Ideal as a front end in studios for recording a wide range of input sources, the API Audio 512c mic pre is a mic/line/instrument preamp module designed for 500-series racks. Sporting up to 65 dB of mic gain (45 dB of instrument gain) and front-panel XLR mic and 1/4" Hi-Z / line input jacks, as well as rear panel mic input support, this module provides low-noise input for any signal.
Ideal as a front end in studios for recording a wide range of input sources, the API Audio 512c mic pre is a mic/line/instrument preamp module designed for 500-series racks. Sporting up to 65 dB of mic gain (45 dB of instrument gain) and front-panel XLR mic and 1/4" Hi-Z / line input jacks, as well as rear panel mic input support, this module provides low-noise input for any signal.
The 48V phantom power is available on tap for condensers and other active mics. When taking in excessively hot signals, such as those already boosted by a preamp, a -20 dB pad is available. You can also engage a polarity flip switch. A switchable input selector lets you choose between the XLR mic and 1/4" instrument/line inputs. You can also engage an internal rear connection selection jumper to engage parallel rear-panel XLR mic inputs on compatible 500-series rack chassis. An LED VU meter lets you keep an eye on your signal levels. With discrete circuitry and the signature 2520 op-amp, this preamp module offers an excellent front-end sound, with warmth and reliability.
Musical and Discrete Circuitry
The API 512c remains faithful to the circuit designs of API's founder Saul Walker. Artfully combining those circuits with API's proprietary transformers and the 2520 op-amp, the 512c is a highly musical and rich-sounding analog mic pre, equally at home in commercial recording spaces as it is in smaller home studios. Fully featured and still hand assembled, the 512c exhibits the reliability, long life, and uniformity which are characteristic of all API products.
