API AD2

[Jeraz]

Originally Posted by Hotso

Hi Folks,

Anyone using the API AD2 ?
Is it the same as the 3124 but with dig outs?
Does it sound the same?

Hotso

I have one. It's a wonderful piece of gear. I am no pro engineer, but I use if for my modest demo/songwriting "studio". I will tell you that I love the sound of the 312s (yes, they are the same); I love the tranny taps, combined with the digital gain controls (allowing me to get a more saturated sound when I want it), and I love the sound of the converters themselves (I have an RME FF800, and the A2Ds Converters seem somehow "smoother" in sound to my ears).

OK, I edited this post to add a link to an acoustic guitar sketch/experiment with a RODE K-2 and a Peluso CEMC6 used together through the API A2D, the digital outs, panned 100% L&R, NO FX:

Sloppy Acoustic Guitar Sketch Soundcheck

I hope this helps.

Oh, one thing, if you are planning on using the converters, you will need to use the A2D as the master, *OR*, have a superclock as the master. This is not a problem for me, since the RME has steadyclock, and can handle the A2D as the master with no problem. I run it S/PDIF, and that is how the above recording was made, with the A2Ds converters.

Best,

Mark

[gollumsluvslave]

Using it and loving it!

Highly recommended!

[Amorican]

Originally Posted by Jeraz

I have one. It's a wonderful piece of gear. I am no pro engineer, but I use if for my modest demo/songwriting "studio". I will tell you that I love the sound of the 312s (yes, they are the same); I love the tranny taps, combined with the digital gain controls (allowing me to get a more saturated sound when I want it), and I love the sound of the converters themselves (I have an RME FF800, and the A2Ds Converters seem somehow "smoother" in sound to my ears).

OK, I edited this post to add a link to an acoustic guitar sketch/experiment with a RODE K-2 and a Peluso CEMC6 used together through the API A2D, the digital outs, panned 100% L&R, NO FX:

Sloppy Acoustic Guitar Sketch Soundcheck

I hope this helps.

Oh, one thing, if you are planning on using the converters, you will need to use the A2D as the master, *OR*, have a superclock as the master. This is not a problem for me, since the RME has steadyclock, and can handle the A2D as the master with no problem. I run it S/PDIF, and that is how the above recording was made, with the A2Ds converters.

Best,

Mark

Do the Output controls work on the Analog outs as well as the Spdif ??
Thanks

[Jeraz]

Originally Posted by Amorican

Do the Output controls work on the Analog outs as well as the Spdif ??
Thanks

NO! But you can use both of the sets of outputs at the same time, AND, there is a insert BEFORE the converters on each channel, so that you can go out the pre, through an API EQ :drool:, and back in before the converters. OR...run another preamp through the great A/Ds.

[Amorican]

Originally Posted by Jeraz

NO! But you can use both of the sets of outputs at the same time, AND, there is a insert BEFORE the converters on each channel, so that you can go out the pre, through an API EQ :drool:, and back in before the converters. OR...run another preamp through the great A/Ds.

So is it considered a 4 channel?

[Jeraz]

Originally Posted by Amorican

So is it considered a 4 channel?

No...there are only TWO preamps doing the work, but I have recorded into the two preamps, while simultaneously OUTPUTTING to FOUR DAW tracks, thus able to compare the RME converters with the A2Ds and choose which I like best for a particular track.

[Hotso]

Thanks for that guys!!
You're the men!

Hotso

[BlueRadio]

I highly recommend the A2D. I have had nothing but good experience with mine.

If you use the transformer 2:1 tap, coupled with the attenuation of the digital level, you can get a f---ing mean drum sound going.

I've been driving my r84 really hard through it as well. It adds goo. Goooo.

[iziphonics]

+1 Great piece thumbsup

[StringMike]

Yup!

Gets a thumbsup from me too...!
Both the converters and the pre's. And don't forget, you get a (2) very good instrument line-in as well.

[darkman2]

seems the a2d is becoming the most talk about piece of equipment..

and its all positive.. i love mine ....

[Tom Hakala]

how much did you guys have to pay for it?

[TonyBelmont]

Originally Posted by Tom Hakala

how much did you guys have pay for it?

The street price is $1695.

[Future One]

Originally Posted by BlueRadio

I highly recommend the A2D. I have had nothing but good experience with mine.

If you use the transformer 2:1 tap, coupled with the attenuation of the digital level, you can get a f---ing mean drum sound going.

I've been driving my r84 really hard through it as well. It adds goo. Goooo.

So to get some nice saturation you have to attenuate your line level signal in go in the mic inputs or do the line level inputs go through the 2520 op amps?

I'm looking at getting an A2D to some API saturation to add some life to sounds from my synths and DAW.

[Future One]

Originally Posted by Future One

So to get some nice saturation you have to attenuate your line level signal in go in the mic inputs or do the line level inputs go through the 2520 op amps?

I'm looking at getting an A2D to some API saturation to add some life to sounds from my synths and DAW.

From what I gather the line level inputs bypass the op amps...

"To access converters separately, a ¼-inch line input connector offers a direct insert into the digital section"

API A2D microphone preamp and A to D converter Review in Mix magazine product review of the API A2D microphone preamp and Analog to Digital converter

[gregohb]

+1 for a2d

the 2:1 button is a bit unique and it works like a master volume on a guitar amp, which allows you to crank the preamp.

[Delta Heavy]

fantastic, and superb value for money

[bobbybland]

Loving mine.

[abajakian]

i love mine too!!!!!!!

sounds awesome!

[newlyformedmind]

Yep. I own one and it kicks ass

[spitfire8898]

Same as above posts- own one and love it. There's a reason these are hard to find in the classifieds...

[KEYBEEETSSS]

Same here...Converters are Nicse...Of course we know what the pres can do for a Gearslutz

[duvalle]

nothing but love for the a2d!!

[KEYBEEETSSS]

Weird thing is as good as these units are, Not to mention the fact its API, ppl never bid on them on ebay...its always just 1 bidder...I was tooo excited when I got mine BRAND NEW in the box with the Superclock upgrade for only $1,400 being the only bidder; then i get another 1 for only $1,000...thatz crazi to me but heyyy...not complaining...

[spitfire8898]

Damn man! both on ebay? Those are killer deals

[KEYBEEETSSS]

Originally Posted by spitfire8898

Damn man! both on ebay? Those are killer deals

Both!!! I actually just look em up on ebay now just to see what they're goin for & how many ppl AREN'T bidding on them...Heck i could become a reseller of em @ that rate...

[redfivestudio]

good piece of gear.

SonicKitchen - Cooking Delicious Music Since 1999

[u b k]

Originally Posted by Future One

From what I gather the line level inputs bypass the op amps...

"To access converters separately, a ¼-inch line input connector offers a direct insert into the digital section"

not quite. the *insert* bypasses the 2520's and go straight to the converters. the line inputs hit all the circuitry.

i can't stand what the line inputs do to program material, bright and edgy. i love what the line inputs do for gts, keys, etc., thick and lovely.


gregoire
del
ubk
.

[Unknown soldier]

I'll be the one naysayer here - I liked the pre's, however the conversion and it's sound eventually grew tiresome to me. Just a little to bright for my tastes. And at 44.1 I found it to be a little harsh sounding, and only at 88.1 was it smooth enough to make me happy, sort of...ended up selling it to go with better conversion (which I'm currently on the hunt for)



But that's my opinion.....now back to the suck jobs......