FCS Precision Analog Mid-Side processor

[Lindell]

[Doc Mixwell]

More fun foote toys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[RogerFoote]

Hi Adam

Yep, and more where this came from!

Best
Roger

[bleen]

Roger, you are en fuego!

[jdg]

What can't brown do for you?!?

[Silver Sonya]

COOL!

- c

[soypancho]

This seems to be the perfect solution for the task, especially due to-

Originally Posted by RogerFoote

> All functions on field replaceable gold contact relays actuated by high quality illuminated pushbutton switches.

> All audio I/O on gold plated Neutrik metal shell XLRs.

[Radiance]

Well, what can I say...way to go roger!

Looks very, VERY good.
Out of curiosity...EDIT: sorry, I should not ask these DIY related questions here....

[RogerFoote]

Thanks all!

I started this design around the same time as the P4DMS as a mastering solution, to work together. Not that you have to have both to work, but they did come out of the same set of ideas.

Note that the P4DMS also has the relays in sockets for field service.

The original circuit, including the mute and solo routing, was designed by veteran audio designer, Wayne Kirkwood. I designed the variable gain structure and did the board layout and mechanical/packaging design.

I got the first unit completed and tested yesterday. I am installing it in the rack today so I can start using it in earnest. I will have more information on it soon I expect.

Hehe, I ran out of patchbay, so I have to make another XLR strip before I can use it... That's today's mission.

Best regards
Roger

[Doc Mixwell]

Roger I love using these type of boxes for tracking my setups [and committing to proper M/S] Since our electrical M/S box is gone - I'm sure this will fill the hole with MORE versatile operation. PUMPED. I've have been experimenting with M/S on mastering - and the results that can be had are awesome. The way you can manipulate the center and the sides with various processors is HUGE to the goal at hand, as well as creative manipulation of targeted sounds into the recorder. Viva La FOOTE Mid Side!!!

[Silver Sonya]

So much to be excited about. I feel grateful.

Roger, keep on keepin' on.

- c

[sonicdefault]

Very nice! Looks better than another similar product I was looking at. Maybe I can demo one of these sometime soon.


-SD

[emrr]

Looks great! A full implementation of Wayne's design, done right, high quality.

[RogerFoote]

Thanks Doug!

Yes the circuit was designed by Wayne Kirkwood, veteran pro audio designer.

Well, all except the variable gain, PC board layout and packaging which I designed.

Roger

[Snatchman]

Hey Roger..Looks great.. I'm still waiting to see that small footprint analog console..!..

[once a roadie]

any news on this box?

[RogerFoote]

Hi, once a roadie

Well, been trying to nail the ergonomics vs price thing.

The NKK switches pictured are hard to get and very $$$.

I might go with less costly switches with discrete LEDs for indication.

Bottom line is this:
If I take this design into a full production, I will need to fill orders.

Maybe we can get a consensus on how many people here at GS would definately be interested in this product right away so I can get a feel for the quantities I need to shoot for.

Also, I would like to know if people would be more inclined to accept this box at a somewhat lower price tag using the less expensive switching and indication scheme. I think that would drop the price by at least $100...
That change would have zero bearing on performance since the switches control the relays that do the actual audio switching.

Other than that, I have one here available now with the square PB switches as pictured. This is the 2'nd unit to be built, which testifies to the low demand we see for it. I have only had one hard inquiry so far.

I am waiting to resolve the finalizing issues before I send a demo to Mercenary since I want what they have to be the final design.

All that aside, Wayne Kirkwood did a great job on this design and I would really like to see this go into production. It is a very, very useful and well behaved circuit design. Thanks Wayne!

Best
Roger

[once a roadie]

Hi Roger -

Because of the relays I do think altering the switches and adding LED indicators is really acceptable.

I have been using M/S inside the DAW for "mastering" tracks and love the way I can clean things up. My biggest puzzle to solve for an analog M/S process is an affordable parametric EQ that can do CUTS. I've got a few analog EQ options for boost. I was looking at perhaps a pair of surgical EQ's to use with your m/s box. One to sometimes filter lows out of the sides and one to dial out any narls in the mid.

[RogerFoote]

All good, I will be working on the switchboard using these nice German made switches that use "F" switch bullet caps. No quality compromise, but less $$$. Most importantly, less labor meaning less cost and lower price.

Should be ready when more folks are ready for it, and will get one over to Adam and gang when we get to that point.

Thing is, DAW M-S is so darn easy. Analog makes sense if you don't care for how the plugs sound. But we do want to have this in our line, and are fully aware that there won't be hundreds of orders. Sort of a niche item, a very cool one.

What are you after in the cut EQ specifically? Any topology preference?

I assume the FiveFish PEQ is a Pultec type filter, those filters sure are sweet for low end work!

Happy Thanksgiving!
Roger

[Doc Mixwell]

Originally Posted by RogerFoote

All good, I will be working on the switchboard using these nice German made switches that use "F" switch bullet caps. No quality compromise, but less $$$. Most importantly, less labor meaning less cost and lower price.

Should be ready when more folks are ready for it, and will get one over to Adam and gang when we get to that point.

Thing is, DAW M-S is so darn easy. Analog makes sense if you don't care for how the plugs sound. But we do want to have this in our line, and are fully aware that there won't be hundreds of orders. Sort of a niche item, a very cool one.

Roger -

Analog is the way with M/S for me - its the whole reason M/S rocks.

USING IT WITH MY MICROPHONES.

You gotta use this processor on the front end with your M/S microphone setups and commit to a sound. There are certain analog chains and combos that work well for this - and they are vast given the principles. In Mixing and Mastering - your analog processors will become invaluable to the results at hand. Hell, use this on a parallel drum buss or an instrument buss to define the obvious that was hiding. This process can fix problems in my view if used creatively and effectively. I think that digital can't achieve the kind of T.H.D distortion properties that your analog equipment can, and for this type of process these effects are useful and unique to me. I see your box as INVALUABLE to the front and back end of my technique. I would tell you I would rather let an ME I trust handle this kind of heavy lifting with stereo processing over an entire mix, but again - I see this as a very useful processor for comital to stereo, which is what I love and truly believe in.

[RogerFoote]

Hi Adam

Thanks for the post. I will be working up the new panel layout asap, as soon as I get through the board shipments from this week.

Once I get the first one checked out, it's away to Mercenary.

Best
Roger

[once a roadie]

Any demand?

[RogerFoote]

Hi all,

We are reluctantly retiring this product....
The high price of switches, relays and 4 layer PCBs being the main reason.
This particular build is very high quality.

We have one unit left that we are selling.

$725.00 USD + shipping

Shipping is $15.00 inside the continental US.

International shipping by FedEx.

Comes with universal power supply (100-250 Vac auto sensing)
Been in the studio but perfect condition.

PM me if you are interested in this unit.

Best regards,
Roger Foote

[RogerFoote]

Thanks for all the replies!
The unit is sold.

Best
Roger