API 500 Series Rackmount

soundtrack2life · 21st February 2005

I am thinking of adding the 500 series rack to my set up. Other than the the API Pres I am after how do the other goodies eq, compressor rank as "High End"? I like the fact that this method of adding to my rack is #1 affordable #2 kind of like pay as you go and not depleting my bank account all at one shot.
Joe

chetatkinsdiet · 21st February 2005

The API eq's are great. As good in every way as the pres. Also their compressors are nice as well. You also have to factor in the OSA pres and soon to be released compressors and the Brent Averill stuff too. And even some of the older Audix stuff is 500 compatible, but a little harder to find sometimes.
The API 560b eq on kick, snare and gtr cab....amazing.
later,
m

soundtrack2life · 21st February 2005

chetatkinsdiet, Thats the other reason I am considering the 500 series rack I have other audio mfg units as well that will intergrate in to it.
Joe

beechstudio · 21st February 2005

Thats the most cost effective way to get high end Pres and Eq's! I was in the same boat a couple years ago contemplating what pre I wanted to go with. I bought the Brent Averill rack and a pair of his 312 pres and never looked back! I've since added the API 550s......man I loving it.! It ROCKS!

Jim Roberts · 21st February 2005

Absolutely....550s and 560s......Way to go!

I have the 10 space rack with 6 x 512, 2 x 550, 2 x 560. Absolutely my favorite recording tool.

soundtrack2life · 10th March 2005

Upon futher searching the OSA 11 space rack mount is the cheapest of them all with a PSU & 48 v included & has one more slot than the API unit. Anyone using this rack? And in general for me to start out I am considering 2 X OSA MP1-C's & 2 X OSA MP1-L3's and then later on filling the blanks with BA, API . . . etc. I really like the "modular" approach to this.
TIA
Joe

Jack Pettit · 10th March 2005

I have a 6 space lunchbox with 2 512's 2 550b's and 2 525 comp/limit's
I love this thing, it's good for lots of chores.
Plug in a LDC for fat vocals.
I love 2 KM184'S in XY at the 12th fret for acoustic.
Plug in a bass to the hiZ, all lot's of fun.
The Pre, Eq, Comp/Limit work well together.

not_so_new · 10th March 2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by soundtrack2life

Upon futher searching the OSA 11 space rack mount is the cheapest of them all with a PSU & 48 v included & has one more slot than the API unit. Anyone using this rack? And in general for me to start out I am considering 2 X OSA MP1-C's & 2 X OSA MP1-L3's and then later on filling the blanks with BA, API . . . etc. I really like the "modular" approach to this.
TIA
Joe

Lots of people around these parts really seem to like the OSA rack and pres. Yes they seem pretty cool. So much so that after doing a bunch of research that is the direction I am going in myself.

grevan · 10th March 2005

I have an OSA lunchbox with mp1 - c's in it, they sound great. As many before have said, not an API, but good in their own right. And you can add some 512's down the road. Can't beat them for the money, imho, if you want the 500 format.

soundtrack2life · 10th March 2005

I made up my mind and the OSA pres will be my next move into the "High End" realm. Thanks for the replies.
Joe

not_so_new · 10th March 2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by grevan

I have an OSA lunchbox with mp1 - c's in it, they sound great. As many before have said, not an API, but good in their own right.

Not API?? I have heard many people say they are very close to a 512? Have you tried a mp1-c side by side with the real deal?

I would be interested in hearing from someone who has done a side by side test.

NathanEldred · 10th March 2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by not_so_new

Not API?? I have heard many people say they are very close to a 512? Have you tried a mp1-c side by side with the real deal?

I would be interested in hearing from someone who has done a side by side test.

The top frequencies are different enough on the MP1-C to make it different from an API, although the lows and mids are very close. Cloning is not the goal, hasn't been for at least 3 years. What I've noticed on the API is that the sound is more 'back' and subdued. Put a single mono mic on a drum kit and record both an API and a C and compare. The API snare sounds like it's about 10 feet further away than the OSA, which on the OSA it's more immediate and in your face (more reach). Not a subtle difference there IMO. Other than that they are relatively interchangeable, it just depends on what you are going for.

21st February 2005	#4
beechstudio Lives for gear Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,104	Thats the most cost effective way to get high end Pres and Eq's! I was in the same boat a couple years ago contemplating what pre I wanted to go with. I bought the Brent Averill rack and a pair of his 312 pres and never looked back! I've since added the API 550s......man I loving it.! It ROCKS! __________________ Rick Chaffin http://www.myspace.com/beechstudio

10th March 2005	#7
Jack Pettit Gear addict Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Reno Nevada Posts: 385	I have a 6 space lunchbox with 2 512's 2 550b's and 2 525 comp/limit's I love this thing, it's good for lots of chores. Plug in a LDC for fat vocals. I love 2 KM184'S in XY at the 12th fret for acoustic. Plug in a bass to the hiZ, all lot's of fun. The Pre, Eq, Comp/Limit work well together. __________________ Jack P

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21st February 2005	#1
soundtrack2life Gear nut Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 127 Thread Starter	API 500 Series Rackmount I am thinking of adding the 500 series rack to my set up. Other than the the API Pres I am after how do the other goodies eq, compressor rank as "High End"? I like the fact that this method of adding to my rack is #1 affordable #2 kind of like pay as you go and not depleting my bank account all at one shot. Joe

21st February 2005	#2
chetatkinsdiet Lives for gear Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,493	The API eq's are great. As good in every way as the pres. Also their compressors are nice as well. You also have to factor in the OSA pres and soon to be released compressors and the Brent Averill stuff too. And even some of the older Audix stuff is 500 compatible, but a little harder to find sometimes. The API 560b eq on kick, snare and gtr cab....amazing. later, m

21st February 2005	#5
Jim Roberts Gear maniac Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Somers, NY, USA Posts: 265	Absolutely....550s and 560s......Way to go! I have the 10 space rack with 6 x 512, 2 x 550, 2 x 560. Absolutely my favorite recording tool.

10th March 2005	#9
grevan Gear nut Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 146	I have an OSA lunchbox with mp1 - c's in it, they sound great. As many before have said, not an API, but good in their own right. And you can add some 512's down the road. Can't beat them for the money, imho, if you want the 500 format.