This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Cookie Policy
$
945
.25
Your Savings:
$
49
.75
Msrp:
$
995
.00
No interest if paid in full within 12 months
Learn more
PayPal Credit, Express Checkout and Pay in 4 available.
In Stock
Item is in stock and will ship the next business day.
To inquire if this item is available to ship sooner or is in one of our stores, please call 888.653.1184 or chat with us.
SKU
59984
API 512v 500 Series Microphone Preamp
500 series mic/line/instrument preamp that expands upon the legendary sound of the original 512c preamp with some modern features
MFR# 512v
Product Description
Punchy. Open. Musical. These are the words award-winning producers and engineers use to describe the sound of the API 512v 500 Series Microphone Preamp. For over 50 years artists have been using API preamps to bring their recordings to life. Add the classic API tone to your 500 series rack with the 512v Discrete Mic/Line Pre.
LEGENDARY SOUND
The API 512v is a 500 series mic/line/instrument preamp that expands upon the legendary sound of the original 512c preamp. In addition to the standard controls of the 512c, the 512v also includes three new features designed for the modern engineer.
First, the 512v introduces a variable gain control knob just below the input gain knob for faster level matching. Say goodbye to clip gain automation and attenuator plug-ins! Next, the new 3:1 transformer output button allows you to reduce the output level and drive the transformers even harder for more analog warmth, grit and saturated goodness. Last but not least, the 512v features an updated front-panel combo XLR + 1/4” line input jack to quickly capture ideas, add new instruments and overdub when inspiration strikes.
THE API LEGACY
With 500 series modules growing more and more popular by the day, it can be surprising for many to hear that Saul Walker of API invented the first modular signal processors in 1969. Shortly after the release of the their first console, API quickly became the leading console manufacturer for radio and television networks. It didn’t take long for recording studios to catch on, and soon API began receiving rave reviews from engineers and producers for the tonal quality of their preamps. To this day, over 700 API consoles are in use across the nation and around the world. Albums like Rumours by Fleetwood Mac, Wasting Light by Foo Fighters, and Van Halen’s eponymous debut are shining testaments of the quality and range of API preamps like the 512v.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Mic Preamp with 65 dB of gain
- Variable Output Level Control from 65 dB to -∞
- 3:1 Output Transformer Tap selection
- Front and Back Panel Mic Input Access
- Line/Instrument Preamp with 45 dB of gain
- Front Panel Combo-style XLR + 1/4 inch Line/Instrument Input
- LED VU meter for Gain Level Indication
- 20 dB pad switch, applies to mic/line/instrument
- 48 V Phantom switchable power
- Traditional API circuit design
Product Specifications
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Tube or Solid State | Solid State |
| Channels | Single-Channel |
| Chassis | Module |
| Module Type | 500 Series |
| Module Slot Count | 1 Slot |
| Direct Input | Yes |
| Digital I/O | No |
Product Reviews
-
Sound Fantastic,Amazing Gear
-
The classic, transient-forward sound of API in 500-series form factor. What is not to love?
-
The best preamp ...vintage king top seller
-
Clean yet punchy mic pre.
Api nailed it again! -
We own 512b and 512c pres; however, this one is great with the addition of the fader. Classic API tone - especially when cranking the input. Thanks and love to VK and API!
-
Works perfectly...
-
Instantly become my fave pre's. I bought a pair and yes as drum overheads they are perfect. I have been using them mainly on a synth project right now, and they bring out a lot of character as a DI. Highly recommended.
-
Very good and flexible preamp! Punchy but natural sounding lows, mids and highs as they should be. Many options with the output stage and the 3:1 switch. Everyone should try it out...at least one time ;-)
Thanks to Vintage King, shipment was super fast to Germany. -
I had some 512C's, which have always been my favorite on drums, but you could never really drive them into distortion where they sound their best. The 512V solves that with an output knob! So I can now put the output down 5db or so and drive the pre for more punch without clipping my interface. Brilliant!
* Required Fields
Related Blog Posts
-
Best Selling Outboard Gear of 2018
12.26.2018Read MoreAn empty rack space is a terrible thing to waste and throughout 2018, Vintage King customers filled them in with fervor. From classic gear to reproductions and new innovations, you brought it home and helped make this one of the biggest years in outboard gear ever.
So... What has everyone been buying? Well, we're here to talk about the top five best selling pieces of outboard gear from 2018. Read below to discover the mic pres, EQs, compressors and more that made it into the ranks, along with a few deserving honorable mentions from close to the top of the list. Continue reading → -
Buyer's Guide: Microphone Preamps
03.15.2019Read MoreA crucial link in the audio chain is the microphone preamplifier, aka the mic preamp or mic pre. The output level of a microphone is very low and requires amplification to bring it up to line level. That’s what a mic pre does. But a mic preamp can’t drive a pair of speakers; that’s the job of the main amplifier.A key part of the job for a mic pre is to keep input noise to a minimum and to amplify without distortion.
Being the first amplification stage of the microphone signal, the mic preamp is essential to getting a good sound. Choose a poor one and you’ll be working harder to overcome its limitations. Choose a good one and processing your sound will get a lot easier. But what are the differences between average preamps and better ones? Let’s look at some of them. Continue reading → -
Buyer's Guide: 500 Series
07.12.2019Read MoreThe 500 Series format consists of a whole slew of different signal processing modules in a compact rack unit. Mic preamps, equalizers, compressors, DI boxes, filters, effects... You name it, you can find it in a 500 Series version from a wide variety of manufacturers.Most of those manufacturers participate in the VPR Alliance, established to set standards for the format to ensure that the end user can rely on consistent specifications with regard to voltage, current draw, size, etc. along with proper compatibility with existing modules. The essence of this idea is to make it simple for the user to mix and match modules from different makers, thus allowing for the broadest range of implementation for their products. Continue reading → -
How To Get A Big Vocal Sound For Under $1500
10.07.2019Read MoreOne question we always get asked here at Vintage King Audio is, “How do I get huge sounding vocals that have warmth and color?” Over the years, we’ve shared our gear picks for how to do it on an unlimited budget and a somewhat stricter one. For today's blog, we want our social media fans to know that we've heard them loud and clear. You wanted us to do this with a smaller budget, and so here it is!
We understand that not everyone can afford Neumann U47s, Neve 1073s, or Fairchild 670s. With that being said, most people still want their recordings to sound like they have used these titans of the studio for tracking and mixing. Read our blog below to discover some microphone, preamp, and compressor options that will get you a big sounding vocal chain for right around $1,500. Continue reading →
An empty rack space is a terrible thing to waste and throughout 2018, Vintage King customers filled them in with fervor. From classic gear to reproductions and new innovations, you brought it home and helped make this one of the biggest years in outboard gear ever.
So... What has everyone been buying? Well, we're here to talk about the top five best selling pieces of outboard gear from 2018. Read below to discover the 
A crucial link in the audio chain is the 
The 
One question we always get asked here at Vintage King Audio is, “How do I get huge sounding vocals that have warmth and color?” Over the years, we’ve shared our gear picks for how to do it on an Please fill out the form below and a Vintage King Audio Consultant will contact you with a ship date for the API 512v 500 Series Microphone Preamp.
Have a better price in mind for the API 512v 500 Series Microphone Preamp that you've been checking out?
We're willing to work on it!Please fill out the form below with your contact information.Once the form is submitted, a Vintage King Audio Consultant will contact you as soon as possible with our best price on this product.