API 325 conversion to mic pre? Whaddya think?

Puget Sounds · 18th December 2008

Hi y'all! First time poster here. Glad to finally be a part of this website I've checked out for so long.

I'm considering buying a nicely built, 4-channel mic pre with converted API 325's. The tech who built this rack did a top-notch job and this unit comes recommended.

My question is, simply, how will these sound? Close to 312's? I'm assuming close, but different "flavor". I have a lot of experience with the API stuff, just not with this particular set-up.

Any comments or suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

rsolinski · 18th December 2008

The 325 is the same circuit as the 312 (REALLY simple. You could build one of these on a piece of ratshack breadboard in about 10 minutes)...without an input transformer and with the gain staging around the opamp optimized for line level...You can convert these to mic pres with a few very simple steps unless you need the pinout on the card to be the same as the 312...racked by themselves this is irrelevant. The "flavor" comes from the transformers and opamp..If you use a 2520 and an original 2262 input transformer then you have a 312. Personally I like something a little better on the front end like a Lundahl or Cinemag input transformer. I have 6 of these racked up with various combinations of opamps and transformers from original to highly modified...they are SWEET

Ray

Puget Sounds · 19th December 2008

Ray, what can I say? Friggin' awesome encouragement. I was gettin' butterflies as I read your reply 'cause I bought them today and can't wait to hear them behind the plethora of mics I've purchased lately. Thanks so much for a kick ass reply and I mucho appreciate it!

Eli Montoya,
Puget Sounds Studio

18th December 2008	#1
Puget Sounds Gear Head Joined: Nov 2008 Location: Northern Puget Sound, WA Posts: 73 Thread Starter	API 325 conversion to mic pre? Whaddya think? Hi y'all! First time poster here. Glad to finally be a part of this website I've checked out for so long. I'm considering buying a nicely built, 4-channel mic pre with converted API 325's. The tech who built this rack did a top-notch job and this unit comes recommended. My question is, simply, how will these sound? Close to 312's? I'm assuming close, but different "flavor". I have a lot of experience with the API stuff, just not with this particular set-up. Any comments or suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

18th December 2008	#2
rsolinski Gear nut Joined: Jan 2004 Location: Cincinnati Posts: 99	The 325 is the same circuit as the 312 (REALLY simple. You could build one of these on a piece of ratshack breadboard in about 10 minutes)...without an input transformer and with the gain staging around the opamp optimized for line level...You can convert these to mic pres with a few very simple steps unless you need the pinout on the card to be the same as the 312...racked by themselves this is irrelevant. The "flavor" comes from the transformers and opamp..If you use a 2520 and an original 2262 input transformer then you have a 312. Personally I like something a little better on the front end like a Lundahl or Cinemag input transformer. I have 6 of these racked up with various combinations of opamps and transformers from original to highly modified...they are SWEET Ray __________________ What else floats? Breakfast cereal....gravy...very small rocks

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19th December 2008	#3
Puget Sounds Gear Head Joined: Nov 2008 Location: Northern Puget Sound, WA Posts: 73 Thread Starter	Ray, what can I say? Friggin' awesome encouragement. I was gettin' butterflies as I read your reply 'cause I bought them today and can't wait to hear them behind the plethora of mics I've purchased lately. Thanks so much for a kick ass reply and I mucho appreciate it! Eli Montoya, Puget Sounds Studio