Which 8 API eq's to pick for a 500VPR?

PTP · 27th September 2011

I’ve got some questions about the eq’s in the 500-series. I’ve already decided to buy the 500-VPR rack and at least 8 API eq’s. However, I’m not sure which eq to choose and perhaps some of you could shine some light on it. I've searched the internet and this forum a lot and I think I've read all threads regarding the api eq's but most are comparing older handwired 550a's to the newer ones. I understand that this design difference creates a difference in sound as well. However I'm mostly interested in the current designs because the older ones are hard to find where I live and the Saul Walker versions are a lot more expensive.

First, let me explain my setup:
I have an Aurora 16 ad/da which routes my signal to a SSL X-Desk summing mixer. I have a lot of outboard dynamics so I’ve got my grounds covered there but all of my eq’ing is done ITB (I use Waves Studio Classics and Platinum). This is what I would like to change. I would like to add 8 eq’s to the first 8 ch. of my X-Desk where my most important tracks are routed:

Bass
Kick
Snare
Lead Vocals
Electric Guitar
Electric Guitar
Ac. Guitar
Ac. Guitar

On track 4-8 I’m pretty sure I want 550a’s, but would it be better to pick some different eq’s (like 550b’s or 560’s) for track 1-3 for better control? I was thinking ch 1-2 560, ch 3 550b. Or do 550a’s sound remarkely better than 550b’s/560's? Most people seem to prefer the 550a (current reissue), saying it sounds bigger and warmer and the 550b being cleaner. The fact that API still produces a 3 band eq while they also have a 4 band eq makes me assume that there should be a sonic advantage in the 550a over the 550b. If so, what in the design makes this difference, since they both use pcb mounted pots and 2520 opamps? Is there a difference in the q bandwith and/or transformers? I can't find an answer to this question.

I want to use the eq’s for both tracking and mixing. Later on I could add another X-Desk and 500 rack with eq’s. And I could be growing to add an empty 1608 in the future, pulling the modules out of my rack and putting them into the 1608. I Could still use both of the X-Desks as extra inputs to the 1608 during mixdown. This way I could slowly grow into a fully loaded 1608.

So basically I would like to know where do You think the different eq’s really shine (550a, 550b, 560) and what would be your advice for me to pick, given my setup? I will test them before I buy but I’m still interested in your opinion so I can make up my mind in what configuration to test.

Thanks!

seaneldon · 27th September 2011

I'm a 550A guy...I like having the filters and rarely need 4 bands. That's not to say I'd poo-poo anyone for having 550B's, but for my purposes...

Get a couple 560's for kick and snare. Purple "TAV" for something a little smoother and more of a compliment to the API's, actually.

Buy stuff. Try stuff. Send back what you don't like. Keep what you do. Live'n'learn...

Rob Murray · 27th September 2011

Kick and Snare I like the 560's, Bass too, though I could go either way, a B would be quite useful too. Vocals, I might take the B just to have the extra band, and also because you're already looking at 4 550a's...

Long story short you can't go wrong. Might be nice to have at least 2 of each, so when you're tracking you have your pick of the litter depending on sound/mood. and then on mix you're still solid.

dandeurloo · 27th September 2011

560's are sweet. Very very flexible and quick and easy to use. A pair of those will do well for a lot of things. I also like the 550a's over the b's. They sound a little sweeter. The other thing to consider would be a pair of the "missing links" from Classic API. I think you would find that a pair of those will get used more then any of the others.

As far as where they shine. They are all great so they shine on any thing you have listed. The only real down side to API eq's the 2 db steps which sometimes are to much. But that is why the 560's are great to have around.

HudHudson · 27th September 2011

I keep a pair of 550As, a 550B and a 560 in my Lunchbox; double that and you should be covered.

PTP · 27th September 2011

Okay, thanks guys. I guess I'm pretty much on track then. Still no clue about what makes the difference between the a and b, though...(besides the different eq points).

rogerbrain · 27th September 2011

I don't have any API eq's ..( I do have 525 527 and 512 )

not saying these are better.. but you should look at the Purple Audio ODD and TAV and the Harrison EQ32 ..( I do have the Odd and EQ32 and a few rack mount EQ's ) they are pretty dang good.... maybe you have tried them and eliminated them from the want list .. that was 2 cents worth

thanks

PTP · 27th September 2011

Well, with the description of sound taken in consideration, API seems to be my thing. I already have a couple of 3124's and i like those in sound and build quality. I'm not excluding anything in the future, but for now I think I'll stick to API. But thanks anyway!

drBill · 27th September 2011

To fill 8 slots :

(4) 550A's
(2) 560's
(2) 550B's

TimS · 27th September 2011

I don't want to speak out of turn or announce anything before he's ready to announce it himself, but Jeff at Classic API has some really cool things he's working on. He couldn't give me a timeline, but if you aren't in a hurry you might want to wait and see what he comes out with.

RickSample · 27th September 2011

Are you saying that Classic API is coming out with eq's?!!

TimS · 27th September 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickSample

Are you saying that Classic API is coming out with eq's?!!

He is working on them, yes. I'd heard rumors so I emailed Jeff and he was nice enough to share some of the details with me. I'm not sure if I should post them here or not, though. On the one hand, I have absolutely no connection with him, and in fact had not even talked with him before, so if he was willing to tell me about them then they obviously aren't a secret. On the other hand, I don't want to step on anybody's toes or make a public announcement about something that's still a work in progress, so I would say the best thing to do would be to email Jeff yourself and see what he says.

I will say, however, that Jeff was very friendly and willing to answer questions from a guy he doesn't know about products that he isn't even selling yet. And the stuff he's working on sounds VERY cool. I'm not a CAPI customer yet, but between the quality/price ratio of the stuff he sells and his customer service, I'm very much looking forward to dealing with him in the future.

