API celebrates its 50th anniversary with limited 862 channel strip and 2500 bus compressor
5,0 / 5,0 | 
862 50th Anniversary channel strip · Source: API
2500 50th Anniversary bus compressor · Source: API
2019 marks 50 years of API’s remarkable presence in the pro audio world. To celebrate, the American powerhouse has launched two 50th Anniversary Edition units – the 862 channel strip and the 2500 dual-mode stereo bus compressor. Both sport gold faceplates and are limited to a 50 unit production run, making them collectors’ items for the truest of true studio hounds.
API 862 50th Anniversary Edition
In API’s own words, the 862 combines the 550A Anniversary Edition EQ and the 312 Anniversary Edition mic preamp in a single rack unit. The original 500-series circuits are integrated exactly as designed by API founder Saul Walker. The mic preamp has 35dB of adjustable input gain, which is little in itself but it’s nothing a good boost in front won’t resolve. There’s a polarity switch, 48V phantom power, and a -20dB pad switch. The EQ has 3 bands in discrete steps with 5 frequencies per band, high and low shelf/peak selection switches, and a switchable band pass filter toggle. A vintage-style analog VU meter and peak LEDs complete the front surface.
Price: USD 3600 | Visit product page
2500 – 50th Anniversary Edition
API’s flagship compressor has been upgraded with a new mix/blend circuit, LED gain reduction meters, and premium VU meters. It also features an over-threshold LED (for when input audio crosses the set threshold), API’s patented THRUST filter for frequency-dependent side chain control, 3 selectable KNEE settings, feed-forward and feed-back operating modes, preset or variable release time control, automatic or manual make-up gain, and variable L/R link.
Price: USD 4500 | Visit product page
Both units are now shipping. They are hand-wired and individually serialized, which makes them legitimate pieces of recording history. Who’s ordering one?
This might also interest you
