Sound on Stage Acquires The First DiGiCo Q326

Having just acquired the first DiGiCo Quantum 326 to make its way out to the Middle East, Sound On Stage Events wasted absolutely no time putting the gear through its paces. 

As an audio provider for speciality orchestral concerts, Sound On Stage Events owner Rawad Saad has been on the hunt for a desk capable of making the workflow supporting his high-channel count audio productions effortless to execute.

As live productions continue to get more elaborate, so too does the virtual signal flow tying everything together. With often more than 100 performers onstage, it’s not uncommon for channel counts to also head into triple figures. In fact, these days, it’s more than likely that each and every instrument is miked up in order to ensure full control and creativity over the resulting mix. A powerful and intuitive mixing surface is therefore one of the key tools in Saad’s bag. But alongside high capabilities, a console occupying a small footprint has increasingly become a necessity. Having benefitted from a long-term relationship with Dubai-based distributor 7Hertz when the latest Quantum 326 was unveiled by DiGiCo, Saad was immediately intrigued and reached out to the distributor. “Our decade-long relationship with Sound On Stage is a testament to our continuous and successful partnership,” says 7Hertz Pro Audio’s CEO and founder Chadi El Masri. “Since our earliest days, we’ve partnered on landmark projects in Lebanon, including the iconic Beit Eddine International Festival, and many more through the GCC region. So, when DiGiCo unveiled the new Quantum 326 back in September last year, Rawad reached out with an exact specification for a newer, rider-friendly and compact console – one suitable for when space is limited. With Rawad’s requirements clear, a quick conversation with DiGiCo’s VP of sales, Ian Staddon, set everything in motion.”

No stranger to the brand, Sound On Stage Events’ workhorse desk in recent years has become the DiGiCo Quantum 5. Saad’s aim was to retain the power and familiarity of his Quantum 5, which is a popular console on tours with leading Arab artists, while gaining a smaller footprint and maintaining rider appeal.

“The decision to invest in the Quantum 326 was driven by its advanced processing power, flexibility and reliability in handling large-scale productions,” Saad explains. “Our team required a desk that could support high input counts, complex routing and dynamic processing while ensuring pristine audio quality. The Q326 stood out due to its state-of-the-art FPGA processing, Mustard Processing channel strips and seamless integration with our existing workflow. Additionally, its compact footprint was a significant advantage, allowing us to maximise space efficiency at FOH and monitor positions without compromising on performance. The smaller form factor also ensures easier transport and setup, making it an ideal choice for touring installations.”

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