Quantum Audio Labs - history, info, experiences?

[europa78]

I just purchased a Quantum 16x16x2 QA-1010 console. This particular console came from a studio in North Carolina (via Primal Gear) and is in route to my studio at present. I'd love to know a bit more about the history of the company (Quantum Audio Labs), or any actual hands-on experiences with this console, or any of their other consoles. Manuals, brochures, schematics, etc. -- any info would be very much appreciated -- feel free to post away.

Regards,

Europa78

[MIKEHARRIS]

old school octal socket construction...appealed to the ham radio guy...popular mechanics build it yerself mentality...cant comment on audio quality

[Dan Kennedy]

Not all of it was octal socket, none I saw, maybe you're thinking of OpAmp Labs stuff, Mike?

The QM-128 I owned for a while was a fairly decent sounding reasonably full featured board in a very small footprint. Later versions of the same board were done with NE5534's and TL-071 style opamps, with an external supply, 4 auxes, Jensen input trannies, Penny & Giles faders, not bad stuff.

[europa78]

Thanks for your input Dan.

The console I've got coming has the input trannies, external PSU and etc. as you described. Definately, not DIY build grade by any means.

Thanks again,

Kenny

Originally posted by Dan Kennedy
Not all of it was octal socket, none I saw, maybe you're thinking of OpAmp Labs stuff, Mike?

The QM-128 I owned for a while was a fairly decent sounding reasonably full featured board in a very small footprint. Later versions of the same board were done with NE5534's and TL-071 style opamps, with an external supply, 4 auxes, Jensen input trannies, Penny & Giles faders, not bad stuff.

[vince @ speck]

Quantum was started by Don Sciarrotta and Howard Steele. Howard was the circuit/product designer and Don was an engineer/producer that owned a recording studio in Torrance, CA by the name of Quantum Studios.

The first mixers were made in a small building in Torrance. I ran the mixer company for a short period while I was getting my company (speck) going. The early mixers used early IC's like the 709 (don't ask), mic transformers, and had inductors for the EQ circuits. The mixers were painted sort of a cream color. They were, in my opinion, one of the first budget recording mixers made.

Howard was also a well known Hollywood engineer and co-owned a studio by the name of Studio 55. I don't know if the building is still there. Don added a second room to Quantum studios (That I helped design) and got very busy. Both Don & Howard lost interest in the mixer business and sold the company to a guy named John Pritchard (I think). He moved the company to Burbank, CA and with the help of local design talent, created a second generation of mixer that was mostly targeted to the broadcast industry. John passed away, the company went out of business.

[europa78]

Thank you very much for the info Vince.

Can you tell me between what years Quantum was being run by the original owners to manufacture consoles targeted towards the recording industry, and running Studio 55?


Regards,

Kenny

[vince @ speck]

Originally posted by europa78
Thank you very much for the info Vince.

Can you tell me between what years Quantum was being run by the original owners to manufacture consoles targeted towards the recording industry, and running Studio 55?


Regards,

Kenny

Kenny,

Early to the mid 70's for the consoles.

I don't know the complete history of Studio 55 except for the time I was there with Howard Steele during the 70's. Much of it was just hanging out after work watching recording sessions. Good times! The studio was co-owned by Howard and Richard Perry.

FYI, there was an early Quantum 16-24 channel mixer in studio B at Studio 55. Lot's of hit records made on that mixer.

[europa78]

Vince,

I've been poking around on the internet looking for info on Studio 55 -- I didn't realize just how much stuff from the mid 70's to 80's was recorded there, or that Richard Perry actually owned it. I used to work for a friend of his and it seems Mr. Perry is quite adept at the art of "good times". The Quantum QA 2000 in the A room could probably tells some tales. I doubt I have the B room desk, although it does have room for 20 channels, but only has 16 strips in it at present.


Thanks again,


Kenny

[SLy_drums]

No one ever heard of the QM3000 consoles ?

I was searching for a real channelstrip to rack on ebay.com and found a real QM3000 piece (mic pre, 3 band EQ, filters, busses...) for $120.

I bought it and had the idea to make it rack to have a nice high-end channel. I asked how much it would cost, a company answered $500 (racked with power supply, mic inputs etc.).

