Subscribe >

Unsubscribe >

 

API Automated Process Inc.

Born in 1968. Best known for their now legendary "2520 amplifier", this unique amp has been and will continue to be the heart of all API discrete products. It continues to provide reliability and sonic purity unmatched by the competition. The resulting console met the needs of the music, commercial and broadcast industry.
API became the leading audio broadcast console manufacturer for radio and television networks and high profile stations. In addition, recording studios, large and small, began using API.....and receiving rave reviews from engineers and producers. There are over 700 API consoles across the nation and around the world, including the three major networks. Over thirty years later, many of these consoles are still in daily use in some of the most prestigious recording and broadcast facilities in the world because, to date, there are few, if any consoles of equal sound quality at a cost-effective price.
 

200/500 Series

Create your own rack with the 200 or 500 series including compressor, EQ's, Mic-Pres, Noise Gate, Filter etc.
 

205L Discrete Direct Input

The new API 205L Instrument Direct is specifically designed to accept a guitar or bass direct into it, without any loading on the pickups. With the use of the unique TONE control, the low end "mud" can be reduced. Turning on the BRIGHT switch adds clarity, like the bright switch on any amp. The combination of these two functions may eliminate the need for any EQ on the instrument when recording, keeping the signal pure.
The input is designed specifically to load a pickup the same way that a tube guitar amp would, retaining all of the tone, and minimizing the loading effect on the pickup. This minimal path eliminates the need to use a standard direct box, which more times than not, only converts the signal to a balanced mic level output, which still requires a mic input, equalizer, and fader to get the signal to a recordable level.

Features

  • Wide range GAIN control
  • Hi-Z input, like a Tube Amp
  • Thin < > Fat TONE Control reduces low end mud
  • BRIGHT Switch boosts the presence
  • 20 dB PAD lowers the input level
  • 100 K LOAD switch changes the tone of instruments
  • 5 Segment LED Meter shows Output Level
  • Transformer Coupled Output to +28 dBm
  • All Discrete Design
 

212L Discrete Mic Pre

The tone of the 212L mic preamp finds its roots in the classic API 2488 series all discrete recording consoles, best known for the famed "LA" sound. This same mic preamp design is packaged into a compact module with features like a continuously adjustable Gain control and a unique 5 segment LED VU meter on each panel.

An audio chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Often, emphasis is placed on obtaining the highest quality microphones, while neglecting the integrity of the mic preamp. The API 212L microphone pre-amplifier is an integral part of the famous Legacy Series Console and is now available for the L200 Rack System. This modular unit incorporates the same circuit as the legendary API 512b, thus preserving its sonic qualities. This mic-pre articulates high frequencies with great detail, while delivering the big sounding, warm bottom end that API is famous for. Whether it's a live performance or the private setting of a studio session, the 212L will capture every nuance of the moment.

Features

  • Wide range GAIN control
  • 20 dB Pad
  • 48v Phantom Power Switch
  • RE 115 K Mic input Transformer
  • LED VU Meter
  • Uses API 2520 Op-Amp
  • All Discrete Circuit
  • Transformer Coupled Inputs & Outputs to +28 dBu
 

215L

Discrete HP/LP Sweep Filter

Features

  • Wide range 6 dB per octave LOPASS control
  • Wide range 12 dB per octave HIPASS control
  • Balanced input stage
  • Passive filter design for smooth tone
  • Unity gain throughout
  • Hard Wire BYPASS switch
  • Transformer Coupled Output to +28 dBu
  • All Discrete Design
 

225L

Discrete Channel Compressor

Features:

  • Threshold control from -20 to +10 dBu
  • Variable compression ratio from 0 to infinity
  • Adjustable release time from 50m/sec to 3 sec
  • "Old" or "New" sound
  • HARD or SOFT compression knee
  • Always at unity gain, regardless of settings
  • LED Gain Reduction meter
  • API 2510 and API 2520 op-amps
  • Transformer output to +28 dBu
 

235L

Discrete Channel Noise Gate

Features

  • Threshold control from -45 to +25 dBu
  • Variable Fine Adjustable Depth to -80 dB
  • Adjustable Release/Hold Time, 50m/sec to 3 sec
  • 2:1 Expander or Noise Gate Selection
  • Release or Hold Switch for Release control knob
  • Always at Unity Gain, Regardless of settings
  • LED Gain Reduction Meter
  • Uses the API 2510 and API 2520 Op-Amps
  • Transformer Output, to +28 dBu
 

