Quantum Bass Technology

Quite a funny thing, as I am now writing about the Quantum series after reading a lot about it in one catalog I had received at the very end of the last year. Now, I must admit that I am some sort of fan of Hughes&Kettner, when it comes to instrument amplification, namely bass and guitar amps; now don't you think that I will write good things about the next piece of gear just because it's made by H&K... the Quantum bass amps really rock!

For those who don't know it, Quantum is some sort of a higher-end division developed by Hughes&Kettner and it deals with bass only, hence the "Bass Technology" tag. The latest series from Quantum was made available for the public in the latest part of 2006 but only now has it been properly showcased at the Musikmesse in Frankfurt.

Since the branch-fellows from GearWire were luckier than I was and have gotten to do a lot of footage at the Messe, it's their movie I invite you to watch to get a better idea on what the Quantum bass amps stand for.

Just to introduce you to the wonderful world of hi-tech bass amping, I'll tell you that all Quantums work on DynaValve technology which allows them to produce one of the clearest and fattest bass sounds ever heard from a bass amp so far. The 12AX7 valve inside the showcased Q600 H not only produces the smoothest TubeGrowl compression but will also have your bass notes raised up to a hair-raising 600W level, making it most suitable for both club and large stages usage.

Another feature in the new Quantum series is the true parallel EQ which sports a radically different architecture and approach to EQ-ing than met in any other similar gear. Unlike traditional EQ-ing which works with a single signal-flow and cuts/boosts various frequencies in the whole signal, the parallel EQ sports a 4-bands signal splitter, much like a crossover and each of the 4 "threads" obtained passes through a frequency-dedicated filter, just to be re-united once more, post-EQ in a very clear and definite sound.

Packing a total weight of just 14kg (the proper amp, the 8X10" bass cabinet not included) and pumping a massive valved 600W load, the Quantum open completely new sound possibilities due to its extensive tonal flexibility, from rock/metal to funk and blues. See a little demo with Raoul Walton here.