{"id":9,"date":"2026-04-26T01:13:18","date_gmt":"2026-04-25T23:13:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mixingconsoleexpert.com\/en\/?p=9"},"modified":"2026-04-26T01:14:02","modified_gmt":"2026-04-25T23:14:02","slug":"digico-quantum-sd-series-live-consoles-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mixingconsoleexpert.com\/en\/2026\/04\/26\/digico-quantum-sd-series-live-consoles-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"DiGiCo Quantum and SD series: live sound flagship guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the upper tier of touring live sound, DiGiCo<\/strong> is the dominant brand. Founded in the UK in 2002 as a spin-off from Soundtracs, DiGiCo built its position progressively through the SD series (SD7, SD5, SD10, SD9, SD11) and consolidated it with the Quantum series launched in 2018. By 2026, a survey of major arena tours, festival main stages, and high-end corporate events would show DiGiCo on a clear majority of FOH and monitor positions. The reasons are technical: Stealth Core 2 processing, deep modular routing, mature Optocore networking, and a console design philosophy that prioritizes engineer workflow over feature count.<\/p>\n

This guide covers the Quantum and SD series from a professional FOH\/monitor engineer’s perspective.<\/p>\n

The Quantum series: Quantum 7, 5, 338, 225<\/h2>\n

Quantum 7<\/strong> is DiGiCo’s flagship \u2014 the console specified on virtually every major arena tour where the band has discretion. 72 input strips on the surface, 128+ input channels processable, 96 output buses, and Stealth Core 2 processing engine that delivers measurably lower latency and higher channel-count headroom than the SD-series engines it replaces. Quantum 7 frames typically run 85,000 to 115,000 USD depending on configuration; full systems with SD-Racks, Optocore loop, and redundant power approach 250,000 USD.<\/p>\n

Quantum 5<\/strong> is the smaller-format flagship \u2014 same Stealth Core 2 engine, 36 input strips, aimed at theater, mid-size tours, and broadcast OB applications where Quantum 7’s footprint is excessive. Pricing runs 65,000 to 90,000 USD.<\/p>\n

Quantum 338<\/strong> sits below Quantum 5 \u2014 38 faders, full Stealth Core 2 processing, 56 input channels minimum. Quantum 338 is the natural choice for mid-tier touring acts (theaters, festival second stages, corporate events) and is priced at 45,000 to 65,000 USD.<\/p>\n

Quantum 225<\/strong> is the entry-level Quantum \u2014 25 faders, same processing core, aimed at small theaters, regional touring, broadcast TV, and high-end corporate AV. Pricing typically 28,000 to 38,000 USD.<\/p>\n

The legacy SD series in 2026<\/h2>\n

Many SD-series consoles remain in active service in 2026, particularly on rental fleets and second-tier touring. The SD7<\/strong> (now superseded by Quantum 7 but still common on rental inventories), SD10<\/strong>, and SD12<\/strong> continue to deliver excellent sound and reliable session recall. Used SD-series consoles trade at 25,000 to 60,000 USD on the rental and used market.<\/p>\n

For a touring engineer, the practical implication is that a show file built on a Quantum will run on most SD frames with appropriate console version conversion \u2014 a meaningful advantage when arriving at a venue with whatever rental house console is on the floor.<\/p>\n

Stealth Core 2 and the DiGiCo processing philosophy<\/h2>\n

What separates Quantum from SD-series and from competitors is Stealth Core 2 \u2014 DiGiCo’s proprietary processing platform built on Tundra FPGA architecture. The practical implications:<\/p>\n