DBX Quantum 2, relevant in 2011?

[Cellotron]

I had one here briefly. I only used it as a digital device via AES i/o - so I don't know how its converters stack up to something like an RME. It definitely has one of the better digital multiband comps I've heard, and the eq's on it are certainly usable as well. I hated the user interface on it though and since it didn't really fit well with the rest of my work flow I ended up selling it.

As far as "all in one mastering processors" go though - I've been in studios with TC Finalizers and definitely prefer the dbx Quantum to these.

Best regards,
Steve Berson

[Joe_caithness]

I always think about the specs of this box, then look at the interface and want to spew. Was there some kind of fight as to who could fit the most amount of "stuff" on a 1RU box or something?!

[manman]

Isnt Massive mastering using one?

how does it compare to Finalizer 96k? any thoughts

[Ben F]

I always thought it was a great sounding box in a digital chain. It was in the chain accidentally once and I remember being blown away at the time, only to realize it was just insanely loud and had 4 bands of compression running. Anyway, pain in the butt to operate too many features for such a small screen and the menu system was cumbersome.

[KyleDiSanto]

If my memory severs me correct I think Scott Hull has one in his chain. Maybe mark@fullcircle can help me out on confirming this one!

[Sunbreak Music]

I keep mine around, but it hasn't been used on a record in a long time. Right now it just serves as a D/A to route a Midi Murf and a Time Factor delay pedal.

I think the EQ is useable and the multiband quiet a bit better than the usual suspects. Good place to start--it was my first "mastering processor". There is an editor available for the second revision, but it's actually not much larger than the screen on the unit, lol.

[Nescafe]

Originally Posted by manman

Isnt Massive mastering using one?

how does it compare to Finalizer 96k? any thoughts

I'm curious too, any opinions / experience?

[MASSIVE Master]

I all but gave away my TCF96. I don't use the QII often, but it does make a nice backup unit and the converters are particularly forgiving in some cases where others fall apart. Was never too crazy about the processing - Sure, the MBC was pretty decent (but I'd think that almost anyone here knows how often I use MBC). When I used it frequently, it was more for the converters, leveling, SRC and such.

[aleatoric]

Originally Posted by KyleDiSanto

If my memory severs me correct I think Scott Hull has one in his chain. Maybe mark@fullcircle can help me out on confirming this one!

I remember Dave McNair having one in his chain and Scott borrowing it once when I was at Scott Hull Mastering. It was for a hip hop album that if I recall correctly came in pretty processed sounding. The whole album was mastered with the DBX Quantum 2. Pretty sure McNair still has one in his chain and uses it. Both Dave and Scott post on here though so perhaps they can chime in. Seems like a useful device to have if you find one at a good price. My direct experience with it is limited though.

[Nordenstam]

The general user interface layout is the same as can be found on many PA drivers. Check it out if you find one on a gig. Most values can be reached at 2-3 clicks. Some stuff takes more clicks and I find those functions to be more or less useless. That includes the multiband. What it does without too much clicking is utility tasks, wideband comp (with full sidechain EQ) and a nice sounding clean EQ.

Bought mine when starting out. Had it in the monitor path for a year, trying out any whim on any sound passing through. It worked. Still use it on about half the tracks. Am particularly fond of the "ambience" function.

[Thomas W. Bethe]

I am still using ours along with my Weiss EQ-1 MKII. Seems to work fine.

The only problem with the unit that I can speak to is the size of the display and the amount of information crammed into that display.

Back a couple of years ago there was some software that allowed you to control the dbx Quantum from your computer. The author was a very nice person but I have not seen the software around for a couple of years.

Maybe someone will sit down and redo the software. It worked with a RS-232 connection if memory serves.

Overall, for the price, it is a hard unit to beat.

[Joe_caithness]

Bumping this up and just looking for a few more opinions, I'm in the market for a good MB comp and some back up converters so...

[Joe_caithness]

quick question if anyone can help: can this be used as a DA with no hassle? Thinking it could provide a stop gap between my RME ADI (which I only use the DA end of) and something else, as well as being used for the odd bit of de essing etc...thoughts?


also, does it start up in a default global setting you can define yourself? as in sample rate/clocking/dither options/all fx off?

[endorphin]

The price of these is worth the try alone. I am in the process of using my Quantum as a hardware insert in Wavelab to be used along with some of my plugins. I'm not a mastering engineer, however, the opportunity does present itself with recording projects. That being said, I wanted to have a decent hardware option in my chain. Again, I have not tried it yet, but I am excited about it!

As far as the user defined options on start-up, I cannot say. However, if i have time, I'll check that out for you the next time I start up.

Perhaps you've already purchased one, since this is a late posting. If so, what can you relay back regarding your experience?

Regards,

John