REPRINTED FROM APRIL 2006

WWW.PROAUDIOREVIEW.COM

A NDREW R OBERTS
amaha never ceases to amaze me with how they manufacture such a wide range of products. It seems like they do most of them in four-star fashion too. I struggle to comprehend how the same company that made my classic old motorcycle sitting in the garage (a 1984 RZ350/Kenny Roberts replica racer the last production street two-cycle made in the US) is also responsible for the superb PM5D digital console I mixed a show on last week. Add to that conservatory-quality grand pianos, digital effects processors, ATVs, saxophones, outboard motors and a slew of consumer electronic equipment. The remarkable thing is that nearly every product they produce is well designed and very competent. Therefore, it was with some degree of curiosity that I chose to examine the P3500S power amplifier.
Yamaha P3500S Power Amplifier

FEATURES

The P3500S ($689) is part of Yamahas P series amps with models ranging from 275W per channel to 750W per channel (8 ohms stereo). The 3500 has a chassis that is two rack spaces high and 18 inches deep. The unit weighs in at 15kg (33 pounds) and it features a deep blue faceplate with silver trim. Surprisingly, the two more powerful models (the P5000S and P7000S) weigh less than the 3500. This would lead me to guess that those models are equipped with switching power supplies while the 3500 and smaller sibling, 2500 arent. The 3500s front panel features a power switch, status LEDs (temp, protect and power), two 31-step volume controls, clip and signal LEDs, and two beefy handles. The back panel is home to inputs (balanced 1/4-inch and XLR), outputs (NL4, binding post and 1/4-inch) and a configuration section. Within that section, you will find a filter switch and sweepable frequency knob. The filter switch toggles between Off, Subwoofer (a low-pass filter), and Lowcut (a high-pass filter). The frequency range of these filters can be adjusted with the rotary control from 25 Hz 150 Hz with a fixed slope of 12 dB per octave. Also within the configuration section is a mode switch for stereo/bridge/parallel and a switch labeled YS Processing. Apparently, this stands for Yamaha Speaker processing and it engages an EQ circuit that is designed to improve the sound of some Yamaha Club series speakers. This feature, which can only be used when the previously mentioned filter is turned off, is usable with cabinets outside the realm of Yamaha too. The P series amps utilize Yamahas EEEngine (Energy Efficient Engine) technology. It is claimed to make more efficient use of AC power by reducing power consumption and heat generation without degrading output power or sound quality. The P3500 has a power rating of 390W per

Fast Facts

Applications: Live sound, installations Key Features: Two-channel; 350W per channel; EEEngine technology; high-pass, lowpass filters; onboard processing Price: $689 Contact: Yamaha at 714-522-9011, www.yamaha.com/proaudio.
Copyright 2006 JRS Publishing (USA), Inc. Reprinted with permission.
channel at 8 ohms (1kHz, THD+N = 1%) but it drops to 350W per side when using 20 Hz 20 kHz and THD+N of 0.1%. The amp also ships with a security cover for the front panel volume controlsa handy feature for install applications.

IN USE

While most of my subwoofer applications would require an amp with a greater power output, I was able to put the P3500S to use for monitor duty and to power some mid/high cabinets. One impressive feature is the wide range of I/O connectors on the amp. I did not have to scrounge for adapters or special cables when putting the amp into service. Another handy feature is the amps sweepable filter. This allowed me to run a
biamp monitor mix (with one channel providing lows and the other mid/highs) without external speaker processing. While I realize that this feature is designed to eliminate the need for additional processing equipment, I would prefer a steeper filter than 12dB/octave for such applications. In another instance, I used the filter as a 60 Hz high-pass when running a passive speaker scenario. The amp performed wonderfully and seemed comfortable even when pushing loud wedges for the rhythm section of a 12piece funk band.

passes its price level. With modest weight, good power and flexible I/O, it has potential for a variety of uses. Whether in clubs, worship houses, schools, or even portable sound reinforcement, the P3500S is a capable player. With a list price of only $689, it represents a superb value. Andrew Roberts, a regular contributor to Pro Audio Review, is a sound reinforcement and recording engineer.

Review Setup

Midas Venice 160 and 320 consoles; JBL SRX 715 and 712 speakers; AudioTechnica AE6100 mics; Rane, Community, TC Electronics, PreSonus processors.