Now the channelstrip is still in a corner of my home studio, and I do not know what to do with it. It looks vintage, but the electronics is good (Jensen transformers). The seller told me it was very good gear.
Do you think it worth to make it rack ?

[europa78]

Originally Posted by SLy_drums

No one ever heard of the QM3000 consoles ?

I was searching for a real channelstrip to rack on ebay.com and found a real QM3000 piece (mic pre, 3 band EQ, filters, busses...) for $120.

I bought it and had the idea to make it rack to have a nice high-end channel. I asked how much it would cost, a company answered $500 (racked with power supply, mic inputs etc.).

Now the channelstrip is still in a corner of my home studio, and I do not know what to do with it. It looks vintage, but the electronics is good (Jensen transformers). The seller told me it was very good gear.
Do you think it worth to make it rack ?

That's a tough one... You'd probably never make your money back unless Quantum becomes a whole lot more popular. I happen to love the sound of my QA1010 console for mixing, summing, FX inserts, send, etc, but I have Neve, Quad Eight, API, Chandler, and Telefunken outboard pres that I tend to favor for specific tracking needs. I haven't tracked too much through the consoles pres in the 4 months I've had it, but the EQ's are quite nice -- similar to API without the detent boost/cut and stepped frequency selection. I have used them on drums and they seems to fall somewhere in the neighborhood of API & Q8 where transient compression, punch, clarity, and general sound characteristics are concerned -- cleaner and more up front then Neve -- not as open say as Telefunken. Normally I'd say trust your own ears, but you'd be hard pressed to find any Quantum pres or a console to listen to. If you can afford to loose $620 dollars go for it -- maybe you'll love 'em. If not, sell 'em on ebay and put the $$$ towards something you can test drive first.

Good luck,

Kenny

[SLy_drums]

Europa78 : Thank you, your post helps me a lot, as you describe the particular Quantum Audio sound. I think I'll keep the channelstrip into my studio, waiting the day i'll be able to afford to rack it up. I'm searching for API stuff right now (lunchbox), we'll see then.

That's strange how we can't find anything about Quantum Audio Labs on the internet. Just some rare located related things...

[Bernardo]

I just posted about these same QM3000 strips on other forums, I'll quote that here, if anyone has any insight. Thanks in advance:

So, this guy I work for right now bought off eBay four channel strips identified as Quantum Audio Labs QM3000, which supposedly once belonged to Hit Factory. Wehanded the strips over to a tech guy we know, but he is having a hard time figuring out what's the configuration of inputs / outputs, routing, etc, for the module. We haven't been provided with a schematic for the channel strip.

If anyone here has any insight or experience with this piece of equipment, and is able to answer some questions about it, please let me know, it'll be greatly appreciated. If anyone has a schematic for this model, you're my hero. Please note that I'm not fluent in tech talk, I'm just the middle man, but I'll do my best to communicate here.

Here is the description off of eBay, which is all the info that we've got:

"Quantum Audio Labs QM 3000 Channel strips. Jensen mic pre transformers - Jensen transformers on the EQ! These QM3000 strips were preferred over Neve of their time for their openness and sonic fidelity. Hit records were recorded on "these very strips"! The EQ is amazing. Needs +/- 15v power supply and comes with connector cable. The Mic in / Line in / output are on barrier strips at the back of each module. Sold as is due to "Vintage" but were working when the console was last used in early 2000. Transformers are 880001 (mic pre) 880005 and 880003 on EQ."

[Dan Kennedy]

Ain't much of a tech guy if he can't figure out the in's and out's of an old simple analog console.

Send them to me, for a case of your best local microbrew IPA I will send a schematic of the hookup, for a negotiable amount more I will make them work.

I'd like to see them myself...

[europa78]

I hope you get them working. My QA - 1010 console's pre/eqs sound fantastic -- very punchy. I have API 312, Quad Eight MM 310, Telefunken, Neve, etc -- the Quantums sound almost identical to API & Q8 pres -- I'm sure the Jensen transformer are part of it. Quantum is like the super, secret sleeper. Hardly anyone's even heard of them and I rarely see anything on ebay. I'm hoping they'll gainthe same kind of recognition as Q8's getting lately, but I'm not holding my breath. Actually, I still need four more channels for my console if anyones got any collecting dust, being used as a doorstop, etc.

