Founded by Chris Lang and Russell Baker, full production services provider Captivate AV’s is a well established player on Australia’s Gold Coast. A DiGiCo Quantum 338 mixing console recently joined the company’s inventory in a move to raise production values.
‘When we started Captivate AV, we [the directors] each had our own SD11i console with D-Racks,’ Lang says, ‘As our need to supply larger systems grew, we added a SD8-24, SD10-24 and S21, along with various racks and connection accessories. When the Quantum series was released, it was clear this was a new era of audio consoles and we wanted to be on the leading edge.
‘With high demand for fibre systems from the touring market, this was a must and integrates nicely with our SD10 that is already on fibre. The Quantum’s I/O capacity is unmatched, and we can safely put the console in any situation with confidence that audio will make it to its destination – wherever needed, and by whatever means required.’
Offering features that meld DiGiCo’s hallmark workflows with increased processing power and connectivity, the Quantum 338 packs an innovative punch. Despite all the onboard technical enhancements, the console remains notably compact.
‘Upon first firing up the Quantum 338 and running some multitracks through it, we were pleasantly surprised by how much nicer the effects processing came across. We also enjoyed applying some of the new Mustard compressors, which bring new life to traditional band instruments. Adding in the Chilli 6 on the Spice Rack was really the icing on the cake for what can now be achieved onboard.
‘After running it through some gigs, we really got used to having channels across three bright and responsive touch screens – something hard to go back from. Nodal processing came in handy on some effects buses, being able to EQ and compress things a little differently through different wedges, without having to duplicate channels for particular sends was a really impressive touch.’
Taking full advantage of the 338’s extensive DMI interface options, Captivate AV loaded the console’s DMI ports with Dante connectivity and Klang immersive in-ear mixing.
‘We have been using Klang IEM processing since it became a part of the DiGiCo infrastructure and love being able to roll out great sounding in-ear mixes with ease,’ Lang explains. ‘The Klang DMI card is a useful tool and we have recently added a Klang:konductor to our inventory, which we can also loop in via HMA fibre. We are looking forward to deploying it with our larger multi-console set-ups.’
Hillcrest Christian College recently used the system in a school production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, with Theatre Manager Anthony Kissick elated at the opportunity: ‘I have personally been a DiGiCo user for more than a decade and we currently have an SD11 as the primary console for our College theatre,’ he says. ‘Knowing that Captivate AV had acquired a Quantum 338, I was overjoyed when we were able to use it for our College’s musical theatre production.’
With the show relying on hundreds of Snapshots to manage a considerable number of inputs and outputs, Anthony was able to pre-program the production using DiGiCo’s offline editor during rehearsals. Consisting of 36 channels of headset microphones, plus an 11-piece orchestra (all individually miked with reed doubling parts and an expansive percussion section) along with multiple channels of playback, the show’s engineering requirements were significant. The Quantum 338 kept Kissick on top of these complex demands, with its trio of screens allowing efficient and flexible operation of channels.
‘With young singers, it was important to keep stage volume low to allow their voices the space to be heard and captured by their headset mics,’ he notes. ‘The Klang processing integration on the Quantum 338 allowed the orchestra and myself to have a seamless in-ear mix, and allowed the volume to be reduced on stage and in the orchestra pit, while not compromising the experience of the musicians. The season was a huge success. The powerful snapshot and control group capability permitted easy automation of the input channels, while the Mustard channel processing and effects engine allowed us to creatively design a spectacular mix.’
Demonstrated in both Captivate AV and Hillcrest Christian College’s implementation of the console to enhance and refine production, the Quantum 338’s capabilities bring a boost in workflow, enjoyed by engineers and performers alike. Expanding his system with another solid DiGiCo offering has proved a perfect fit for Lang and his clients. ‘We have a growing team of passionate and dedicated technicians, and we love good gear,’ he concludes.
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