360 Systems Model 2800

360 Systems Model 2800 Programmable Equaliser

The 360 Systems Model 2800 Programmable Equaliser was a fairly unique product at the time of its release in 1980, with its tactile controls and programmability. Using a Z-80 microprocessor and CMOS memory storage, the 360 Systems Model 2800 Programmable Equaliser was able to store up to 28 user created EQ curves.

360 Systems Model 2800 Programmable Equaliser Details

360 Systems Model 2800 Programmable Equaliser stores and recalls 28 sets of EQ curves and level settings from its own internal memory. It gives instant access to the special sounds you’ve stored away, and lets you organise them into sequences for mixdown.

You won’t have to buy a whole automation system to use the 360 Systems Model 2800 Programmable Equaliser. It’s a completely self-contained system, using a Z-80 Microcomputer to manage the affairs of an analogue equaliser.

Now you can pull the plug and take your sound from the studio to the cutting room. Or get repeatable special effects on the road with a stage act. It won’t forget, either – a lithium cell keeps memory up whenever power is down.

The 360 Systems Model 2800 Programmable Equaliser is a broadband constant-Q parametric. Listen to it – it sounds better. Broad, easy curves come just as easily as its narrow 60 dB notches – great for fixing problems like hum and camera noise.

The output level’s programmable too. When you change EQ you’ll often want a level shift to preserve the same “apparent loudness” level. Now you’ve got it. And there’s an optional interface connector to tie in with feet [frames or time code cue decoders. Or with anybody else’s console automation.

The 360 Systems Model 2800 Programmable Equaliser is a fully programmable parametric equaliser. It will store and recall up to 28 sets of equalisation curves developed by the user. It also makes direct comparisons between different equalisations stored in memory.

And in music or film production, a mixer can set up a series of creative EQ changes and execute them in sequence during a mix. Programmability offers a number of editing and automation functions that greatly improve audio quality, while making the equaliser easy to use.

Microcomputer Based Operation
The 360 Systems Model 2800 Programmable Equaliser isn’t made like any other equaliser on the market. It uses a Z-80 Microcomputer for control, and CMOS memory for storage of 28 complete scenes of the front panel.

There isn’t any tape needed. A lithium cell protects stored EQ curves against loss of AC power.  The equaliser has three operating modes. The manual mode places it under control of the front panel. The sound you hear can be saved in any of the 28 memory locations by pressing the store button.

The recall mode places the equaliser under the control of computer memory, which contains settings previously stored from the front panel. As different memory locations are selected, different equalisation curves will be heard.

The edit mode is a combination of manual and recall modes. The equalisation heard was previously stored in memory, but it can be changed with the front panel controls to better suit the needs of the moment.

The Parametric Comes of Age
Like many other products, better parametric equalisers have evolved with time. This one introduces the unusually gentle slopes associated with a five-octave bandwidth. Yet when narrow peaks and dips are needed, it becomes extremely selective.

Output level is remembered along with equalisation, so that when spectral changes cause a shift in apparent loudness, it can be corrected to produce consistent sounding programs.

The 360 Systems Model 2800 Programmable Equaliser is available in single and dual channel versions. Options include balanced transformer output, and remote-control capability for automation and time code cueing.

Specifications

  • Frequency response: ±0.2 dB 10 Hz to 20 kHz
  • Harmonic distortion: Less than 0.1%, typically 0.05%. Residual is primarily second harmonic
  • Noise: 86 dB below maximum output, 20 kHz bandwidth, measured at unity gain, all bands in, no boost or cut. Residual is Gaussian
  • Output: +20 dBm, single ended; Z = 47 ohms. Output XFMR optional
  • Output control: ±12 dB gain adjustment
  • Input: -4 dBv or greater. Z = 100k-ohm electronically balanced
  • Headroom indicator: 3 dB steps from clipping to -12 dB. Shows true headroom by sampling six locations in the equalizer and displaying the worst headroom condition
  • Bypass switches: Perform mechanical disconnect of resonators
  • Equalizer frequencies:
    • Band 1: 20 Hz to 500 Hz
    • Band 2: 68 Hz to 1.7 kHz
    • Band 3: 240 Hz to 5 kHz
    • Band 4: 800 Hz to 20 kHz
  • Bandwidth: Adjustable from 1/6 octave to five octaves
  • Boost/Cut: +12 dB to minus infinity (typically 60 dB below input). Equalization contours are “constant-Q”, rather than reciprocal
  • Connectors: XLR-3. Pin 1 ground, Pin 2 low, Pin 3 high
  • Microcomputer system: Z-80A; 5101 CMOS RAM; 2704 EPROM
  • Front panel scan rate: 7 milliseconds/frame
  • Quantization:
    • Frequency: 20 cents (0.2 semitone)
    • Bandwidth: 24 cents (0.24 semitone)
    • Boost/Cut: 0.2 dB above 0 dB boost
  • Power down: Power failure sensing circuit switches memory to low power battery support. Estimated 10-year support from internal lithium cell
  • Display: Selected memory location
  • Power requirements: 25 watts
  • Dimensions (HWD): 3½” x 19” x 12½”
  • Weight (net): 12.5 lbs.

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The details provided above are drawn from historical documents like advertising brochures or user manuals. They’re shared without bias or review. This info is given solely for your consideration, helping you gauge its usefulness to you.

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Timeless Excellence

by Anthony W

Sound Quality 90%
Build Quality 90%
Usefullness 80%
Mojo/Funk 80%
Reliability 80%

Looking back, the 360 Systems Model 2800 Programmable Equalizer proved to be a real game-changer. Its array of programmable features allowed for precise audio frequency control. This versatile tool, regardless of whether you were a seasoned pro or an up-and-coming sound engineer, delivered exceptional performance that truly elevated audio quality. In retrospect, it was an invaluable addition to any setup.

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