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Quantum Initial Thoughts

Posted: Sat Apr 20, 2019 3:19 pm
by PerryD
I installed my Quantum interface a few days ago. I have a PC with 32gb ram, i-8700k, Gigabyte Designare 390 MB with two Thunderbolt 3 ports. I am using onboard Intel graphics to run a single LG 34" monitor. I bought a Startech TB3 to TB2 adapter and Startech TB2 cable. Things synced up nicely on my system and I got the gratifying "blue ring" on my power switch, which stays very stable. Performance is on a par with the RME Raydat it is replacing. Integration is nice with S1. I have not tried the mic pres yet. I am curious how they will compare with my Mackie 800r. The 800r is a very underrated rack mount mic pre. 192kHz conversion and super clean (if a bit sterile) mic pres. I will be using it with the Quantum via ADAT. So far, my only concern is the Quantum seems to be a magnet for RFI noise. I run balanced cables, independent power and my steel 19" racks are grounded. I tried adding some ferrite chokes to several cables. Ultimately, I had to remove the WiFi antennae from my PC. That seemed to help a great deal. I am close enough to my router to not need them. I wish the routing for multiple sources were as flexible as the Central Station it is replacing. I miss stand alone pass through. :/ Headphone output is good. I use Sennheiser 598's for final listening and Neumann ND20's along with Yamaha active monitors for tracking. I will do a follow up after playing with the mic pres. -Perry-

Re: Quantum Initial Thoughts

Posted: Sat Apr 20, 2019 4:16 pm
by robertgray3
Haven't had the same experience with RFI noise, sorry you had to deal with that. Headphone output is very very good. Remote control of the mic pres are nice but I'm not a huge fan of the XMAX sound. Definitely serviceable and adequate on most sources but I feel like it doesn't always take EQ very well and doesn't sound great with a lot of my favorite microphones. But then again I have a LA610mkii sitting right next to it that I run everything through and that sounds perfect.

Re: Quantum Initial Thoughts

Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2019 1:40 pm
by TerjeNorway
I have read that some of the Gigabyte Designare motherboards have a coil whine from the VRM cooling around CPU. Maybe that is some of the RFI noise.
Also try have independent power not only on the Quantum but also on the pc and active speakers. All three independent power from three different power outputs in the wall.

Re: Quantum Initial Thoughts

Posted: Thu May 02, 2019 6:14 pm
by PerryD
The noise seemed to be coming from the wi-fi antennae. I removed the leads for that and that helped a great deal. I am close enough to my router that I don't need the antennae. Everything has independent power. Thanks for the tips!

Re: Quantum Initial Thoughts

Posted: Fri May 03, 2019 4:44 am
by TerjeNorway
Just out of curiosity was the Wifi native on the motherboard, add on PCI card or on the router?

Re: Quantum Initial Thoughts

Posted: Thu May 30, 2019 8:31 am
by PerryD
It was native to the Gigabyte motherboard.

Re: Quantum Initial Thoughts

Posted: Fri Sep 27, 2019 1:47 pm
by nervewar
PerryD wroteIt was native to the Gigabyte motherboard.


Hey Perry, I'm looking into possibly buying this same motherboard for a machine I want to build. Just wanted to check and see how it's holding up for you and if you think it's a good buy? And have you had the noise issue come up again at all?

Cheers!

Re: Quantum Initial Thoughts

Posted: Tue Oct 15, 2019 7:52 am
by lucacannavacciuolo
try also to disable the "cpu spread spectrum" in the bios....

Re: Quantum Initial Thoughts

Posted: Thu Jan 16, 2020 8:27 pm
by Jessa
I run a very similar setup PC wise but I use the Quantums direct in (+2 x DP88's in direct mode also) bypassing the xmax pre's and use a Midas Verona 320 board as my front end, sounds sooooooo good, very happy camper here..") :punk: