API

Explore 45 API vintage audio models — specs, production history, reviews, and market values in the VTA archive.

Mixers

• 3288 — API 3288 mixing console; only known source is a 1984 classified ad listing it for $39,500. This page has when it was made.

Preamplifiers

• 301 — API 301 mono mixer from 1975. Little documented; known from a single HiFI-Stereo directory listing. Mixes four mono sources. Base model $27; 301TR variant $49.
• 500-VPR — API 500-VPR, a 10-space vertical rackmount chassis for 500-series modules with internal power supply. Little documented beyond a 2009 Mix Magazine listing at $949.
• A2D — API A2D, a 2006 dual-channel microphone preamp with built-in A/D converter, featuring two 312-type discrete preamps and S/PDIF/AES-EBU digital outputs.

Unknown

• 1EX — API 1EX, an obscure 1990s API signal processor. Very little documented; possibly a gate or equalizer tied to a legal dispute with Aphex Systems.
• 55-OA — API 55-OA 500-series equalizer module — a little-documented three-band peak/shelving EQ listed at $1,195 in Mix magazine (2009).
• R24 — API R24 dual-channel 4-band equalizer from the Arsenal Audio line, reissue of a 1970s APSI design, MSRP $1,195. Includes when it was made.

Other Models

• 1550A — The API 1550A is a rare, full-parametric EQ from the 1970s, prized for its surgical precision and classic API punch—still unmatched in clarity and headroom.
• 1604 — The API 1604 is a rare, punchy 1970s console with modular EQs and the legendary 2520 op-amp—favored by Sunset Sound and The Record Plant.
• 1608 — The API 1608 is a 16-channel analog console that blends vintage API sound with 500-series modularity and DAW-friendly routing.
• 1608-II — The API 1608-II blends vintage API sound with modern automation and 500-series modularity—making it a studio centerpiece, not just a console.
• 212A — The API 212A is a 200 Series mic preamp module for API Legacy consoles. It sits at the front of the channel strip; little else is documented.
• 212L — The API 212L is a no-frills, transformer-coupled mic preamp that delivers the classic 'LA sound' in a modern modular format.
• 225L — The API 225L is a punchy, modular VCA compressor with feed-forward/feed-back switching and unity gain output—favored for drums and broadcast.
• 2448 — The API 2448 (2018) is a 24-channel inline analog console with dual signal paths, 1550A/560 EQ options, and Final Touch automation—built for hybrid studios that demand API's punchy sound.
• 2488 — The API 2488 defined 1970s LA studio sound with its inline design, 550A EQs, and punchy, clear mix bus — a legend in large-format analog consoles.
• 2500 (2002–Present) — API 2500 (2002–present): dual-channel bus compressor with Thrust, feed-forward/feedback Type switch, and variable stereo linking. Modern classic, $2.5K–$4.5K used.
• 2520 — The API 2520 discrete op amp powered the sound of classic rock and soul—rugged, punchy, and irreplaceable in vintage API gear.
• 312 — The API 312 mic preamp defined console sound in the 1970s with its discrete 2520 op-amp, transformer drive, and unapologetic punch.
• 3122V — API 3122V: 2-channel mic preamp with 2520 op-amps, VU meters, and high-pass filter in 1U rack space. Find detailed specs and production dates here.
• 3124 — The API 3124 delivers four channels of punchy, transformer-coupled preamp color with console-grade build and Hi-Z DI inputs.
• 3124V — The API 3124V delivers four channels of classic console-grade preamp tone with DI on every channel and switchable output transformers.
• 312L — The API 312L brings the legendary console preamp sound to 500-series format—fast, punchy, and built to drive tracks with attitude.
• 325 — The API 325 is a vintage console line amp card prized by DIYers for its 2520 opamp and transform. With full specifications and production years.
• 500-6B — The API 500-6B is the definitive 500-series lunchbox—rugged, high-current, and built to house the modules that shaped modern recording.
• 500-8B — The API 500-8B is an 8-slot, high-current 500 Series lunchbox with DB25 I/O and rugged steel construction—built for pros who need scalable analog tone.
• 500-8P — The API 500-8P is a rugged, 8-slot 500-series rack with DB-25 I/O and robust power—built for pros who need reliability, not flash.
• 500-B4 — API 500-B4, the four-slot 500-series lunchbox rack API pitched to traveling engineers in 1989–1990 — a portable chassis with onboard PSU for 512b and 550b modules.
• 500-series (1969–Present) — The API 500-series defined American analog tone—modular, punchy, and built around the discrete 2520 op-amp. Launched 1969 and still racking up.
• 500L — The API 500L is the original 6-slot lunchbox that defined the 500-series format—rugged, reliable, and sonically neutral.
• 512 — The original API 512 preamp — raw, transformer-driven, and the source of the legendary API sound before it became a 500-series staple.
• 512B — The API 512B is a vintage 500-series preamp with the classic 2520 op-amp and 2503 transformer — raw, punchy, and highly sought after.
• 512C — The API 512C brings the legendary 2520 op-amp and 2503 transformer sound to the 500-series format—bold, punchy, and unapologetically in your face.
• 512V — The API 512V brings the legendary 2520/2503 circuit into the modern era with a variable output control and switchable transformer ratio—making it the most versatile API preamp in the 500-series lineup…
• 525 — The API 525 is a legendary 500-series feedback compressor known for its speed, punch, and reliability in tracking and mixing.
• 525B — The API 525B is a 1990s 500-series dynamics module packing compression, gating, and de-essing into one punchy, fast-attacking unit.
• 527 — The API 527 is a 500-series VCA compressor with switchable feed-forward/feedback modes, discrete 2520 op-amp, and transformer output—offering console-grade dynamics in a modular format.
• 529C — API 529C (2018) stereo VCA compressor: 500-series dual-slot, Thrust circuit, Old/New topology, 2520 op-amps, 110 dB SNR. Full specs and collector info.
• 535-LA — The API 535-LA brings vintage console line-amp character to the 500 Series format with discrete 2520/2510 circuitry and the legendary AP2503 transformer.
• 535A — The API 535A is a no-frills line amplifier from the 1970s that delivers clean, punchy gain using the legendary 2520 op amp—rare, reliable, and overlooked.
• 548C — The API 548C is the discrete-input module at the heart of the 1608-II console, featuring the 212L preamp and switchable impedance for pro-grade tracking.
• 550 — The original 1967 API 550 EQ — raw, punchy, and foundational to the American console sound, with discrete 2520 op amps and aggressive musical filtering.
• 550/550A — API 550A 500 Series 3-band EQ — discrete circuit, Proportional Q, 7 frequency centers per band, 12 dB boost/cut, +30 dB headroom.
• 5500 — The API 5500 packs two channels of 550B-style parametric EQ into 1U with mastering-grade resolution, true bypass, and zero sonic coloration when disengaged.
• 550A — The API 550A is a vintage 3-band discrete EQ with Proportional Q, known for its punchy, musical tone and iconic role in classic recordings.
• 550B — The API 550B is a discrete 4-band console EQ from the late '60s, prized for its punchy midrange, proportional Q, and role on countless classic records.
• 550B Reissue — The API 550B Reissue brings vintage American EQ character to the 500-series format with Proportional Q, discrete 2520 op-amps, and musical frequency choices.
• 550L — The API 550L is a rare, transformerless console EQ using 2510 op-amps at ±24V—tall, non-lunchbox, and forgotten by most.
• 560 — The API 560 is a 10-band graphic EQ with 2520 opamps and proportional Q, prized for surgical tone shaping with musical character.
• 560B — The API 560B is a vintage 10-band graphic EQ with surgical precision and the punch of the legendary 2520 op amp—rare, raw, and ruthlessly effective.
• AXS — The API AXS blends vintage 2520/2510 discrete circuitry with modern automation, offering full analog signal paths and motorized fader recall in a scalable large-format console.
• BOX — The API BOX (2012–2019) brings full console functionality—4 preamps, 550A EQ, 527 compression, 16-channel summing—into a desktop format.
• console — API 1604 (1970–1978) — 16-channel, 4-bus analog console that shaped rock & roll with its punchy, modular design and iconic 200 Series architecture.
• Final Touch — API Final Touch brings motorized fader automation to API consoles, blending analog signal paths with digital recall for modern hybrid workflows.
• Legacy AXS — The API Legacy AXS blends vintage API punch with modern automation, offering inline routing, 2500C bus compression, and motorized faders in a flagship analog console.
• Legacy Plus — The API Legacy Plus is a modular, large-format analog console from the 1990s, prized for its punchy 2520-based sound and expandable architecture.
• MODEL-2488 — API Model 2488 large-format console — documented in 1979 Mix studio listings at 32x24 and 24x24 configs with 8 busses. Scarce, patchbay-centric, serious.
• The Box — The API The Box is a compact analog console that delivers classic API sound and workflow in a project-studio-friendly format.
• The Box 2 — The API The Box 2 blends console ergonomics, 8x 2520 preamps, 16-channel summing, and 8x 500 Series slots into a modern analog centerpiece.
• Vision — The API Vision (2003) brought API's aggressive analog sound into the 5.1 era with per-fader surround panning, discrete 2520 preamps, and modular scalability.