API Expands API Select Lineup With SV12 Compressor And SV14 EQ

API is expanding the brand’s popular API Select range of outboard gear and effects with two new 500 Series modules: the SV12 Compressor and SV14 EQ. Much like the rest of the API Select lineup, these new modules break from API’s traditional component structure or topography, offering a fresh new take on the classic API sound.

The SV-14 500 Series parametric EQ is a faithful recreation of the highly sought-after APSI 562 EQ, while the SV-12 500 Series compressor design was originally utilized in the ATI Paragon live analog mixing consoles. Let’s take a closer look at what each of these new units has to offer.

API Select SV12 500 Series Compressor

A single-channel version of the award-winning API Select SR22 dual-channel compressor, the SV12 features the brand’s patented THRUST switch, which protects sensitive high-frequency content, even under the most vigorous of compression ratios.

Originally designed for Audio Toys, Inc. ATI Paragon mixing consoles, which served as top-tier touring consoles throughout the 90s and early 2000s, the SV12 compressor circuit makes it easy to tame unruly transients without squashing the dynamics of a performance.

While there are no Attack or Release controls, the SV12 Compressor uses a unique timing circuit that automatically varies the attack and release characteristics in response to the incoming audio signal. This approach provides smooth, musical compression without the nasty clicks and pops typically associated with super-fast attack and release times. 

API Select SV12 500 Series Compressor Controls:

• Threshold Range: -40dBu to +15dBu Ratio Range: 1:1 to 10:1
• Makeup Gain Range: 0dB to +20dB Hard or Soft Knee switchable
• Flat or Thrust side chain filter switchable
• Attach Time: Program and Control Adaptive, 10mSec to 40mSec 
• Release Time: Program and Control Adaptive, 30mSec to 400mSec

API Select SV14 500 Series Parametric EQ

The SV14 Equalizer is a single-channel four-band equalizer that utilizes continuously-variable controls for both frequency and boost/cut, resulting in a highly precise yet musical-sounding EQ. Originally designed by APSI in the late 70s, the 562 EQ circuit has remained on the 'favorites' list of a number of studio engineers.

With dedicated controls for each function, the API Select SV14 features four dual concentric potentiometers, with the lower pots adjusting the level of the boost or cut applied and the upper pots adjusting the center frequency.

API Select SV14 500 Series EQ Controls:

• EQ Bands: 4 bands, all +/-12db Peak/Dip type 
• Lo: 20Hz - 20GHz
• Lo-Mid: 100Hz - 1kHz 
• Hi-Mid: 50GHz - 5kHz 
• Hi: 2kHz - 20kHz

If you have questions about any API gear or are interested in purchasing these new API Select releases, we're here to help! Please contact a Vintage King Audio Consultant via email or by phone at 866.644.0160.