FCS P3500S Stereo Expander Module

[RogerFoote]

All gone....

[futur2]

Originally Posted by RogerFoote

This expander module turns the P3500 into a full blown bus compressor suitable for stereo bus and sub group applications or a low priced mastering solution. Linking utilizes True Power Summing for stable stereo imaging.
Foote Control Systems P3500S Stereo Expander Module for P3500
Best regards
Roger Foote
Foote Control Systems
FCS

wow! this is pure genius and a very affordable way to a classy bus compressor!

[RogerFoote]

Thank you futur2!

You effectively get a P3 channel when you buy the P3500.
A P3500 stereo pair is identical to a P3 in stereo mode.
(see below)
I was very happy to be able to gat all that into a 500 format unit.

Differences between the P3 and P3500:
> P3500 does not have transformer output
> P3500 has a potentiometer instead of switch for gain control
New features that the P3500 has:
> P3500 has Feedback Mode, the P3 does not
> P3500 has Mode Mixing, the P3 does not.

You can use a P3500 stereo setup for mono compression if you feed both inputs with your mono signal, then use the main output for your mono output.

Best regards
Roger Foote
Foote Control Systems
FCS

[jamwerks]

Hi Roger,

Sounds very interesting. So this stereo unit could do the generic 2buss thing? I'm wondering if the 2 3500's units have to be side by side in a lunchbox, or if they could go (end to end) in the A designs 2 module "box"?

[RogerFoote]

Hi jamwerks

Yes, that's the idea... Same performance as the rackmount 2 bus units we make.

There will need to be a slightly longer cable for the 2 banger racks.
Hmmm, I will research that. Maybe make the standard cable long enough for either orientation.

Btw, that is how I calibrate the stereo pairs, on their backs in a test fixture.

How much distance between the front panels on those racks when they are secured in place?

Thanks!
Roger

[jamwerks]

Originally Posted by RogerFoote

There will need to be a slightly longer cable for the 2 banger racks.
Hmmm, I will research that. Maybe make the standard cable long enough for either orientation.

Btw, that is how I calibrate the stereo pairs, on their backs in a test fixture.

How much distance between the front panels on those racks when they are secured in place?

Hi again. Sorry I can't help with the distance but they doen't look that close.

I had just gotten an informative email response from Sean at Mercenary about using the P3500S as a 2buss comp, so I'm still deciding.

Btw, you might think about comercializing a 4 slot, double-space rack mounted box !?

[RogerFoote]

jamwerks;

Sounds good, also good luck on the decision.

The stereo pairs are rolling off the assembly line today.
They will ship with the standard cable. I will supply Mercenary Audio with the longer cables for the horizontal rack cases. If you have the A designs or other horizontal case, tell them when you order that you need the longer cable. It will be free of charge with a stereo pair order.

Best
Roger

[RogerFoote]

Having thought about this more, I have decided to include both a longer 10" cable and the standard 3.5" cable with each expander module.
Same price.

It will be simpler and less work for the guys and gals at Mercenary.

Jamwerks, thanks for pointing out the need for 2 types of cables! Perfect timing.

All the best
Roger
FCS

[Doc Mixwell]

Originally Posted by rogerfoote

it will be simpler and less work for the guys and gals at mercenary.

Thanks Roger!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[RogerFoote]

Updated below

[RogerFoote]

The P3500/P3500S Stereo Compressor is now available directly from FCS or Mercenary Audio!
Email for details:
footnote AT hayfork DOT net

We are closing out the stereo slave module and only have 2 left, so first come first served.

[RogerFoote]

Foote Control Systems is closing out the P3500S Stereo pair, which includes a P3500 compressor, a P3500S expander and a link cable for a full function stereo bus compressor for the API 500 rack format.

We have 2 units left and are priced at $600.00 each direct from FCS.

Free shipping inside the continental US!

Orders:
footnote AT hayfork DOT net

Roger

[RogerFoote]

Hi,

We are down to our last P3500S stereo compressor.

Best
Roger

[RogerFoote]

Well, the last stereo pair just sold....

They are gone.

Best
Roger

[emrr]

RIP for a great unit

[leland]

Slightly old thread, I know... but if I were to get hold of a used P3500S, how easy is it to check the calibration of the unit? Or would it not be necessary? Would it necessitate a return to the workshop? There isn't too much documentation on service issues for the older units... or where to get it done.

[RogerFoote]

Hi leland,

You can send a signal to each channel seperately and see if they are within a dB or so of each other using the GR meter as an indicator. While in RMS mode and feeding a 1kHz / 1.228Vac RMS signal to the left channel, turn the ratio knob full clockwise and dial the threshold knob in so the last LED just illuminates. Then send that same signal to the right channel.

If it is very far off, you need to send it back for calibration.

Best
Roger

[RogerFoote]

Be sure the pair has warmed up for at least an hour, very important.

[leland]

Thanks, Roger. I take it calibration isn't too frequently necessary? And is it by return to factory only, not possible in the field?

[RogerFoote]

Not very often, actually I haven't ever had to recalibrate one.
You need a way to run them on the bench outside of a rack to calibrate them, so unless you are set up for servicing 500 modules it would need to be done here at the shop.