Quantum Audio Labs - history, info, experiences?

[vince @ speck]

Originally Posted by Jim Van Sky

.... I remember when they recorded "Chick-A-Boom" at Quantum and it started playing on the radio...

That song was recorded by Dick Monda aka Daddy Dewdrop. Dick and I are still good friends and talk often. He's still in the music businsess.
M. Richard Monda

[Silvertone]

Originally Posted by yrplace

This is an old old thread as I just noticed I posted almost the same thing a while back.

Still have to say the Quantums were great sounding consoles. I recently found a cassette of the live rough I did on my 16 chl Quantum in 1989 while recording Hawkwind live.

Sounds great........ Mark

You really think so Mark? I have a friend who wants to give me his old 16x8 Quantum. I'm going to take it (clean it and fix her like a'new) just because I like to keep these old beasts running but I doubt it will replace my '69 Electrodyne.

I do have a friend who's room I'm going to place this in... so she will "get to work" again!

Do you know if they have Jensen or Reichebach x-formers on the mic inputs?

Thanks,
best regards,
Larry

[chunger]

I've been looking around for info concerning these Quantum consoles. I have a (previously) quadraphonic quantum 32 channel that is for the most part intact. I purchased it from a friend, and it was reported to sound fantastic when last it was fired up.

I also have a binder of schematics with what appears to be notes on various modifications that were performed. I am a newbie when it comes to electronics and console restoration at this scale. What is the prudent 1st course of action?

The schematics (blueprints) were very faded when I looked at them last about 2 years ago. I guess I should try to reproduce them as best I can 1st. Are there people I can talk to in the Northern California area who can assist?

I did buy it for a screaming good price several years back.

[Silvertone]

My friend did give me his Quantum Gamma console to restore and sell. I have all the schematics for it as well.

First course of action should be to find a good competent tech in the bay area (there are several but I'd call around to a few studios and see who everyone is using these days). These console are very simple designs and even a half way decent tech will find his way around easily, that fact that you have the schematics makes it all the easier.


Now what I've found out so far are these are Riechenbach transformers on the inputs. Some have said the were Jensen but Tom Reichenbach said his Dad made these and Cinemag continues to make these... so very cool.

The EQ's look to be passive with (chip based) op-amp make up gain. Looks easy enough to change if you want but a well done chip out of this era may sound just fine.

Not a whole lot of these console were made. Mine is circa 1979.

Here are some photos...

Well gearslutz doesn't seem to be excepting photo's today so here's a link to Pro Sound Web where I started a thread yesterday...
PSW Recording Forums: Whatever Works => Quantum Audio Labs Gamma console...

[OKden]

I too have one of these QAL Gamma 16x8s, but that one is a beauty. Mine is missing the wooden frame. Any idea where to get replacements for the small fader?

[Silvertone]

Originally Posted by OKden

I too have one of these QAL Gamma 16x8s, but that one is a beauty. Mine is missing the wooden frame. Any idea where to get replacements for the small fader?

Not yet but I'm looking. She's a little beauty, I'm hoping she sounds as good as she looks.

The EQ's look passive with chip based op-amp for the make-up gain. I have a slew of Quad Eight AM4 op-amps and was wondering if I could swap the chip based ones for the discreet based ones. Since it's just making up the gain loss this should work, yes??? Of course I want to see how it sounds before I touch anything.

[fazeka]

I wonder just how different these Quantum Gammas are from the "QM" line (like my '77 QM-168)?

Here's an old picture of mine several years ago when I bought it but before I cleaned it up and recapped it:



Here's some pics after:





I can see based on those pics on the other forum that mine uses the same 75101 input trannies.

Mark, do you remember which Quantum you used back in the day? Was is the QA, QM or Gamma?

Larry, what kind of chips in that Gamma? My QM-168 has CA3140s in the line-in section, LM318s in the preamps and 301s (not sure where these are?). It also had 4136s in the EQs but I upgraded to TL-075s.

BTW, I heard one could turn the output stage of the 3140 into single-ended class-A by hanging a 2.21k resistor between the output (pin 6) and V- (pin 4). Of course, I understand this is going to pull about 6.8mA per chip which generates extra heat and works the PS harder.

Has anyone talked to Craig Lindley (ex-electronic design engineer)? Or how to get in contact with Steve Firlotte (also worked at Quantum)?

The Gamma looks like it does pre/post with a switch whereas mine has to be configured via the Molex on the back (I think?). Also, I see a direct out switch on the channel whereas again I think mine can do only via the Molex (?) Also, it looks like the Gamma is obviously modular with removable channel strips, whereas mine is not. But everything else looks fairly similar to these rookie eyes.

Maybe someone out there with a Quantum Gamma can check out "QM" series manual here and peer at the schematics and see how much they differ or are alike electronically? I would really appreciate it to know more about Quantum!

Thanks,
Chris

http://bolstad.net/quantum/Quantum%2...8%20Manual.pdf
http://bolstad.net/quantum/QM-168%20...010%20card.jpg
http://bolstad.net/quantum/QM-168%20...%20outputs.jpg
http://bolstad.net/quantum/QM-168%20...o%20busses.jpg
http://bolstad.net/quantum/QM-168%20...ic%20input.jpg
http://bolstad.net/quantum/QM-168%20...uit%20card.jpg
http://bolstad.net/quantum/QM-168%20...or%20panel.jpg
http://bolstad.net/quantum/QM-168%20...r%20supply.jpg

[Ductape]

I realize that this is an old thread, but I just found out that Steve Firlotte, the guy behind Inward Connections was the head tech at Quantum for many years.

[yrplace]

Originally Posted by Ductape

I realize that this is an old thread, but I just found out that Steve Firlotte, the guy behind Inward Connections was the head tech at Quantum for many years.

I've know steve for years and didn't know that........

[Massimo4]

My buddy, a TV tech has a quantum QM 168 console mixer 16x18 with 8 large vu meters with +4 db talkback. He would like to get rid of it for fairly cheap.
Let me know if anyone is interested.

massimo4@yahoo.com
Massimo

[s2_Audio]

Vince, Scotti from Quantum. Nice to see history is still alive. Haven't talked to Donny for awhile. I've seen Tony, Rick us old "Big Q" ops guys.

s2
s2 audio engineering

[drezz]

Hi,

I am on the lookout for a schematic for a Quantum Audio QM 8A.
Hoping to add direct outs and other possible mods......

Anyone got one?

Cheers...

[rob S]

Originally Posted by Silvertone

The EQ's look passive with chip based op-amp for the make-up gain. I have a slew of Quad Eight AM4 op-amps and was wondering if I could swap the chip based ones for the discreet based ones. Since it's just making up the gain loss this should work, yes??? Of course I want to see how it sounds before I touch anything.

hey larry,

how did this project turn out?

[fazeka]

Originally Posted by drezz

Hi,

I am on the lookout for a schematic for a Quantum Audio QM 8A.
Hoping to add direct outs and other possible mods......

Anyone got one?

Only reading this thread now...

Go to post #11 here, schem between the QM-168 and the 8A should be similar:

Tape Op Message Board :: View topic - Quantum QM-168 Console Repairs