, Gate, Parametric
EQ, De-esser, Normalizer and dbx's proprietary Type IV™ Conversion
System.
AES/EBU and S/PDIF digital inputs and outputs are included as standard
for flexibility and assured compatibility with 48 and 44.1, as well as
88.2 and 96 kHz formats, while a 48-bit internal signal path provides
increased headroom and low-level resolution. Quantum also provides the
same dbx TYPE IV output as found in the company's highend Blue Series
products. Capturing the full dynamic range of an analog signal and coupling
it with the powerful dynamic range of this patented dbx process, TYPE
IV makes digital signals sound like they came from the highest-quality
analog source imaginable. Offering an ultra-wide dynamic range thanks
to TYPE IV's 24-bit resolution A/D and D/A converters, the digital-ready
Quantum additionally features dbx's TSE™ (Tape Saturation Emulation),
which provides the pleasant overload characteristics of analog tape without
the harsh distortion of most digital input systems.
Quantum's digital output offers the ability to communicate at 16-, 20-,
or 24-bit word lengths and provides the ability to select noise shape
algorithms and dither types that best suit the user's music and medium.
In addition to providing sample rate conversion (AES/EBU, S/PDIF), the
processor also features word clock sync, with the input and output using
dbx's own proprietary clock chips for extremely low jitter sync.
A comprehensive five-band EQ is comprised of three bands of fully parametric
equalization plus Hi and Lo shelves. Parametric bands all have Q and level
control, while Hi and Lo shelves have switchable slopes (3, 4.5, 6, 9,
and 12 dB/octave). EQ can be flexibly positioned preor post-dynamics,
or in the dynamics sidechain.
Quantum can function either in dual mono or stereo mode using dbx's True
Power Summing technology. Four-band, multi-band gating, compression and
limiting-as opposed to the DDP's broadband operation--may be linked or
unlinked as desired. Furthermore, Quantum's four-way crossover features
independent slopes and crossover frequencies for maximum versatility.
The dbx digital mastering processor comes equipped with 50 factory presets
covering just about every application imaginable. Custom presets may also
be easily designed, then saved to any of its 50 user-defined spaces. When
building or altering presets, the full-featured front panel controls of
the Quantum allow precision control over every parameter.
A large, backlit display utilizes a hybrid of graphics, characters an
icons to make the Quantum extremely user-friendly. With its extensive
metering, users can see exactly what is going on with all parts of their
signal-input, internal processing and output, with peak and VU, as well
as gain reduction for all four bands.
A high-resolution graph can even display a composite 'output versus input'
plot of the audio signal, providing a physical representation of the compression
curve. When changes are made to any parameter, the hi-res graphical display
immediately updates the processing curve in real time to reflect those
adjustments.
To the left of the display, both sets of analog inputs and outputs feature
dedicated 12- segment LED ladders, with dual 4-segment LEDs for TSE(TM)
metering. Digital input and output metering is viewed in the backlit display
area.
The back panel of the Quantum sports both XLR and 1/4-Inch balanced ins
and outs, while individual input and output gain controls on each channel
allow for use with a wide range of equipment. The processor's gate features
the traditional controls for threshold, ratio, attack, hold, release and
max attenuation. Also included is dbx's Variable Transient Capture Mode™--a
feature previously available only in the dbx 172 Super Gate and DDP. Compression
controls include threshold, ratio, gain, auto, attack, hold and release,
with selectable OverEasy® with VariKnee(TM) (for 10 different
knee selections) or hard knee thresholds. Limiting is available from -60dB
to 0db, with gain, attack, release and hold, as well as auto functions
and VariKnee. An ultra-smooth continuous Auto mode can even be implemented
to let the Quantum take over the steering wheel. Variable de-essing is
also offered between 800Hz to 8kHz, while +/-12dB of constant-Q EQ or
adaptive-Q EQ is available across the full frequency span of 20Hz to 20kHz.
Sidechain monitor is further offered in the EQ section.
For more information, visit dbx at www.dbxpro.com.
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