API 5500 Anniversary Edition: Limited Edition with extra Features
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The API 5500 Anniversary Edition is a limited run of the famous 5500 Dual Equalizer that commemorates API’s 55th anniversary! Besides a 3U enclosure with a striking cream-coloured faceplate, the 5500 Anniversary Edition boasts additional features for even more versatility.
API 5500 Anniversary Edition
At first glance, you might not even recognize that the 5500 Anniversary Edition announced at NAMM 2024 is based on the popular 5500 Dual Equalizer. The big 3U rackmount device looks nothing like its compact 1U cousin. Not only is it much bigger – it’s also got a striking cream-colored finish (or “hospital beige”, if you prefer) that’s sure to become a real eye-catcher in your rack.
In contrast to the standard 5500, the Anniversary Edition features separate knobs for frequency selection and gain per band. Moreover, API has also added additional frequency options, so the limited edition offers more sonic flexibility than the standard 5500.
The low and low-mid bands both gain an additional option on the low side: 20 Hz for the lows and 50 Hz for the low mids. For the high mids and highs, the extra options are on the high side: 15 kHz and 40 kHz (!), respectively.
Furthermore, API has added a variable high pass filter per channel. With an adjustment range of 40 to 600 Hz, this should make quick work of any unwanted low-frequency content. According to API, the circuit is the same as in the input module of the AXS and Vision consoles.
Last, but not least (and perhaps most importantly), the API 5500 Anniversary Edition offers mid/side processing. This allows you to EQ the mid and side signals separately and take control of the stereo image. The two signals are then recombined at the output.
With so many new features, the API 5500 Anniversary Edition is much more than just a cream-colored 5500 in a 3U chassis. Maybe not a whole new EQ, but certainly a more versatile 5500 that gives you many options the standard version doesn’t have.
Price and availability
In line with the 55th anniversary theme, the 5500 Anniversary Edition is limited to just 55 units – so claim yours quickly if you want one! Contrary to what you might expect, it doesn’t cost $5500: The MSRP is $4500. As of now, we don’t know when it’ll begin to ship.
Meanwhile, you can get the standard 5500 from our partner Thomann*.
More information about the API 5500 Anniversary Edition
*This post contains affiliate links and/or widgets. When you buy a product via our affiliate partner, we receive a small commission that helps support what we do. Don’t worry, you pay the same price. Thanks for your support!
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