items flooding Ebay

[63 Jaguar]

I'm getting ready to upgrade preamps and am considering the API 3124.
I see them on Ebay ALL the time.
So then I'm wondering, does that mean that API's marketing is GREAT and their product isn't really so desirable once the engineer gets it home ? So why are their so many out there ? Why would you ever sell a preamp that totally kicks ass ?

I'm thinking that all the gear that I have that does it's job well, I wouldn't sell. So, why are all of these API 3124 units floating around out there ?

And whatever the answer is, does that apply to other popular gear that we see in high numbers for sale on Ebay ?

discuss,,,

I am NOT talking about the relative quality of this unit in specific, I haven't brought one to the studio or used one yet, so I can't comment on that. I mean; there is something you want on Ebay, and then you notice there are like , a million of them on Ebay,,, it makes you wonder !!

thanks to all you GearSlutz,
Thaddeus Corea
Jaguar Recording Studio

[Doublehelix]

Funny you should mention this, because this is how I look at things too. If there are boatloads of them (used) on Ebay, it makes you wonder why everybody is getting out of them.

That being said, I find it difficult at times to find good used API 512 modules on Ebay.

FWIW, I had the API 3124+ and returned it for four 512c's in a lunchbox for the flexibility, not for the sound. The 3124 was great!

API rocks, that is all I can say. Now that I have them, I can't imagine tracking drums without them!

[Jamz]

Do not have a definitive explanation. However, since the 3124s came into production the same money can now purchase a channel strip. As demands change people trade in or sell to purchase something that better meets their immediate needs.

As far as the API and Ebay I think it's imortant to note how well they hold their value. Regardless of Ebay the 3124 is a great piece. I use them all of the time and I own a 10 space rack with API modules. If you need mic pres you can't go wrong with API mic pres.

[max cooper]

I always see 3124's for sale with some note about how it was purchased to complete a project and now that the projects done, they're gonna sell it. I think they're trying to get out of it before it shows up on another credit card bill. But, yeah, it seems weird to me too.

I'm always looking for good deals on 512c's and I notice that the used ones are always WAY too close in price to the street price of a new one. If I'm only gonna save $75 I'm gonna have one that's new in the box.

Problem is that someone will always be happy to save $75 which keeps the used prices up.

[jdunn]

It's not just API. On any given day you can find Crane Song, tons of Distressors, Mytek converters, etc... I think this whole digital recording craze has gotten bigger than we thought. People are over spending and then losing interest, or they're on this quest for the perfect preamp, etc... "But, which one will make my music better?" "None, you suck."

API 3124 rocks on kick and toms, I know that for sure.

[MJGreene Audio]

It's not just API. On any given day you can find Crane Song, tons of Distressors, Mytek converters, etc... I think this whole digital recording craze has gotten bigger than we thought. People are over spending and then losing interest, or they're on this quest for the perfect preamp, etc... "But, which one will make my music better?" "None, you suck."

API 3124 rocks on kick and toms, I know that for sure

That is exactly how I look at it. Every enthusiast is encouraged to buy the best but at the end of the day when the baby comes or school calls then out they go.

Bad for them. Good for us.

Michael Greene

[zboy2854]

And just wait until the economy really goes in the pooper, my guess somewhere 'round mid '06. Then you'll be seeing all kinds of stuff, not just gear, going for firesale prices. Save your pennies and be ready...

And yeah, I couldn't agree more about those people for whom it's all about gear acquisition rather than actually learning how to use it or advance their craft. tutt

[cdog]

I dont think it means anything other than there are LOTS of 3124s out there which is probably a testament to the units poularity.

[Kenny Gioia]

After looking thru the completed sales on Ebay of the 3124, I can honestly say that I paid less for my new one in March.

Sorry, I can't say where I bought mine. Fletcher might beat me up.

And I'm keeping mine. Even though they seem to be going up.

And all the other brands that were mentioned were no more than a couple hundred less than new. When pro audio goes for half of what you've paid, than you know it was purchased at Banjo Center.

[NL5]

Yep, I "bought" one of those 3124's that have been on eBay lately. Before you do, I would read this thread -

http://gearslutz.com/board/showthrea...t=38200&page=4

a lot less 3124's have sold than it looked like........

[chrisrulesmore]

Originally Posted by jdunn

It's not just API. On any given day you can find Crane Song, tons of Distressors, Mytek converters, etc... I think this whole digital recording craze has gotten bigger than we thought. People are over spending and then losing interest, or they're on this quest for the perfect preamp, etc... "But, which one will make my music better?" "None, you suck."

API 3124 rocks on kick and toms, I know that for sure.

I have to disagree here somewhat as I check ebay almost daily and definitely notice certain pieces of gear in abundance with others rarely showing up. Any search for Universal Audio will yield tons of 6176's and 610's, and as a former owner of an LA-610, I can't say I'm surprised! On the other hand, I have seen maybe 2 Great River or Chandler pieces up for grabs in the past 6 months. Ultimately, I ended up buying my Rosetta 200 new for $1550, because the old Apogee PSX-100 AD/DA were almost as expensive--talk about holding value! Certainly, there are a lot of people that purchase gear looking for the "ultimate-make-every-recording-sound-perfect box", but I do think the used market has always been a good barometer for the quality of gear in question.

-Chris

[nukmusic]

on that note. I was wondering if the sound was difference between the API3124 and the 3124mb+. Doesn't one have transformer outputs??

[Jamz]

From API's website:

"The model 3124+ utilizes the same microphone preamp circuit that is used in all API consoles. It uses the RE-115 K mic input transformer and the same output transformer that is used in all API equalizers. All four mic inputs of the 3124+ and the 3124M+ are powered by an internal 48 volt phantom power supply, front panel switchable for each channel. Also provided is a front panel 20 dB pad switch that effects both the Mic and Line in.
The model 3124+ can provide up to 65 dB of gain to an output clip level of +30 dBm. The Hi-Z front panel input goes directly to the op-amp, allowing a low level input such as a guitar or bass to be amplified without a matching transformer or direct box. This Hi-Z input can take input levels as high as +22, making it perfect for keyboards and other high level devices. The rear output is an XLR connector.
The model 3124M+ is a 3124+ with the addition of a complete stereo mixer. In conjunction with the gain control of the 3124+, the 3124M+ adds a stereo panner with a level control, and a post "fader" aux send. The stereo panners and the aux sends are bussed to master output controls and then to the rear panel jacks. A stereo AUX return is provided to return effects or cascade additional mixers for more inputs. The unique aux return pot acts like a panner to balance the left/right signal, yet staying stereo. It can also be used as a mono return. A standard 3124+ can be further expanded to an "m" at the factory. Several options for the "M" include a discrete unbalanced stereo output or a discrete balanced stereo output."

[audioez]

I bought this 3124 for $1725 on ebay...
I see 3124+ for sale all the time as well; there's a difference some might say.

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