All user reviews of 5/5 for the API Audio 512C

Single transistor preamp, lunchbox format (500 series).
65 db gain.
API 2520 input transformer on this model.
Very simple to use: a gain knob with LED level meter correspondent.
XLR input to the preamp, line (jack) to the instrument input. It can also plug the mic in the back of the lunchbox.
XLR output only, the rear panel.

A MIC, to activate the preamp or the reverse switch to DI, button 48V Phantom power supply for a button to the CSA -20 db attenuator, and a button POL for phase inversion.

UTILIZATION

Could not be more simple in config.
Apsect The machine is a bit boring, but do not stop it!

SOUND QUALITY

The sound is incredible uneven relief, API is a legend for this:
- A precise and very low content.
- A medium very big, very punchy, dense. For me it is this frequency in the 512 excels! The mediums are striking presence. To compare it to a tube preamp, which, while colorful, is rather mild in terms of mediums, the API has a lot of his potatoes at this level. It can be recognized between 1000 (there are a variety of clones of this series, including "specs" are the same on a lot of points).
- A high rather closed, with little air, but perfectly s'équalise if necessary: ​​we will not choose a song for a variety API for example, but with a couple SM7 (or 57) on a song or hardcore same rock, it fits perfectly!
To try to clarify things a bit, the API is a bit away from the Avalon at the sound, which is more transparent, soft, and actually quite neutral.

The preamp is colored, and it hits hard in (then push the gain to see: p), this means more texture.
Some enthusiasts are even welding a weld resistance in the circuit to exacerbate the sound color (resulting in a loss of "headroom", but an even more typed).

We have a total of five API preamps, 4 512c, and 512b (which is slightly darker), and they stand on any particular percussive instrument:
a battery is the top, also on percussion, a bass, more body than that you die) ...
Rendering on many raw voice is also excellent, a female voice a little shrill, the API will probably stand out very well.
The guitars is great: it has recently been testing with the following pair of microphones: Royer R121 ribbon and SM57 in front of a Peavey 5150 amp + Randall cab with a Les Paul Custom, and although it's just the must! The big sound American rock'n'roll!

You understood, the brightness is not the height of the API, but what's the foie gras, warm, and very concentrated.
All you'll spend in it will sound great, after it is about color ... and taste! We will choose to use this preamp in some cases and not others.

I noticed that the API marry particularly well with dynamic microphones and tape and sound are solid and full as ever.

OVERALL OPINION

We have been using for 6 months.

I love like everything that comes in clear and precise large at a time.

I worked with a lot of different preamps (from transparent to colored, transistors and vacuum tube), and API is a must, period!

The 512c and 512b model format lunchbox is secondhand to $ 500 USD for the lunchbox is also a little less. For 800 euros, was a legendary mono preamp, with the possibility of changing to an unbeatable price (lunchbox).

I do it again this choice in a heartbeat. We have to acquire Purple preamps and A-Designs Audio recently, where I also write a review soon.

NOTE: we have improved our system of converters recently, and the difference is affected greatly in terms of API preamps. The full extent of noise preamp expressed bcp better. So a preamp quality requires not only a quality mic, but converters high-end that will make you appreciate the true value of the sound of the machine.

The API Audio 512C is a solid-state, analog microphone preamplifier.  It has both a 1/4 inch and XLR connection and isn't in a traditional rack mountable form.  It will however fit inside an API lunchbox and I believe that is what it is designed for.  The unit also has buttons for mic/line selection, phantom power, a -20 db pad, and polarity.

UTILIZATION

The make up of the API Audio 512C is just about as simple as it gets for a mic pre.  If you are familiar with the basic parameters on a mic pre, you'll have no problems at all with this.  It simply has a gain knob to set the level and a variety of buttons that I mentioned earlier that are pretty standard.  I've never seen a manual for this so I can't say how well put together it is, but judging by how easy it is to use I don't think that one is necessary.


SOUND QUALITY

As you might expect from API, the 512C is a great mic preamp.  It is perfect for just about any application as I've had success using it for recording vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, and drums.  It really just has a great inherent tone and for this reason I think it would be a good fit for recording just about anything.  The tone is clean and won't color your sound, although it does have a certain quality to it that is present in most API gear.  I can't say enough about the clarity of sound that is possible when this dynamic pre is used in tandem with a great microphone...


OVERALL OPINION

Overall, the API Audio 512C is a very impressive piece of gear.  I've come to immensely respect API as they are one of the best in the game when it comes to high quality outboard gear.  While expensive, the 512C has top notch quality and for this reason I would recommend it to anyone looking for top quality regardless of price.  If you are a professional studio owner looking to expand your mic pre collection beyond your console, the API 512C is a must try.