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.