API Archives

API TCS-II: The quintessential API Channel Strip gets an Update

24 Jan · The API TCS-II is an updated version of the popular channel strip with several important improvements, including the 527A compressor!

API 5500 Anniversary Edition: Limited Edition with extra Features

24 Jan · The striking API 5500 Anniversary Edition is an expanded version of the 5500 with new features and a unique finish. Strictly limited to just 55 units!

Studio Standards: Classic Mic Preamps that Made Recording History

29 Jul 2023 · Classic Mic Preamps like those found in legendary consoles helped shape countless hit records. We look at microphone preamps that made history.

Studio Standards: Classic Compressors and Limiters

01 Jul 2023 · Classic compressors like the 1176, LA-2A, and Fairchild are much more than dynamics processors. We look at the most iconic compressors of all time.

This is Bat Country: How To Sound Like Queens Of The Stone Age

17 Jun 2023 · We discuss how Queens Of The Stone Age has retained such a distinctive sound as a band, and check out some interesting gear choices.

Studio Standards: Classic Equalizers that made History

03 Jun 2023 · EQs are a mixing engineer's most important sound shaping tool. Meet the classic equalizers that helped define the sound of countless hits!

Avant Grunge: How To Sound Like The Smashing Pumpkins

22 Apr 2023 · The Smashing Pumpkins broke through in the early 1990s, with a sound influenced by both classic and progressive rock. We find out how!

API Select SV12 and SV14: 500-series compressor and EQ

05 Oct 2022 · API adds two 500-series modules to the inexpensive Select range: the SV12 compressor based on the Paragon console, and the SV14 4-band EQ.

Best API plug-ins: 8 console, preamp, EQ & compressor emulations

25 Jun 2022 · Hankering after the rock 'n' roll API sound in your DAW? Here's our pick of the best API plug-ins to give you that hardware sound in the box.

API introduces the 3122V 2-channel microphone preamp

01 Mar 2022 · API has announced the 3122V microphone preamp. The 3122V is a 2-channel preamp based on the same circuit design as the 4-channel 3124V and the 512V/512c.

API MC531 Monitor Controller: monitoring section from an analog console

24 Jan 2022 · The MC531 is a desktop-bound, standalone version of the monitoring facility built into an API console's center section. Mmmm!

API Select: new API brand debuts 6 pieces of analog gear (including stompboxes!)

03 Aug 2021 · API debuts a new analog gear brand with a line-up like no other - 4 rack processors and 2 stompboxes from old and new API lineages. Let's dive in!

API introduces the 2500+ bus compressor with parallel compression

31 Mar 2020 · API has introduced the 2500+ stereo bus compressor. It retains all the signature features of the classic 2500, but adds a blend/mix circuit for parallel compression.

API celebrates its 50th anniversary with limited 862 channel strip and 2500 bus compressor

16 Oct 2019 · 50 years of API - how to celebrate? With two limited editions (50!) of the 862 and 2500 sporting gold faceplates, making them collectors' items for the truest of true studio hounds.

API The Box compact analog console gets a 2019 refresh

19 Feb 2019 · The stylish desk has eight input channels and eight 500 Series slots, as well as 16 summing channels (24 during mix) with LED metering. It uses the same circuitry and components as other API consoles.

NAMM 2018: fill an empty spot in your 500-series rack with the API 529 Stereo Compressor

28 Jan 2018 · At NAMM 2018, pro audio authority API announced the new 529 Stereo Compressor. Available in 500-series module format, the 529 is based on API's famous 2500 stereo compressor...

API revamp the 3124 pre-amp for modern workflows

27 Jan 2017 · API have announced two new pre-amp variants, the 3124V and the 3124MV. That's right, now there's a 3124 with output volume control!

Can Warm Audio land a Christmas number 1 with the WA-412?

20 Oct 2016 · Warm Audio have done it again, emulating another piece of classic hardware. Will these 4 'API-style' mic pres be on the top of your Christmas list?