3124+:

The 3124+ is designed with the professional engineer in mind, giving the highest possible quality 4 channel mic preamp, while keeping the size and price at a reasonable level. Equally at home in the control room, the studio, and news or recording truck, at the house console, on the stage, direct-to-DAT, or at the artist's disposal for the source of his music.

The model 3124+ utilizes the same microphone preamp circuit that is used in all API consoles. It uses the RE-115 K mic input transformer and the same output transformer that is used in all API equalizers. All four mic inputs of the 3124+ are powered by an internal 48 volt phantom power supply, front panel switchable for each channel. Also provided is a front panel 20 dB pad switch that effects both the Mic and Line in.

The model 3124+ can provide up to 65 dB of gain to an output clip level of +30 dBm. The Hi-Z front panel input goes directly to the op-amp, allowing a low level input such as a guitar or bass to be amplified without a matching transformer or direct box. This Hi-Z input can take input levels as high as +22, making it perfect for keyboards and other high level devices. The rear output is an XLR connector.

Call (303) 443-9822 OR Email Sales@WindOverTheEarth.Com For Pricing.

 

 

5500:

The lineage of the 5500 circuit can be traced back to the original 550 equalizer designed by Saul Walker, the founder of Automated Processes Inc. The 550 was designed as a console equalizer which, due to the architecture of the recording console, uses an unbalanced input. Because the ergonomics of a console dictate that the controls take up little space, sometimes the number of included functions can be limited. The 5500 is specifically designed to address these limitations. It has a balanced input, a true straight-wire bypass, an integrated power supply with noiseless muting, and a range control that expands it versatility to mastering applications.

Like all API products, the 5500 contains no integrated circuits in its signal path. The gain comes from two hand-built 2520 operational amplifiers in each channel. The balanced input is handled by a 2510 discrete operational amplifier, which is similar to the 2520, but without the high current output stage. Besides being a key component of the API sound, the 2520 coupled with the API 2503 output transformer is capable of delivering +30dBm before clipping. With this much headroom, it is unlikely that the 5500 can be driven to distortion unless perhaps another API unit is driving the input!

A new feature in the 5500 is the range control. The range of the amplitude controls can be reduced to 1/2 or 1/4 of their stated scale, providing a means of adjusting the tonal balance with finer resolution in an even gentler manner. This should be especially useful for complex program material as contained in stems or submixes, and is ideally suited for mastering purposes.

Also new on the 5500 is a true hard-wire bypass. In this mode the output connector is wired directly to the input. Shortly after the power is first applied, or immediately after it is lost, a special circuit enables bypass mode so signal is never lost and power thumps are never heard.

The input XLR is connected to an active balanced circuit. The output XLR is driven from a transformer coupled output and can drive any load from 600 ohms or greater to full output capability. The polarity is such that there is no change from input to output, so it is suitable in studios using either pin 2 or pin 3 as the "hot" connection. In addition, there is a 1/4 inch input connector that interrupts any signal that is present on the input XLR. It is balanced and can be driven from either balanced or unbalanced sources. A positive signal on the tip will deliver a positive signal on pin 2 of the output XLR. Using the 1/4 inch input does not bypass any internal circuitry and does not change gain or operating level.

Call (303) 443-9822 OR Email Sales@WindOverTheEarth.Com For Pricing.

 

A2D:

The A2D represents a landmark achievement for API; it is the first product ever produced by the company with an integrated digital output. Recognizing the desire for a high quality solution to raise microphone signals to a workable line level, we engineered one of our most popular mic preamp designs into an enclosure with our new proprietary analog to digital conversion. The result is a complete package - a pair of superb mic preamps feeding an A/D section with a set of standard digital interface outputs, multiple sample-rate choices, and internal or external clock options. Precise control of both the analog gain as well as the level feeding the digital section means that the mic signal can be maintained super-clean if desired, or driven harder on the analog side for that whallop and impact that can only be achieved by driving the transformer into saturation for that historic API sound!

The A2D analog section consists of the circuitry contained in two API 312 mic preamps, or one half of the popular 3124 quad mic preamp rack product. A level control pot with an expanded 20-segment metering system shows precise mic gain levels. Control switches include polarity, 48v phantom power, input pad, 2:1 transformer routing, and Mic/Line select. Each analog input contains a balanced low-level XLR connector and a high-level line input on a 1/4 inch jack.

The Digital section of the A2D includes two level pots to adjust the feed to the A/D converters, each with a corresponding 20-segment calibrated meter. A multi-position switch selects the desired sample frequency. The External Sync LED will light when an external clock signal is used.

Rear panel Analog connectors include an XLR input and output for each channel, as well as a balanced 1/4" TRS insert to the A/D converter. This allows the A2D to have external analog processing devices inserted in the audio chain (EQ, compression, etc.)

Digital interface connectors provided are SPDIF single ended RCA connector and AES digital out on XLR. A coaxial BNC accepts external "Super Clock" which will illuminate the front panel EXT SYNC LED when locked.

In addition, there are a pair of 9-pin D-sub connectors which allow the linking of multiple A2D units, all operating off the first sample-rate clock in the chain.

 

Call (303) 443-9822 OR Email Sales@WindOverTheEarth.Com For Pricing.