API Audio The Channel Strip

Channel strip 1U high ...
This slice understand the following: 512 preamp, compressor 527, 550A EQ, output stage API 325 (from an API console, it seems) ...

Connectors: XLR input to the preamp, XLR output for the slice, everything else is jack (line input, input and output of each slice module).
Note the instrument input (DI front) at the Jack formats ...

Two bar graphs: a dedicated totally to the compressor, the other at the input or output (a small button to switch from one view to another).

Many small buttons in this range, and for some of them several functions. There is the input selection button that lets you toggle between the mic input, DI input or line input, 3 features the same button, which "reverse lights with different colors according to the selected input ...).

So be careful to read the manual !!!

Of course, conventional found for each of these four modules (Power 48V, phase inversion to the preamp, for example).

USE

You have to read the manual !!
Elements can indeed pass before / after the other (équalo and comp for example).

There is an "off" button to cut the chain the comp, and another for équalo ...
There are "ins" buttons to use other elements outside this range instead of those proposed in the slice.

From what I understand, there is a sidechain input for the compressor and an entry "link" for linking the compressors of two tranches.

Knowing that it is the compressor 527, considered a "half API 2500" (with the "old / new" functions and "Thrust" -a sidechain internment), it starts to be really interesting ...

The 2 possible inserts at 2 different locations in the chain are useful if you do not like the compressor or EQ (but hey, I doubt it though).

VERY easily obtained a good sound !!!



SOUND QUALITY

The preamp is not what can be called "transparent", it is an API 512 ... So great for percussive elements, some guitars too, some voices.

For comparison, I have a Aurora Audio GTQ2 and I still prefer a little this preamp, we can do more things with it and "sublime" anything goes.
The 512 gives more punch to everything that passes through it, but does not that sound "bigger than life" as they say in the States

Compression part is really good too, very interesting, it spends time searching for the right setting, and when it is found, it is a treat ... I admit not mix my bass without the compressor (and équalo).

The EQ section: a treat, even with additions / hollow "extreme", it sounds
The bottom is very beautiful ... firm, not as silky as those of Neve, but just different ...

The nice thing with this slice compared to modules lunchbox, the output module can be the driver input stage (preamp too) and lower the output level not to saturate convertos behind. ..dropoff window

In short, a very colorful slice

NOTICE GLOBAL

For a few months I use ...
I will take out a second, but not necessarily more: it is quite "colorful" anyway

I use it to add something, a color, not really to isolate a frequency or other action "corrective" ...

I had and used other slice mixing (Joemeek, Isa 220, SSL, Amek, Millenia, ...) in tables or rack, this API is really colorful, it's really good on some items! !!dropoff window

I would like to take a second to the buss guitars for example (I have a lot of hardware Hardware other "items" like drum buss, bass, vocals, etc ...).

Compression parts / EQ really made beaver me (special mention to the equalizer !!!!).

Used around € 2,000, the value for money is really good.
I repeat that choice one day !! dropoff Window

Slice 1U console top ...
This slice understand the following: Preamp 512, Compressor 527, 550A EQ, Floor API exit 325 (from an API console-it seems) ...

Connectors: XLR input to the preamp, XLR output for the slice, everything else is in jack (line input, input and output of each module of the slice).
Note the instrument (DI front) entrance to Jack formats ...

Two bar graphs: one dedicated entirely to the compressor, the other input or output level (a small button toggles a view to another).

Many small buttons in this installment, and some more functions. There is the input selector button that allows you to switch between the mic input, DI or line input, three functions on the same button, which "reverse lights coming with different colors according to the selected input ...).

So be careful to read the instructions!

Of course, there are the classics for each of these 4 modules (48V PSU, phase inversion for the preamp, for example).

UTILIZATION

You must read the manual!
One can indeed pass elements before / after another (and équalo comp example).

There is an "off" button to cut the chain the comp, and another for équalo ...
There are "ins" buttons to use other elements outside this range instead of those proposed in the slice.

From what I understand, there is a sidechain input for the compressor and a "link" input for linker compressors two tranches.

Knowing that it is the compressor 527, considered a "half API 2500" (in conjunction with "old / new 'and' Thrust," an internal sidechain-), it starts to be really interesting ...

2 inserts possible two different parts of the chain are very useful if you do not like the compressor or EQ (but hey, I doubt it though).

It gets VERY easy to sound good!

SOUND QUALITY

The preamp is not what one might call "transparent", it is a 512 API ... So great for percussive elements, some guitars also some voices.

For comparison, I have a Aurora Audio GTQ2 and I still prefer a bit this preamp, you can do more things with it and "sublime" anything goes.
512 gives more punch to everything that passes through, but does not that sound "larger than life" as they say in the States

The compression part is really good too, very interesting, it spends time looking for the right setting, and when found, it is a treat ... I confess not mix my bass without this compressor (and équalo).

Part EQ: a treat, even with additions / hollow "extreme", it sounds
The bottom is very beautiful ... farm, not as silky as the Neve, but just different ...

The nice thing with this installment compared to modules lunchbox, the output module: can be driver input stage (the preamp too) and reduce the level of output does not saturate convertos behind. ..

In short, a good colorful slice

OVERALL OPINION

For a few months I use ...
I take out a second, but not necessarily more: it is quite "colorful" still

I used to add something, a color, not really to isolate a frequency or other action "corrective" ...

I had and used other slices mix (Joemeek, Isa 220, SSL, Amek, Millennia, ...) in the table or rack, this API is really colorful, it's really good on certain items! !

I'd like to take a second to the buss guitars for example (I have a lot of hardware equipment on other "positions" as the battery buss, bass, vocals, etc ...).

The compression parts / EQ really made beaver me (special mention to the equalizer!!).

Used around € 2,000, the value for money is really good.
I remake that choice one day!