API Audio

In 2016, API Audio introduced TranZformer LX and TranZformer GT effects pedals, featuring the brand’s iconic API 525 compressor circuit and a tone control based on the API 553 EQ. Recently, the brand released the new API Select TranZformer LLX ($295), an upgraded version of the original LX bass effects pedal that packs a number of improvements into a compact new design. Read on learn more about why we’re so excited for the new API Select TranZformer LLX. Continue reading →

Since the 1970s, API has been synonymous the “the sound of rock and roll,” partly thanks to their legendary 312 preamp, which can be heard on countless chart-topping hits over the years. Today, API Audio has announced the new API 3122V ($2,085.25), a two-channel version of the classic 312 preamp that fills the gap between four-channel 3124V and individual 500 Series modules.  Continue reading →

In early August, API introduced API Select, a series of six releases that combined technology purchased by the storied brand over the years with homegrown innovations. The API Select lineup includes the T12 Tube 2-Channel Mic Preamplifier, T25 2-Channel Tube Compressor, SR22 Dual-Channel Compressor, SR24 Dual Channel Equalizer, TranZformer GTR Pedal and TranZformer CMP Pedal. There's been lots of hype about all six releases, but the most fervor surrounds the T12 and T25. The T12 is a dual mic preamp with a tube-based circuit featuring 12AT7WC and 12BH7 tubes, in addition to proprietary API input transformers and custom transformers on the output stage. The T25 is a dual channel FET feedback-style comp/limiter with a Class-A tube output stage that packs a custom API transformer and the same dual-triode vacuum tubes as the T12. Continue reading →

API has announced the introduction of the API Select range, a new product lineup that breaks from the brand's classic mold. These fresh offerings incorporate unique technology that API has purchased through the decades with its own homegrown designs. "Over the years, we’ve acquired the technology and experience to engineer and produce audio products that don’t necessarily conform to API’s classic component structure or topography," API President Larry Droppa says. “API Select gives us the opportunity to offer gear that’s very high quality, but that’s different from API’s legendary line of classic products." Continue reading →

After many successful years producing the 527 compressor/limiter, API Audio is proud to announce the new 527A ($1135.25). The original 527 quickly gained a great reputation for its versatility, so API has built upon it by adding improvements to make it even more convenient to use. API retained the circuit of the former 527, so you’ll feel right at home...

API consoles hold a special place in recording lore. Countless classics bear the brand's sonic punch and color, including Fleetwood Mac's Rumours and Prince's Purple Rain. Universal Audio has just announced that it will be making the API console experience more widely available to a new generation of music makers via the LUNA API Vision Console Emulation Bundle ($699). In case you've missed out, Universal Audio's LUNA Recording System is a new platform for recording, mixing and mastering that integrates seamlessly with Apollo interfaces. There are loads of features that add to your workflow and improve speed, not to mention, it's free for Thunderbolt Mac users! Universal Audio has been dropping new extension bundles featuring emulations and virtual instruments and today's API announcement is one of the most exciting yet. Continue reading →

Heavy Melody Music is led by a team of composers and sound designers with long resumes in the worlds of film, TV and video games. Since its formation by Dave Fraser and Neil Goldberg in 1999, the company has worked with elite clients like Electronic Arts, 2K Games, Atari, NFL, Sony, Gillette and NBC. In addition to sound design, the brand's sister company, Heavyocity Media, makes award-winning virtual instruments.   Recently, Heavy Melody Music and Heavyocity Media moved into a new facility and found themselves with enough space to fit a large-format recording console. The group had previously worked with Vintage King Audio Consultant Jacob Schneider to install three API THE BOX consoles and wanted to scale up with something they were familiar with. Continue reading →

As Universal Audio continues to expand the LUNA Production System, the brand keeps finding ways to offer more analog sounds. The brand new LUNA Analog Essentials Bundles released today features a number of add-ons that are classics in the world of the recording studio, including API Summing. That's right, Universal Audio is packing the LUNA Analog Essentials Bundle with Neve Summing, Studer® A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder, Ampex® ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder, and API Summing. LUNA users will now be able to use these summing and tape extensions seamlessly within the production system and be able to take advantage of their analog sound on every channel. Continue reading →

API Audio has always been synonymous with large sounding American rock records that have lots of analog warmth. One of the key elements of that sound is the API 312 mic pre, which API has just announced is coming back to regular production in 2020. In celebration of API's 50th anniversary, the brand released a limited edition hand-wired version of the 312 in 2019. The new version of the famed preamp announced today is a standard production version that costs $795 and offers the same classic API sound in a 500 Series format. Continue reading →

It's rare a modern piece of gear comes along and quickly becomes a modern classic, but API Audio's 2500 stereo bus compressor has done just that. Since its release in 2002, engineers all over the world have relied on the 2500 for its impeccable stereo image, punchy bottom end, and signature warmth.Today, API Audio has announced they are upgrading this essential stereo bus compressor and adding a number of new features. The API 2500+ will feature an Expanded Threshold control (+20dv to -20dv) and the new Mix/Blend function that was added to the 50th Anniversary Edition of the 2500 released last year. Continue reading →