Good luck,

Kenny

Originally Posted by Bernardo

I just posted about these same QM3000 strips on other forums, I'll quote that here, if anyone has any insight. Thanks in advance:

So, this guy I work for right now bought off eBay four channel strips identified as Quantum Audio Labs QM3000, which supposedly once belonged to Hit Factory. Wehanded the strips over to a tech guy we know, but he is having a hard time figuring out what's the configuration of inputs / outputs, routing, etc, for the module. We haven't been provided with a schematic for the channel strip.

If anyone here has any insight or experience with this piece of equipment, and is able to answer some questions about it, please let me know, it'll be greatly appreciated. If anyone has a schematic for this model, you're my hero. Please note that I'm not fluent in tech talk, I'm just the middle man, but I'll do my best to communicate here.

Here is the description off of eBay, which is all the info that we've got:

"Quantum Audio Labs QM 3000 Channel strips. Jensen mic pre transformers - Jensen transformers on the EQ! These QM3000 strips were preferred over Neve of their time for their openness and sonic fidelity. Hit records were recorded on "these very strips"! The EQ is amazing. Needs +/- 15v power supply and comes with connector cable. The Mic in / Line in / output are on barrier strips at the back of each module. Sold as is due to "Vintage" but were working when the console was last used in early 2000. Transformers are 880001 (mic pre) 880005 and 880003 on EQ."

[primalsteve]

europa78,

I wasn't sure if we knew when you bought it but did we tell you that supposedly James Brown cut a few tunes on that console?

Steve

[europa78]

yes, you mentioned that. If you ever come across anymore channel strips I'll buy them immediately. I love this board. I've started to track drums through it a lot -- great EQ -- not that I use them much though. Everyone who's heard it is very impressed. Great bargain -- can't thank you enough for pointing me in that direction.

Regards,

Kenny


P.S. My friend Rick Parker told me he got a very nice Neve console from you. He loves it.

Originally Posted by primalsteve

europa78,

I wasn't sure if we knew when you bought it but did we tell you that supposedly James Brown cut a few tunes on that console?

Steve

[primalsteve]

Originally Posted by europa78

yes, you mentioned that. If you ever come across anymore channel strips I'll buy them immediately. I love this board. I've started to track drums through it a lot -- great EQ -- not that I use them much though. Everyone who's heard it is very impressed. Great bargain -- can't thank you enough for pointing me in that direction.

Regards,

Kenny


P.S. My friend Rick Parker told me he got a very nice Neve console from you. He loves it.

Oh you know Rick, incredibly small world out there. We sold him a Neve 8014. It's beautiful. We also bought a Trident 70 Series from him and restored it. It was a great sounding desk.

Steve

[europa78]

the 8014 is so cooool! like a Kelso or Melbourne on steroids and then some -- couple of 2254a and 1073s -- very nice.

Take care,

Kenny

Originally Posted by primalsteve

Oh you know Rick, incredibly small world out there. We sold him a Neve 8014. It's beautiful. We also bought a Trident 70 Series from him and restored it. It was a great sounding desk.

Steve

[stonephar0]

I just bought a 1978 qa 1010. I've recorded on it when it was up and running about 7 years ago and it sounded sweet. The studio owner, like most mid to upper studios
hit the skids and the board just sat there. I was extremely lucky to get this console for a smokin' deal. Of course, knowing live gear, it's all plug and play. Ican't wait to hear it but I'm not looking forward to the multiple hours of hard wiring the snake and patch bays.
I do have a block diagram of the board if anyone wants a copy. I have the original 2 page quantum overview manual.
This console is very versital, I stoked to have it!

