Quantum Leap: DiGiCo's Quantum 852 Shines on Paris Airport Roof

Amid the excitement of the Olympic festivities, a remarkable event unfolded on the roof of Terminal One at Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport. On July 17, an exclusive performance showcased the capabilities of DiGiCo’s Quantum 852, a highlight of a "secret" event live-streamed via Amazon Music’s Twitch channel. The ambitious setup and execution of this event underscored the versatility and innovation of the Quantum 852 in a high-profile, unconventional venue.

The rooftop of Terminal One, transformed into a makeshift performance venue, hosted a crowd of 2,000 people, comprising both invited guests and lottery winners. This unique location provided a stunning backdrop for live performances by renowned acts such as Phoenix, AIR, and Zaho de Sagazan, along with DJ sets from Etienne de Crecy and Inès Mélia. The event aimed to highlight the airport's role as a gateway to the summer's festivities.

Tristan Mazire, a sound engineer and co-owner of The Audio Agency, played a pivotal role in this high-stakes production. Known for handling high-profile, multi-media events, Mazire faced the dual challenge of managing a live broadcast and recording in a location with little room for error. The Quantum 852 was chosen for its flexibility and reliability, crucial for ensuring seamless audio throughout the event.

Originally, the plan involved using two Quantum 338s in Mirror Mode. However, with the recent arrival of the Quantum 852 at MPM: Audio, a decision was made to employ this new model for its advanced features. The Quantum 852's ability to accommodate two engineers side by side was essential, given the event's three-hour duration and continuous broadcast requirements.

Transporting equipment to the rooftop was no small feat. While smaller items were manually carried, larger equipment, including the Quantum 852, was lowered by helicopter. This logistical challenge highlighted the need for meticulous planning and precise execution.

Mazire's system design incorporated built-in redundancy to avoid any disruptions during the broadcast. The Quantum 852’s dual engines and robust configuration, including the Orange Box and SD Racks, ensured a reliable signal throughout the event. This meticulous setup was crucial for maintaining the event’s seamless execution despite minimal rehearsal time.

The flexibility of the Quantum 852 allowed Mazire to design a signal path that was both reliable and compatible. DiGiCo’s range of products offered an integrated solution, reducing the need for additional on-site network testing and simplifying the overall setup process.