L200R

12 slot 200 Series Rack (requires L200PS)

Features:

  • Holds 12 API Legacy L200 series modules
  • XLR Jacks for Inputs and Outputs, Pin 2 Hot
  • TT Jacks for side chain / Aux Out / Mic In, etc.
  • Powered by API external L200PS Tri-Polar, 48v
  • 100 to 250 volts 50/60 Hz AC, front panel LED
  • 19" rack mount, 2U tall
  • Sturdy, vented steel chassis
Designed with flexibility to meet the needs of the discriminating engineer/producer. Module interchangeability has always been an API standard and the L200 system follows the tradition. In fact, it is fully compatible with the units found in the industry standard API Legacy Series Consoles.
 

512C

Discrete Mic / Line Pre

Features

  • Mic Preamp with 65 dB of gain
  • Front and Back Panel Mic Input Access
  • Line/Instrument Preamp with 50 dB of gain
  • Front and Back Panel Line/Instrument Input
  • LED VU meter for monitoring output level
  • 20 dB pad switch, applies to mic/line/instrument
  • 48v Phantom switchable power
  • Traditional API fully discrete circuit design
  • Uses the famous API 2520 Op-Amp
 

527

API is pleased to announce the introduction of the 527 compressor, a single channel module based on API's 225L discreet channel compressor. The 527 features comprehensive controls including variable attack, release, ratio, and output gain controls. The unit also includes API's patented 'Thrust' circuit, first offered on the 2500 Stereo Bus Compressor. A 10 segment LED meter is switchable between gain reduction and output level.

"Anyone who has used the 225L compressor found in API consoles has expressed a longing for the same kind of flexibility and control in the 500 Series for some time" said Larry Droppa, President of API. "We're delighted to now offer the 527 to complement our vintage 525 compressor, which has been many engineers' favorite compressor over the years.
 

525 Compressor

Discrete Compressor, Re-Issue

Features

  • Reissue of API's original 525 from the early 70's
  • Peak detecting "feedback" compressor/limiter
  • Variable Threshold and Output levels
  • Unique "Ceiling" control combines key functions
  • VU meter for monitoring gain reduction
  • 4 Switchable release modes
  • De-Ess function
  • Traditional API fully discrete circuit design
  • Hardwire bypass
 

550A

Discrete 3 Band EQ

Features

  • 3 bands of classic API equalization
  • Each band offers 5 API selected frequency centers
  • Reciprocal and repeatable filtering
  • maximum 12 dB of boost/cut per band
  • EQ Band 1 and 3 offer shelf/peak switching
  • "Proportional Q" narrows filter Q at extremes
  • Traditional API fully discrete circuit design
  • High headroom +30 dB clip level
 

550B

Discrete 4 Band EQ

Features

  • 4 bands of our famous sounding equalization
  • Each band offers 7 API selected frequency centers
  • Reciprocal and repeatable filtering
  • 12 dB of boost/cut per band
  • EQ Band 1 and 4 offer shelf/peak switching
  • "Proportional Q" narrows filter Q at extremes
  • Traditional API fully discrete circuit design
  • High headroom +30 dB clip level
  • Re-issue of 1967 API 550 EQ with an extra band
 

560

Discrete 10 Band Graphic EQ

Features

  • 10 bands of API proprietary equalization
  • Familiar graphics operation on one octave centers
  • 12 dB of boost/cut per band
  • "Proportional Q" narrows filter Q at extremes
  • Additional resolution within the ±4 region
  • Center detent for reliable reset
  • Traditional API fully discrete circuit design
  • Silent bypass button
  • Re-issue of the 1969 API 560 EQ
 

500-6B 6 slot Lunchbox with built-in Power Supply

Features

  • Holds 6 API standard modules
  • 48 Volt internal phantom power supply
  • Self-Powered, 100 to 250 Volts, 47 to 63 Hz, Switchable
  • Rubber feet & carrying handle for portability
  • Rugged steel chassis
  • Perfect for remote recording of Vocalist and Instruments
 

500VPR 10 slot Rack with Power Supply

The API Model 500VPR is powered externally by a tri-polar power supply and is designed to accept API standard format 5.25" X 1.5" modules. The 500VPR is internally wired for PIN 2 hot, and comes with the API L200PS. The input/output jacks are both XLRs. The 500VPR can hold up to ten API modules. API makes several modules to fit this rack, including the 550A, 550B, 560, 525, and 512C. Like all API products, the 500VPR rack enjoys API's standard 5 year warranty.