Sound on Stage brings Quantum 326 to the Middle East

Dubai-based event management company Sound on Stage has made a milestone investment in the first DiGiCo Quantum 326 in the Middle East. Facilitated by 7Hertz, the purchase aims to elevate Sound on Stage’s capabilities for large-scale events in the region, with the console being primarily deployed for high-profile concerts, corporate events, festivals and broadcast applications.

Sound on Stage owner and sound engineer Rawad Saad said the decision to invest in the Quantum 326 was driven by its advanced processing, flexibility and reliability in handling large productions. “Our team required a console that could support high input counts, complex routing and dynamic processing while ensuring pristine audio quality,” he confirmed. “The Quantum 326 stood out due to its state-of-the-art FPGA processing, Mustard Processing channel strips and seamless integration with our existing workflow. Given its superior audio quality and extensive feature set, it is particularly well-suited for events that demand high-channel counts, multiple monitor mixes and real-time processing capabilities.”

He also cited the console’s compact footprint as a significant advantage, allowing the team to maximise space efficiency in FOH and monitor positions and simplifying transportation and setup for touring installations.

7Hertz and Sound on Stage have enjoyed a decade long relationship, having partnered on projects in the GCC and Lebanon. After DiGiCo’s launch of the Q326, Saad reached out to 7Hertz with an exact specification for a newer, rider-friendly and compact console, one suitable for where space is limited. His goal was to retain the power and familiarity of his Quantum 5 – known as a trusted console on tours with leading Arab artists – while gaining a smaller footprint and maintaining rider appeal.

Before making the purchase, the distributor provided hands-on training and demo sessions for Sound on Stage including hands-on workshops, operational deep dives and troubleshooting sessions. “We also conducted real-world simulations to evaluate its performance under live conditions, ensuring it met our technical and operational requirements,” noted Saad. “Additionally, we conducted internal training to familiarise our wider technical team with the system’s workflow and capabilities.”

Chadi El Masri, 7Hertz’s CEO and founder, said that 7Hertz’s goal is to empower its partners to get the most out of their investments. “We always look at the sales process from a different perspective, we want our partners to take advantage of their purchase to the fullest. Rawad is an old friend and a great sound engineer. It's always a pleasure to work with him as he knows exactly what he is looking for. DiGiCo is a great innovator in mixing consoles, so our job is to make this happen as smoothly as possible and be there when needed.”

ProAVL MEA