Word From The Street - API Audio
The nice folk at API Audio have added my 10 cents worth to their ‘Word From The Street‘ section, where people in the music business gush about their API gear. API manufacture Class A mic preamps, EQs, compressors, recording consoles etc.. They also do a fine range in 500 series lunchbox format modules, of which I own a few. What’s more, they are sending me a free t-shirt for my bother!
Having co-owned a commercial recording studio (Seven A) for a good few years and now without a dedicated space, having top of the range gear that can be carried around (by a handle!) easily is essential. In my Lunchbox I have 2 512c mic preamp/DI modules, a 550A EQ and a 525 compressor which all sound fantastic, especially when linked together. If you record through a digital console e.g. Yamaha 02R, Sony DMX-R100 or a small mixer e.g. by Behringer, Mackie, I would recommend a decent tracking preamp in any case, as generally the preamps on these desks are not up to much. Out of my selection - API, Drawmer, Joe Meek - the API ones are by far the most versatile. The others have their own stamp, and are better for particular uses. For instance the Joe Meek VC-2 is a valve driven beast with a very Joe Meek sound i.e a bit dirty, and possibly useful as an effect instead of dedicated preamp. The API 512c is crystal clear, noise free, and therefore great for all sources. For ‘vintage’ colour, the 550A EQ and the 525 comp have it in buckets. I’m happy!
Their top of the range gear isn’t what you’d call cheap, but they have just brought out a new Arsenal Audio range aimed more at the low-end market.