[europa78]

congrats! I love my qa1010 very api-ish with the jensen input trannies. I would love to get a copy of the block diagram and manual overview. Do you have any pictures? Quantum are like the ultimate sleeper consoles. Nobody's heard of them, even some very gear savvy people here in L.A. I have been tracking drums on my console alongside a pair of quad eight mm310 pres and vintage API 312s -- they're just as flattering -- punchy and clear. Anyway...

have fun soldering,

Kenny

Originally Posted by stonephar0

I just bought a 1978 qa 1010. I've recorded on it when it was up and running about 7 years ago and it sounded sweet. The studio owner, like most mid to upper studios
hit the skids and the board just sat there. I was extremely lucky to get this console for a smokin' deal. Of course, knowing live gear, it's all plug and play. Ican't wait to hear it but I'm not looking forward to the multiple hours of hard wiring the snake and patch bays.
I do have a block diagram of the board if anyone wants a copy. I have the original 2 page quantum overview manual.
This console is very versital, I stoked to have it!

[stonephar0]

I have all 4 for the 16x16x2 qa1010.
If you need them, i'll be happy to get them to you.

[myker]

Hello, I just purchased a used Quantum QM-8A. I cannot find any info on this console anywhere either. This thing has a two-band eq, and the power supply is inside the console. maybe it was for designed for broadcast?? Anyone else using one of these or know how to mod them? add output transformers? etc.?
mike

[mayorshouse67]

Originally Posted by stonephar0

I have all 4 for the 16x16x2 qa1010.
If you need them, i'll be happy to get them to you.

You wouldnt happen to have or know of the whereabouts of a Quantum Qm2200 series console schematics? I got my hands on 6 input strips, 2 stereo input strips, 1 masters strip, and a monitor strip. All I need know is the console chassis with montherboards and power supply.
I'm probably going to have to build a custom rack or table top side cart for these babys.
I do need some form of pinout guide. and required voltage specs.
If any body out there can help me, it would make my year.

I also have a Qm8A. I'm going to do some upgrades and additions to it because of all the available realestate in it. But some drawings on the schematics would also help.

[europa78]

I'm very, very interested, thanks, kenny

Originally Posted by stonephar0

I have all 4 for the 16x16x2 qa1010.
If you need them, i'll be happy to get them to you.

[yrplace]

Originally Posted by vince @ speck

Quantum was started by Don Sciarrotta and Howard Steele. Howard was the circuit/product designer and Don was an engineer/producer that owned a recording studio in Torrance, CA by the name of Quantum Studios.

The first mixers were made in a small building in Torrance. I ran the mixer company for a short period while I was getting my company (speck) going. The early mixers used early IC's like the 709 (don't ask), mic transformers, and had inductors for the EQ circuits. The mixers were painted sort of a cream color. They were, in my opinion, one of the first budget recording mixers made.

Howard was also a well known Hollywood engineer and co-owned a studio by the name of Studio 55. I don't know if the building is still there. Don added a second room to Quantum studios (That I helped design) and got very busy. Both Don & Howard lost interest in the mixer business and sold the company to a guy named John Pritchard (I think). He moved the company to Burbank, CA and with the help of local design talent, created a second generation of mixer that was mostly targeted to the broadcast industry. John passed away, the company went out of business.

Studio 55 was originally Decca Studios (White Xmas was recorded there) and was on the Paramount Studios lot. It was run by Richard Perry and originally had Quantum consoles in both rooms. I ended up buying the smaller comsole from Studio B and used it for several years . The building is long gone sadly. There was also a Quantum in the mix room at Producer's workshop where a lot of Steely Dan, Fleetwood Mac, and Pink Floyd stuff was recorded but that was in the big room on a custom console. I think the Wall or some PF album was mixed on the Quantum which last I heard of it was with Wayne Gunn at Audio Village. The smaller Quantums were quite nice sounding and really punchy. Worst thing was the cheap faders.

Mark Linett

[stonephar0]

My qa1010 is for sale. I don't have the knowledge to make it all happen the way I wanted to . My stupidity is the next guys gain!

[kasperff]

Originally Posted by stonephar0

My qa1010 is for sale. I don't have the knowledge to make it all happen the way I wanted to . My stupidity is the next guys gain!