S UMMARY

While the P3500S does not rank among the legendary pro audio products Yamaha has created, its performance level far sur-
Reprinted from Pro Audio Review

CONTACTS

FREEBORN FACILITY MANAGER (530) 752-1910 MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00AM-5:00PM CAMPUS TICKET OFFICE (530) 752-1915 MONDAY-FRIDAY 9:00AM-4:00PM CAMPUS EVENTS & INFO OFFICE (530) 752-2813 MONDAY-FRIDAY 9:00AM-5:00PM
DIRECTIONS TO FREEBORN HALL
FREEBORN HALL IS LOCATED APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES WEST OF SACRAMENTO IN THE CITY OF DAVIS. FROM SACRAMENTO: TAKE I-80 WEST TOWARDS SAN FRANCISCO EXIT RICHARDS BLVD. HEADING NORTH HEAD UNDER RAILROAD OVERPASS TO SECOND STOP LIGHT TAKE A LEFT ONTO FIRST STREET TAKE A RIGHT ONTO B STREET (FIRST STOP SIGN) PROCEED TO SECOND STOP LIGHT, TAKE A LEFT ONTO RUSSELL BLVD. GO TO SECOND STOP LIGHT, TAKE A LEFT ONTO HOWARD WAY (ENTRANCE TO CAMPUS) SEE BELOW ROM EAST BAY/SAN FRANCISCO AREA: TAKE I-80 EAST TOWARDS SACRAMENTO TAKE HIGHWAY 113 NORTH, EXIT ON RUSSELL BLVD. (SECOND EXIT) TURN RIGHT ONTO RUSSELL BLVD. TAKE A RIGHT ONTO HOWARD WAY (CAMPUS ENTRANCE) SEE BELOW <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> PROCEED TO WHITE INFORMATION BOOTH ON YOUR LEFT. TELL THEM THAT YOU ARE DELIVERING EQUIPMENT TO FREEBORN HALL AND THEY WILL LET YOU THROUGH THE CAMPUS GATE. ONCE THROUGH THE GATE TAKE A RIGHT IN FRONT OF FREEBORN HALL ONTO NORTH QUAD TAKE YOUR FIRST LEFT ONTO CALIFORNIA AVE., THE FACILITY LOADING DOCK IS LOCATED ON YOUR LEFT. YOU MUST HAVE A LOADING DOCK PERMIT (ISSUED BY FREEBORN HALL STAFF) AND A CAMPUS CORE PERMIT AND DAY PARKING PASS (ISSUED BY CONTRACTING CLIENT).

LOADING

ONE 11 WIDE 12 HIGH ROLL-UP LOADING DOOR, LOCATED USR, OPENS DIRECTLY ONTO THE STAGE. DRIVEWAY WILL NOT ACCOMMODATE A 40 TRACTOR/TRAILER RIG (TRAILER BOX MUST BE DROPPED AND TRACTOR PARKED ON ACCESS ROAD ADJACENT TO BUILDING). SLIDING DOOR PROVIDES SOUND SHIELD FROM OUTSIDE NOISE. UNIVERSITY CORE PARKING PERMITS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL VEHICLE PARKING ADJACENT TO FACILITY (AVAILABLE THROUGH CEVS EVENT COORDINATORS OR CAMPUS EVENT SPONSOR).

SEATING

MAIN FLOOR STANDARD-STYLE SEATING COUPLED WITH TELESCOPIC TIERED SEATING. MAX CAPACITY IS 1282. VARIOUS CONFIGURATIONS AVAILABLE. OPEN FLOOR CAPACITY IS 1831.
PERFORMANCE AREA IS ENCLOSED BY A PERMANENT ACOUSTICAL SHELL DESIGNED FOR ORCHESTRAL SOUND PROJECTION. CONSULT PLAN AND SECTION DRAWINGS.
HEIGHT OF ORCHESTRA SHELL CEILING
CROSS SECTION OF STAGE AREA

STAGE FLOOR

FLAT, MEDINTECH (LINO) OVER TONGUE AND GROOVE FIR SET ON 2X4 FRAME JOISTS. APRON AREA IS TONGUE AND GROOVE MAPLE.

PROSCENIUM OPENING

HEIGHT IS FIXED AT 15, 6 BY A VALENCE TRAVELER. WIDTH IS SET BY TRIM POSITION OF MAIN CURTAIN TRAVEL, WITH MAXIMUM OPENING AT 69, 8. FOR CONCERT OPENING SIZE REFER TO STAGE DIAGRAM

