Api 550b vs 560 vs 5500 for dist. guitars

[Hal]

Which do you prefer for heavy guitars?

[kingsley]

550a !!!!!

[beau]

is this a what to buy thread? are you set on api? is it for tracking or mixing?

i love the api eqs.. i have 4 of the 550b's, however, the 2 db steps sometimes get on my nerves.. for electric guitars (i mainly do heavy electric guitars..), if im tracking, and i cant get it there with mics or a combo of mics... ill turn to the massive passive.. but like i said.. the only thing that bugs me about the api eqs is the 2db steps... if they werent stepped, they would get a lot more use from me.

peace

beau

[bgrotto]

I prefer the 550b; the two midrange bands are very handy. The stepped-gain thing is kind of a drag sometimes, but a lot of times (for me, at least) it's one of those limitations that makes me do a better job.

[heyman]

The 5500 will give you finer control over the settings.

[666666]

The 550A is "softer"... will round off the edges a bit. I'd choose a 550B or 5500 if you want maximum bite. Not sure about the 560, I have yet to hear one.

[bgrotto]

Originally Posted by 666666

The 550A is "softer"... will round off the edges a bit. I'd choose a 550B or 5500 if you want maximum bite. Not sure about the 560, I have yet to hear one.

The 560 is pretty kick-ass, but the fact that the frequencies are set in octaves means you're probably not gonna dial in right where you need to. I personally work a lot around 200-300 and 700-800Hz on electric guitars and there's no way to really get those kinds of tweaks on the 560. When I need a 500Hz cut, or a boost at 2k, 4k, or 8k, though, the 560 is rockin'.

[allencollins]

For short money the amek 9098's are great for dist electric.
The orginal isa 110's are the pinnacle of eq's for hard rock/metal.
The mids and highs are superb......

I love 512's for tracking but the api eq is limited and not
as big as some other stuff. Though I have a couple and I do like them

[syra]

There isn't that much difference between these 3 to worry about which one you should use...just pick one and go...

Edit: oh sorry...I thought you were comparing the A, B and 5500.

The 560 does sound different...good on bass and kicks but for gtrs I prefer the 550's...

[bgrotto]

Originally Posted by syra

There isn't that much difference between these 3 to worry about which one you should use...just pick one and go...

GASP!!! Heresy!!!

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by Hal

Which do you prefer for heavy guitars?

None of the above.

Actually the API EQ's are never a first choice EQ for anything for me.

Maybe for drum loops?

Not a very big fan of the "pokeymon" sound.

[superburtm]

550a for sure

[bgrotto]

Originally Posted by thethrillfactor

None of the above.

Actually the API EQ's are never a first choice EQ for anything for me.

Maybe for drum loops?

Not a very big fan of the "pokeymon" sound.

Man, really? I hear you on the "pokey" thing. Sometimes that works for me, though.

In any event, the high and low shelf on my 550b are friggin' great. Love em.

[666666]

Originally Posted by thethrillfactor

None of the above. Actually the API EQ's are never a first choice EQ for anything for me. Maybe for drum loops? Not a very big fan of the "pokeymon" sound.

pokeymon???

So then what eqs would you recommend to the OP that aren't "pokeymon"?

I often grab 1084s for heavy guitars, but I wouldn't hesitate for a second to grab a 550B... different animal of course, but just as good depending on the desired flavor.

I'm finding I'm using API eqs on almost everything now one way or another (sometimes alone, sometimes in conjuction with a second eq)... maybe just personal preference. Works real well though. I'm not sure what a "pokeymon" is, I'm guessing it isn't something good... but there is nothing I do not like about the 550B.

The 550A... love these too, but sometimes a bit too "soft" for me... I'm more often looking for things to jump out and bite... the 550A is great for taming things that might already be a bit too edgy... it's indeed a great sounding piece, just needs to be paired with the "correct" source / application.