JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.
Checkout using your account
This form is protected by reCAPTCHA - the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Checkout as a new customer
Creating an account has many benefits:
(5)
Free Shipping (USA)
Free Tech Support
Free 2-Year Warranty
Free shipping to the lower 48 states for online orders of $99 and up.
Our friendly and knowledgeable sales team is here to support you before, during and after your purchase.
We add an extra year to the manufacturer's warranty, giving you a full 2-years coverage - for free!
Please note: this item is available for purchase in the United States only.
In stock
Reissued by popular demand, the API 550A is a 500 Series 3-band equalizer that delivers legendary API tone in a compact format. With its classic discrete design, flexible controls, and versatile filter options, this legendary equalizer is an indispensible studio tool. Its timeless design, musical tone-shaping, and thoughtful features make it easy to shape the tone of any track in the studio or on stage.
The API 550A embodies the renowned tonal signature that has defined countless hit recordings since the late 1960s. Its discrete circuitry and musical frequency settings capture the warmth, clarity, and punch that API Audio is known for. Designed to reproduce the magic of classic recordings, this workhorse EQ enriches every element of your mix. This iconic unit is the perfect way to add some vintage API magic to your studio.
After decades of customer demand, the API 550A discrete EQ was reissued in 2004. This revival stays true to its heritage, with every circuit meticulously recreated to deliver the sound that made it a studio staple. More than a reissue, this is a celebration of classic studio design. The popularity of the legendary 550A proves that true audio excellence never goes out of style.
The API 550A features three versatile EQ bands, each with seven selectable frequencies carefully chosen for maximum musicality. This simple but thoughtful design offers unparalleled flexibility for precise tone-shaping. Each band provides +/- 12 dB adjustments, and the detented concentric knobs make recalling settings easy. From subtle tonal shifts to dramatic boosts and cuts, these three bands provide endless tonal options.
Engineered for high headroom and low noise performance, the API 550A preserves the full dynamic range of your source without compromising clarity. Every circuit is meticulously calibrated to minimize unwanted noise and coloration—even when pushing for maximum gain. This uncompromised signal integrity empowers you to make bold, precise adjustments, confident that the true character of your audio will shine through every mix.
The API Audio name is synonymous with bold sound, innovative design, and reliability. The legacy of API began in the late 1960s when their unique products set new standards of sound quality in studios worldwide, and the brand has been revered by top engineers for decades. A direct descendant of that pioneering spirit, the 550A discrete EQ reflects both the heritage of API and its continued commitment to excellence in sound.
Built like a tank, incredibly flexible on any source, simple to use and recall, MOJO for days, yet doesn't color your sound too much. What more could you ask for in an EQ? The only thing better would be having more of them in an API console, but for now a 500-series rack full of API EQs is the sweet secret sauce of my small studio.
It’s a 550a…you know what they sound like, this sounds like that.
My favorite EQ. Incredibly smooth, forward, and punchy. Great for tracking, or broad strokes when mixing. Makes things come alive!
a bit pricey but sounds amazing! the eq points are super well chosen and really usable on about anything. tight and punchy low end, sweet mids and top end. Love recording electric and acoustic guitars with them - filter out some lows and add some .8-1.5k to make the 'woody' mids poke thru. Great on snare kick and bass - just about anything. Top end 12.5, 16 and 20k are 'sweet' and airy. One of my favorites in my collection!! The hardware version easily outshines my plugin version when A/B'd
The eq points provided are magic. Just nail the right musical sweet spots you need to boost or cut
* Required Fields
The best gear advice always comes from those who use it the most. That's where you come in! Let the pro audio world hear your voice with a review of the API 550A 500 Series 3-Band Equalizer . Once you submit your review, please check your email and verify your address to have it posted.
exclamation-circle