RIGGING

PIPE BATTENS ARE ATTACHED TO STRUCTURAL STEEL I-BEAMS AND ARE DESIGNED TO HOLD LIGHTING INSTRUMENTS, CIRCUIT DROP-BOXES, EXTENSION CABLES, AND A SUB GRID OF LIGHT DUTY 11, 2 LONG STEEL TUBES ATTACHED TO THE PIPE BATTENS WITH SWIVEL PIPE CLAMPS. ALL NECESSARY STAGE MASKING IS ATTACHED TO THE SUB GRID (SEE CROSS SECTION DRAWING). ROTO-DRAPERS ARE PROVIDED FOR LEGS. DISTANCE US FROM MAIN CURTAIN: BATTEN #1: 1, 0 BATTEN #2: 9, 0 BATTEN #3: 21, 0 BATTEN #4: 26, 0 BATTENS ARE 1, 1/2 IPS SCHEDULE PIPE BATTENS 60, 0 IN LENGTH, PERMANENTLY DEAD HUNG AT 18, 0. LINES RUN PERPENDICULAR TO CENTER LINE.

DRAPERY

DRESSING ROOMS
THERE ARE TWO DRESSING ROOMS LOCATED STAGE LEFT. BOTH HAVE RESTROOMS, SHOWERS, MAKE-UP MIRRORS W/ DIMMABLE LIGHTS, TABLES, AND CLOTHING RACKS. ONE ROOM IS LOCATED AT STAGE LEVEL, THE OTHER IS A FLOOR ABOVE. LOWER DRESSING ROOM IS ACCESSIBLE TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES FROM OUTSIDE, BUT NOT DIRECTLY FROM STAGE. IRONING BOARD AND IRON ARE AVAILABLE.

CONCERT EQUIPMENT

100 BLACK UPHOLSTERED ORCHESTRA CHAIRS 8 STAGERIGHT 4X8 PLATFORMS, ADJUSTABLE IN HEIGHT 16-SICO HARMONY 4 TIERED CHORAL RISERS 1 CONDUCTORS STAND 3 THREE-PANEL ROLLING SOUND BAFFLES 20MUSIC STANDS 9 BALDWIN CONCERT GRAND PIANO

HOUSE EQUIPMENT

1 TEN FT. ALUMNINUM LADDER, 1 EIGHT FT. ALUMINU LADDER 2 SIXTEEN FT. ROLLING SCAFFOLDS WITH PLATFORMS 1 UPRIGHT 24 AC LIFT 80 EIGHT FT. RECTANGULAR TABLES 50SIX FT. ROUND TABLES 450 BROWN INTERLOCKING CHAIRS 612INTERLOCKINGUPHULSTERED BLUE CHAIRS 2 PODIUMS 1 UCD PODIUM BANNER 20 4X8 ROOM DIVIDERS 1 10.5X14 PROJECTION SCREEN (CAPABLE OF FRONT OR REAR PROJECTION) 1 7X7 PROJECTION SCREEN (FRONT PROJECTION ONLY) 2 KODAK EKTAPRO 7000 SLIDE PROJECTORS 1 DUKANE 4003 OVERHEAD PROJECTOR 2 LASER POINTERS

LIGHTING SYSTEM

CONTROL: DIMMING: ETC INSIGHT 72 CHANNEL CONTROL, MANUAL OR MEMORY CUE 3.5 DISK DRIVE 120 2.4K EDI MULTI-LINK DIMMERS (SEE CIRCUIT CHART)

INSTRUMENTS: 27 STRAND CENTURY 6 FRESNELS @ 750 WATTS 6 PARNELS 12 SOURCE 4 PARS 4 ELLIPSOIDALS 12 ALTMAN 6X16 ELLIPSOIDALS @ 750 WATTS 4 ALTMAN 6X12 ELLIPSOIDALS @ 750 WATTS 8 ALTMAN 6X9 ELLIPSOIDALS @ 750 WATTS 3 AXIAL 1000 WATT SCOOPS 6 (4.5) BARRELS 15 BARNDOORS 28 FLOOR BASES 6 (66)LB BAS ALL INSTRUMENTS ARE 3 WIRE TWIST-LOCK, NEW SYTLE, 20A. ALL ELLIPSOILDALS HAE GOBO SLOTS. ONSTAGE LIGHTING BATTENS CIRCUITED WITH MOVABLE DROP BOXES (SEE AUDIO LIGHTING PLAN). FOLLOWSPOTS: 2 ALTMAN VOYAGER LONG THROW, LOCATED IN BOOTH, 120 THROW TO STAGE. POWER: COMPANY SWITCH LOCATED OFF SL IN PIANO CAGE, Y CONFIGURATION, 3-PHASE 208V, 30A, 60A, 100A 200A PANELS

