The Fostex Model 350 is a versatile 8x4x2 recording/mixer designed for recording, production, and P.A. applications, utilizing an unbalanced input/output format. It incorporates the latest electronic technology and offers new concepts in terms of operation and layout.
Function Description:
The mixer features eight input channels, each with an input selector, input level trim, 4-channel buss selector, pan control, auxiliary buss send controls (input selector, gain pot, pan pot), a two-band parametric equalizer, overload indicator, and input fader. The output section includes four-channel buss master faders and four-channel buss input level controls. The monitor section features a monitor select switch and headphone level control, with two stereo headphone jacks.
Rear Panel Connections:
All inputs and outputs (except headphone) are available on the rear panel. These include:
- Input Jacks (17): Channel input jacks matching levels from -60dBV (1mV) through -10dBV (0.3V). Input impedance is approximately 50kOhm.
- Tape In Jacks (18): Pin jack connectors for receiving outputs from a multitrack recorder, echo device, reverb unit, or other line source.
- Accessory Send/Receive (19): Patch points between the preamplifier output and the input fader for external processors like equalizers.
- Direct Out (20): Output signal after input fader and equalizer, usable with a submixer, effects unit, or direct input to a multitrack machine.
- 4 Channel Buss In (21): Input connectors for external effects units or echo receive, controlled by the four buss in level controls.
- 4 Channel Buss Out (22): Four channel buss outputs for feeding a multitrack recorder, P.A., etc.
- Aux Buss In (left and right) (23): Input jacks for mixing outputs from external signal processors or aux receive, with no level control.
- Aux Buss Out (24): Stereo output to feed the monitor amplifier or echo unit.
- Monitor Output (25): Signal from the monitor selector pushbuttons, normally connected to cue and monitor amplifiers.
- Phono Input/Output (26): Two stereo phono pre-amplifiers, completely independent of the mixer circuits. Magnetic cartridges connect directly to inputs, and corresponding output connects to any channel via phono/phono or phono/phone patch cord.
- Meter Bridge Connector (27): Multipin connector for the optional meter bridge.
- Power Cord (28): Connects to AC supply.
Important Technical Specifications:
- MIC/LINE INPUT (X8):
- Mic impedance: 10kOhm or less
- Input impedance: 50kOhm
- Nominal input level: Mic -60dBV (1mV), Line -10dBV (0.3V)
- Minimum input level: -66dBV (0.5mV)
- Maximum input level: +12dB (4V)
- TAPE INPUT (X8):
- Input impedance: 20kOhm
- Nominal input level: -10dBV (0.3V)
- Minimum input level: -16dBV (0.16V)
- Maximum input level: +12dBV (4V)
- 4 CHAN BUSS IN:
- Input impedance: 10kOhm
- Nominal input level: -10dBV (0.3V)
- Maximum input level: +25dBV (18V)
- 2 CHAN BUSS IN:
- Input impedance: 20kOhm
- Nominal input level: -10dBV (0.3V)
- Maximum input level: +15dBV (5.6V)
- PHONO IN (X4):
- Input impedance: 50kOhm
- Nominal input level: -54dBV (2mV)
- EQUALIZATION: RIAA
- PHONO OUT (X4):
- Output load impedance: 10kOhm or higher
- Nominal output level: -10dBV (0.3V)
- 4 CHAN BUSS OUT:
- Output load impedance: 10kOhm or higher
- Nominal output level: -10dBV (0.3V)
- Maximum output level: +15dBV (5.6V)
- 2 CHAN BUSS OUT:
- Output load impedance: 10kOhm or higher
- Nominal output level: -10dBV (0.3V)
- Maximum output level: +15dBV (5.6V)
- MONITOR OUT (X2):
- Output load impedance: 10kOhm or higher
- Nominal output level: -10dBV (0.3V)
- Maximum output level: +15dBV (5.6V)
- HEADPHONE OUTPUT (stereo):
- Load impedance: 8Ohm or higher (4Ohm minimum)
- Maximum output: 100mW at 8Ohm
- FREQUENCY RESPONSE:
- 4 Chan Buss/Out: 20Hz - 20KHz, ±1dB
- Headphone: 50Hz - 15KHz, ±2dB
- EQUIVALENT INPUT NOISE: -128dB, wtd.
- SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO:
- One mic input: 68dB, wtd.
- 8 mic inputs: 58dB, wtd.
- One line input: 75dB, wtd.
- 8 line inputs: 65dB, wtd.
- EQUALIZER Variable: ±12dB (80Hz - 1.2kHz, 800Hz - 12kHz)
- CROSSTALK: 65dB at 1kHz
- THD (overall): 0.03% at 1kHz nominal level
- FADER ATTENUATION: 65dB or more at 1kHz
- POWER REQUIREMENTS: 120V AC, 60Hz, 14W* (*220-240V AC, 50Hz available outside U.S.A.)
- DIMENSIONS: 3-3/4" (H) x 18-1/2" (W) x 16" (D) (95mm(H) x 460mm(W) x 405mm(D))
- WEIGHT: Net 18 lbs. (8Kg.)
Usage Features:
- Input Selector (1): Three-position switch (LINE/MIC, OFF, TAPE) to route signals from input phone jack or TAPE connector to the preamplifier and fader.
- Input Level Trim (2): Adjusts preamplifier gain (0-50dB for Line/Mic, 0-30dB for Tape) to match input levels.
- 4 Channel Buss Selector (3) & Pan Control (4): Assigns signals to 4-channel buss outputs (A-B or C-D) and distributes them panoramically.
- Aux Buss Send Controls (5, 6, 7): Selects input channel signal (PRE, POST, TAPE) for the auxiliary buss, controls its level (GAIN POT), and positions it between left and right auxiliary busses (PAN POT).
- Parametric Equalizer (8): Two-band parametric equalizer for wide-range tonal correction. High frequency control adjusts resonance between 800Hz and 12kHz, low frequency control adjusts resonance between 80Hz and 1.2kHz, both with ±12dB gain.
- Overload Indicator (9): Red LED indicates near overload in the input amplifier; reduce trim control if it ignites.
- Input Fader (10): Active input channel level control, typically set around 7 or 8 for best performance.
- Four Channel Buss Master Fader (11): Controls overall output level of channels A-B and C-D.
- Four Channel Buss Input Level (12): Provides individual level control over echo return or other signals applied via "buss-in" jacks.
- Monitor Select Switch (13): Pushbuttons to apply channels A, B, C, or D of the 4-channel buss, and left/right output of the Aux buss to monitor and headphone amplifier circuits.
- Headphone Level Control (14): Stereo level control for the monitor signal.
- Headphone Jacks (15): Two stereo jacks for headphone sets.
- Power Switch (16): Applies AC power to the mixer, illuminating a red LED.
- Multitrack Applications: Designed for sequential recording, overdubbing, and mixdown without repatching. Compatible with Fostex A-Series recorders.
- AV Production/Disco Applications: Sophisticated switching and two stereo pre-amplifiers make it ideal for broadcast production or disco. Phono pre-amps are independent and can be used as four mono pre-amplifiers.
- P.A. Applications: Provides versatility for modern PA systems, including stereo operation, monitor mixes for musicians, and separate control of vocal and instrumental parts of the performance using the four buss system.
Maintenance Features:
- Cleaning: Clean external surfaces with a damp soft cloth. For meter faces on the optional 3060 meter bridge, use a small amount of detergent to prevent static charge. Avoid liquid spillage into fader slots.
- Servicing: Refer servicing only to qualified service personnel. No user-serviceable parts inside.
- Troubleshooting: Check connections, proper unit operation, and isolate from external processing equipment if signal flow is interrupted.
Accessories (Optional):
- Model 9900 Fader Link: Bridges two adjacent input channels for stereo operation or two master faders for synchronized output fades.
- Model 1030 MIC Input Transformer: For long cable runs or low sensitivity microphones, provides an XLR type balanced input and fits directly to the input jack of the Model 350.
- Model 3060 Meter Bridge: An optional metering unit with six VU type meters for visual monitoring of levels on the four channel buss and auxiliary buss. Attaches to the side panels and connects via a multipin connector on the rear.
- Model 9030 Flight Case: Accommodates the Model 350 and optional 3060 meter bridge for heavy road use.