DBX Quantum User Guide

8760 S. Sandy Pkwy.

Sandy, Utah 84070

Phone [phone]

Fax [phone]

IntÕl Fax [phone]

[e-mail]

http://www.dbxpro.com

A Harman International Company

Introducing the dbx Quantum. The first studio mastering tool that offers sampling rates up to 96kHz,
with a true 48 bit digital signal path, and the superior dbx dynamics processing that’s been making the hits
for more than 25 years. Quite a trio of features.

Insert the Quantum on the master outputs of any console or workstation and turn out a professional mas­ter every time. The patented dbx dynamics processing is now available in a 4 band multiband system. A 4
way crossover splits the signal into 4 bands, and each band may be individually gated, compressed, and
limited.

The patent-pending dbx TYPE IV™ Conversion System allows you to retain the warmth and body you want
in your signal while adding punch and depth, giving you the “big market” sound you want. And the intu­itive user interface puts all the mastering processes you need right at your fingertips.

dbx’s intuitive operating system allows you easy access to the strongest mastering toolbox ever released.
A quick surf through the menu driven system gives you a glimpse of the packed feature set. Use the 4
band crossover with independent slope selection to split the incoming signal into 4 bands that are then
each controlled separately for individual gating, compression, and limiting. A 5 band parametric EQ offers
unprecedented control, with variable Q, adaptable or constant Q, and Lo and High shelving features, mak­ing the Quantum the most versatile and useful tool to use for all your mastering needs.

The Quantum also comes with the patent-pending TYPE IV™ Conversion System on board. TYPE IV™ cap­tures the character of any analog signal to the digital domain in a way that defies description. With the help
of TSE™ Tape Saturation Emulation, the Quantum retains the original warmth we all want in our record­ing, while giving it the clarity and versatility we need in today’s digital world of music production and mas­tering. You can also dither your signal down to 24, 20, or 16 bits using our custom dither algorithms. For
more versatility use full MIDI/SysEx control, and internal/external sync capability. And by the way, if we
ever change the software, you won’t have to buy anything, just download the update from our Internet site
and install it via the MIDI ports.

¥ 96 kHz, 24 bit A/D, D/A, and Digital I/O

on AES/EBU or S/PDIF

¥ 48 bit internal signal path for increased

head room and low level resolution

¥ TYPE IVª A/D Conversion system with

TSEª
¥ 4 band stereo compressor-gate-limiter
¥ 5 band EQ Ð Hi and Lo shelves, 3 band

fully parametric
¥ Normalizer Ð lets you control overall

signal dynamics

¥ Stereo adjust Ð control your stereo image
¥ Sync input/output using dbxÕs own

proprietary clock chips for extremely low

jitter sync
¥ Dither outputs to 16, 20, or 24 bits.
¥ Sample rate conversion
¥ Software updateable via Internet and

MIDI
¥ 4 band crossover with variable

with variable slopes

¨

96 kHz, 24 bit A/D, D/A, and Digital I/O on AES/EBU or S/PDIF

48 bit internal signal path for increased head room and low level resolution

TYPE IVª A/D Conversion System with TSEª

4-band stereo compressor-gate-limiter

5 band EQ Ð Hi and Lo shelves, 3 band fully parametric

Normalizer / Stereo adjust Ð lets you control overall signal dynamics and
stereo image

Sync input/output using dbxÕs own proprietary clock chips for extremely low
jitter sync

Dither outputs to 16, 20, or 24 bits.

Sample rate conversion

44.1, 48, 88.2 or 96 kHz sampling frequencies

Dual Mono or Stereo mode using True RMS Power Summingª.

EQ can be positioned pre dynamics, post dynamics, or in the dynamics
sidechain.

Hi and Low shelves have switchable slopes 3, 4.5, 6, 9, and 12 dB/octave

3 parametric bands have Q and level control.

12 segment analog input and output meters

Digital metering of input, output and gain reduction for all 4 bands

Hi-res graph shows composite output vs. input plot for each band

4-way crossover with independently selectable slopes

Gate controls:

Threshold
Ratio
Attack
Hold
Release
Max attenuation

Compressor controls

Threshold
Ratio
Gain
Attack
Hold
Release
Auto on/off
Ultra-smooth continuous Auto Mode
Overeasy¨ w/VariKnee for 10 different knee selections

Limiter controls

Threshold
Attack
Hold
Release
Auto on/off
Overeasy w/VariKnee
Variable transient capture mode

DIGITAL MASTERING PROCESSOR

QUANTUM

dbx engineers are constantly working to improve the quality of our products. Specifications are, therefore subject to change without notice.