SOUND SYSTEM

BOOTH CONSOLE: MACKIE CR-1604, 16 CHANNEL INPUT, 12 DIRECT AUDIO INPUTS FROM DSL, PRESS FEED AVAILABLE, 2 TASCAM 112 TAPE DECKS (1 FOR PLAYBACK, 1 FOR RECORD) AND MOUNT -RACKED CD PLAYERS ARE PATCHED INTO THE BOARD. HOUSE CONSOLE: YAMAHA MC-2404, 24 CHANNEL INPUT, USED WITH ROLLING RACK EQUIPPED WITH 2 TWO CHANNEL AB INTERNATIONAL 231 GRAPHIC EQUALIZERS (1 FOR HOUSE MIX, 1 FOR MONITOR MIX), MARANTZ PMD-320 CD PLAYER, TASCAM 112 TAPE DECK, AND YAMAHA REV 100 SIGNAL PROCESSOR. HOUSE MAIN: 7 GENZ-BENZ TAC-150H CABINETS (FLOWN OVER APRON DSL, DSC, DSR) POWERED BY 1 YAMAHA P3500 AND 2 YAMAHA P2500 AMPLIFIERS. MONITORS: 2 TRIPOD MONITORS 2 CARVIN 2-WAY (200W) 2 CARVIN 2-WAY (400W) POWERED BY AB INTERNATIONAL PRECEDENT 400LX AMPLIFIER. MICROPHONES: 7 SHURE SM58 DYNAMIC 4 EV BK-1 CONDENSER 4 SHURE SM87 WIRELESS W/ SC4 RECEIVERS 4 SHURE SC831 WIRELESS LAPEL W/ SC4 RECEIVERS 2 SHURE SM91 SURFACE BOUNDARY 1 CAD MG120 PODIUM MIC ADDITIONAL MICS AVAILABLE BY REQUEST. ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT: RAPCO MPS-108 PRESS FEED 4 RAPCO PASSIVE DIRECT BOXES 24 CHANNEL BELDEN/SWITCHCRAFT SNAKE 16 CHANNEL BELDEN/SWITCHCRAFT SNAKE 6 CHANNEL SUB-SNAKE COMMUNICATION: 2-CHANNEL CLEAR-COM HEADSET TELEPHONE SYSTEM. MAIN STATION IN BOOTH WITH JACKS DSR, USL, LOBBY, SOUND CONSOLE, FOLLOWSPOT POSITIONS AND REAR OF HOUSE. SUPPLEMENTED BY TELEX WIRELESS SYSTEM. 4 RS-110A BELTPACKS 3 RS-501 BELTPACKS 2 TELEX WIRELESS BELTBACKS 6 SINGLE MUFF HEADSETS

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

CURRENT UNIVERSITY POLICY PROHIBITS SMOKING INSIDE ANY UNIVERSITY BUILDINGS. FOOD AND BEVERAGES ARE NOT PERMITTED IN CONTROL ROOMS. NO MAJOR CONSTRUCTION OR PAINTING IS PERMITTED ON STAGE. NO SCENERY OR PROPS WITH WET PAINT ARE ALLOWED ON STAGE. THERE ARE NO DESIGNATED AREAS IN FREEBORN FOR THIS PURPOSE, HOWEVER THE STUDENT LEADERSHIP CENTER PROVIDES A SPACE IN LOWER FREEBORN FOR STUDENT GROUPS. UNLESS AUTHORIZED BY FACILITY MANAGER OR CAMPUS STAGE MANAGER, NO STAGE EQUIPMENT MAY BE MOVED OR TAKEN DOWN, NO ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS FOR LIGHTS OR SOUND CHANGED, AND NO APPLIANCES INSTALLED. USER EXPECTED TO CLEAR THE FACILITY OF ALL EQUIPMENT IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE PERFORMANCE. EXCEPTIONS MUST BE APPROVED BY THE FACILITY MANAGER AT LEAST 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE OF LOAD-IN. ALL PERSONS WISHING TO SEE THE PERFORMANCE MUST ENTER THROUGH THE LOBBY DOORS. PERFORMERS, STAGE TECHNICIANS, ETC. WILL ENTER THROUGH THE STAGE DOOR FOR PERFORMANCES. PERFORMERS AND PRODUCTION PERSONNEL ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE LOBBY AREAS AFTER THE THEATER HAS BEEN OPENED TO THE AUDIENCE. EXCEPTIONS MUST BE APPROVED BY THE FACILITY MANAGER AND OR CAMPUS STAGE MANAGER IN ADVANCE OF THE PERFORMANCE. VALUABLES SHOULD BE KEPT IN THE DRESSING ROOM AREAS ONLY. FREEBORN HALL IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST, STOLEN, OR DAMAGED PROPERTY. REQUESTS TO VIDEO TAPE REHEARSALS OR PERFORMANCES, WHETHER FOR PRIVATE USE OR PUBLIC BROADCAST, MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE FACILITY MANAGER AND OR CAMPUS STAGE MANAGER AND APPROVED PRIOR TO CONTRACT SIGNING. ALL LIGHTING AND SPECIAL EFFECTS EQUIPMENT BROUGHT INTO THE FACILITY MUST CONTAIN U.L. APPROVED THREE WIRE GROUNDED CABLES AND CONNECTORS. LIGHTING EQUIPMENT MUST NOT HAVE FRIABLE ASBESTOS LEAD-IN WIRES. ALL PYROTECHNIC DEVICES (I.E. FLASHPOTS, CONFETTI CANNONS, ETC.) AND OR LIVE FLAME EFFECTS (I.E. CANDLES, TORCHES, ETC.) MUST BE CLEARED IN ADVANCE BY THE FACILITY MANAGER AND THE UNIVERSITY FIRE MARSHALL. TOURING COMPANIES MUST CARRY A CURRENT STATE OF CALIFORNIA PYROTECHNICS PERMIT. PLEASE CONSULT FACILITY MANAGER IF FURTHER CLARIFICATION IS NECESSARY.