Hi wouldt be intersed in your mixer qa1010.. maby we can get in to kontakt..
my email is kasper@bitterzoet.com greetings kasper

[Jim Van Sky]

I worked for the original Quantum Audio Labs when I was in High school in 1969. It was started by two unknown audio engineers, Carl Jacobson and Bill Wyatt. They were contracted with Don Sciarotta to build mixing boards for him and others that he sold them to. I was a board assembler working for Carl and Bill. Donny "Don" was one of the coolest guys I ever met, and one that inspired me as much as anyone in my life to follow your heart and pursue your dreams. Don had Quantum Recorders and Quantum Electronics. Recorders was the recording studio and electronics was a retail store. I ended up working for Donny delivering T.V. and stereo gear all over southern California during my junior year in high school. Howard came along as Chief Engineer after Bill and Carl decided to move on. I remember his first project for the studio, he built a digital timer for the control room. Really high tech at that time. Donny was very well connected, I owe him the opportunities I had to meet Gary Puckett, Kenny Rogers, Andy Williams, and my favorite, "Wolf Man Jack when we installed a Quantum Mixing Board in downtown L.A. for XERB radio (the mighty ten ninety). Got to set up the sound at the Wishkey A Go Go and at the Teen Age Fair at the Palladium in Hollywood. I also got to work on the installation at Filmation. I remember when they recorded "Chick-A-Boom" at Quantum and it started playing on the radio. It was quite at time in my young life. I owe Howard for getting me to move onward into other things, I'd probably still be there otherwise. Don was very family orientated. His brother Ross ran the electronics store. His secretary Phylis, was a model for what I have tried to seek in my secretaries. His family was involved in the Torrance local government, I think it was his dad or another brother that was the mayor. (I will never forget when Don got his Corvette, I knew he was the coolest guy I ever met.)
Anyway

Originally Posted by vince @ speck

Quantum was started by Don Sciarrotta and Howard Steele. Howard was the circuit/product designer and Don was an engineer/producer that owned a recording studio in Torrance, CA by the name of Quantum Studios.

The first mixers were made in a small building in Torrance. I ran the mixer company for a short period while I was getting my company (speck) going. The early mixers used early IC's like the 709 (don't ask), mic transformers, and had inductors for the EQ circuits. The mixers were painted sort of a cream color. They were, in my opinion, one of the first budget recording mixers made.

Howard was also a well known Hollywood engineer and co-owned a studio by the name of Studio 55. I don't know if the building is still there. Don added a second room to Quantum studios (That I helped design) and got very busy. Both Don & Howard lost interest in the mixer business and sold the company to a guy named John Pritchard (I think). He moved the company to Burbank, CA and with the help of local design talent, created a second generation of mixer that was mostly targeted to the broadcast industry. John passed away, the company went out of business.

[yrplace]

Originally Posted by vince @ speck

Quantum was started by Don Sciarrotta and Howard Steele. Howard was the circuit/product designer and Don was an engineer/producer that owned a recording studio in Torrance, CA by the name of Quantum Studios.

The first mixers were made in a small building in Torrance. I ran the mixer company for a short period while I was getting my company (speck) going. The early mixers used early IC's like the 709 (don't ask), mic transformers, and had inductors for the EQ circuits. The mixers were painted sort of a cream color. They were, in my opinion, one of the first budget recording mixers made.

Howard was also a well known Hollywood engineer and co-owned a studio by the name of Studio 55. I don't know if the building is still there. Don added a second room to Quantum studios (That I helped design) and got very busy. Both Don & Howard lost interest in the mixer business and sold the company to a guy named John Pritchard (I think). He moved the company to Burbank, CA and with the help of local design talent, created a second generation of mixer that was mostly targeted to the broadcast industry. John passed away, the company went out of business.

That explains why Studio 55 had the two biggest Quantum boards I ever saw. I owned the one from Studio B for a bit. Great sounding as were all the Quantum consoles, tho the faders were a bit on the cheap feeling side.

The site where Studio 55 (the original Decca Studios) stood is now a parking lot on the Paramount film studio lot. Both the studio and the wonderful Nicodells's resturaunt next door got razed many years ago. tw the one building remaining on that side of the block opposite Lucy's Restauamt is the site of the original Capitol Studios before they built the tower on Vine St.......

[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