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moosers
Published on 11/27/09 at 08:56
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.
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.