ADDITIONAL NOTES(cont):

IN HOUSE STAFF, INCLUDING UCD STAGE CREW, ARE TO BE THE MAIN OPERATORS OF ALL SOUND AND LIGHTING EQUIPMENT. ANY OTHER OPERATORS MUST BE PRE-APPROVED BY THE FACILITY MANAGER AND OR THE CAMPUS STAGE MANAGER.
RESTROOMS ACCESSIBLE TO DISABLED PERSONS ARE LOCATED ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE MEMORIAL UNION. ALL OTHER AREAS IN FREEBORN HALL, INCLUDING STAGE AREAS (WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ONE DRESSING ROOM) ARE ACCESSIBLE VIA STREET LEVEL. EVENT TELEPHONE SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE WITH FACILITY MANAGER APPROVAL. ARRANGEMENTS ARE MADE THROUGH THE CAMPUS EVENTS AND VISITOR SERVICES OFFICE (530) 752-2813. SOUND CHECKS FOR CONCERTS AND OTHER PERFORMANCES WITH SOUND REINFORCEMENT CANNOT BEGIN PRIOR TO 5PM WEEKDAYS. THERE ARE NO RESTRICTION ON WEEKENDS. DECORATIONS IN THE FACILITY ARE RESTRICTED TO THE USE OF MASKING TAPE ONLY ON SMOOTH SURFACES AND PUSH PINS FOR POSTING ON PROVIDED SPACES. CONSULT FACILITY MANAGER PRIOR TO EVENT FOR SPECIFICS. FACILITY MANAGER WILL DETERMINE CAPACITIES FOR ALL EVENTS IN ADHERENCE TO STATE AND FEDERAL FIRE CODES.

FREEBORN CIRCUIT CHART:

CIRCUIT/DIMMER 1-3 4-6 7-9 10-12 13-16 17-20 21-24 25-27 28-30 31-36 37-39 40-42 43-46 47-50 51-54 55-58 59-62 63-66 67-74 75-81 82-85 86-90 91-94 95-97 98-100 101-105-108 109-110 111-112 113-114 115-116 117-118 119-120 DESCRIPTION Wall Pocket Wall Pocket Wall Pocket Wall Pocket Ceiling Circuit Ceiling Circuit Ceiling Circuit Ceiling Circuit Ceiling Circuit Ceiling Circuit Ceiling Circuit Ceiling Circuit Drop Boxes Drop Boxes Drop Boxes Drop Boxes Drop Boxes Drop Boxes Drop Boxes Spare Orchestra Lighting Spare Orchestra Lighting Spare Orchestra Lighting Spare Orchestra Lighting Spare Orchestra Lighting Spare Orchestra Lighting Spare Orchestra Lighting Spare Orchestra Lighting Spare Orchestra Lighting House Lights House Lights House Lights House Lights House Lights House Lights LOCATION USL DSL USR DSR 2nd beam FOH R 2nd beam FOH C 2nd beam FOH L 1st beam FOH far L&R 1st beam FOH L&R of C 1st beam FOH C Slot 1 L&R Slot 1 C Pipe 1 Pipe 1 Pipe 2 Pipe 2 Pipe 3 Pipe 3 Pipe 4 No circuits available 1st Beam Slot1 Slot2 Slot3 Slot4 Slot5 Slot6 Back Wall HR rear HL rear HR center HL center HR front HL front