PTP · 27th September 2011

Sounds very interesting, however these products are probably not easy to obtain in the Netherlands where I live.

robertshaw · 27th September 2011

API 554 is one of the best

Retinal · 27th September 2011

I'm probably gonna give an unpopular reply to this but I actually prefer
the 550B to 550A.. kill me (the same I prefer the 1084 over the 1073 because of the eq..)
I mean, this is splitting the hair of course,
I'd take an A or B over ANY other eq, just to make it clear.

However, they sound very similar, especially the new ones, and again,
i prefer the B, it's tougher, punchier and a tad more aggressive, but these are all sudh small differences, the main point IS the 4th band.
At least for my methods B is so much more versatile and fun

I'd go 2 As, 2 560s, 4Bs which is actually very similar to what I have
and usually it looks like this:

Bass - 550B
Kick - 560
Snare - 550B
Lead Vocals - 550A
Electric Guitar - 550B
Electric Guitar - 550B
Ac. Guitar - 550A
Ac. Guitar - 560

Optionally the stereo bus of El GTR can get the 550A instead,
but usually not if we're talking about heavy ones.

Whatever you pick, is API, can't get better than that

Trev@Circle · 27th September 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by PTP

Well, with the description of sound taken in consideration, API seems to be my thing.

Hmm...

I can't think of any way of saying this without coming across aggressively. It's not intended. You really cant use someone else's description of how something else sounds to make any kind of informed judgement on this stuff. Other people's reference points and choices of words will be very different from yours based on their own subjective experience. Since I bought my console (a 1608 and extender without eqs fitted) I've tried almost a dozen different 500 series eqs at this point (and am still trying them!) and all I can say is the ones I expected to like (and indeed really wanted to like) didn't really do it for me. As Sean says, unless your pimp will give you loaners, really the only way is to buy a few, try a few and sell a few. The only thing I guarantee is that you'll be much happier with the ultimate result! Good luck!

DaVogi · 27th September 2011

I'm with Retinal, I'll take B over A because of the flexibility.... so if you have the Waves-Version you could easily test for yourself if the choices the A-Model gives are enough for your needs... cause a tad more mojo doesn't is worth a penny if the eq you want to use doesn't have the right frequency points for your work...

PTP · 27th September 2011

Hey Retinal,

Thanks a lot for your insight. I think I'll test a setup with two of each and whichever eq I like best I'll order two more of those.

PTP · 27th September 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trev@Circle

Hmm...

I can't think of any way of saying this without coming across aggressively. It's not intended. You really cant use someone else's description of how something else sounds to make any kind of informed judgement on this stuff. Other people's reference points and choices of words will be very different from yours based on their own subjective experience. Since I bought my console (a 1608 and extender without eqs fitted) I've tried almost a dozen different 500 series eqs at this point (and am still trying them!) and all I can say is the ones I expected to like (and indeed really wanted to like) didn't really do it for me. As Sean says, unless your pimp will give you loaners, really the only way is to buy a few, try a few and sell a few. The only thing I guarantee is that you'll be much happier with the ultimate result! Good luck!

Thanks, English is not my first language. I didn't meant that I'm buying stuff based on someones description of sound. I meant that I like API products that I own in general (3124/2500). I probably should have chosen different words, sorry!

RickSample · 27th September 2011

Thanks TimS, good info...

rob S · 28th September 2011

Whats most important, sonics or flexibilty?
I like the old 560 and APSI graphic far more than the current 560.
They have a weight to them them that doesnt seem apparent in the newer production 560.
I also prefer 550A's over 550B's sonically.
Never been able to intellectualize what that reason is.
But its happened enough times that i believe it.
Mind you,
i like a 550B just fine but we are here to split hairs.
I also really like old 550's (no A). They have a slightly different sound to them.
There are also less frqs on the top and bottom bands so those if you that are already feeling constrained from the 3 band will feel it that much more.
Not a fan of the 554.
Do like the fixed freq 553.

**TonyBelmont** · 28th September 2011

I would probably get all 550A's (and A's... not A-1's)... But, it's nice to have a pair of the 560's for certain instruments. Maybe 6 x 550A's and 2 x 560's.

johnnyc · 29th September 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by drBill

To fill 8 slots :

(4) 550A's
(2) 560's
(2) 550B's

This would be ideal for 8 channels imo.

Or just get 2 of each to start, then buy 2 more of your favs.

pan60 · 13th January 2012

i love my API 550A's!

i don't think it would hurt to have some 550B's or even some other EQs.
personally i would make sure you had at least one A-Designs EM-PEQ ( unless you already have that covered ), that is a awesome EQ by ANY standard in my humble opinion.

KevinNYC · 13th January 2012

While no one in their right minds would turn their nose up at a rack full of API eqs there's so many other flavors i also like in the format. Someone mentioned the Harriso Great River G32s.....also, the Chandler Little Devils and the electrodynes are all killer. Spread the love!

scott petito · 13th January 2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by drBill

To fill 8 slots :

(4) 550A's
(2) 560's
(2) 550B's

yup thats the ticket

cheers

SP

RedWallStudio · 14th January 2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by drBill

To fill 8 slots :

(4) 550A's
(2) 560's
(2) 550B's

Yup. I've actually got 4 560's and 4 550B's and am thinking of replacing with a couple of A's myself.

pan60 · 14th January 2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedWallStudio

Yup. I've actually got 4 560's and 4 550B's and am thinking of replacing with a couple of A's myself.

i need to grab a couple 560's some day when the wife is not looking: )~

RedWallStudio · 14th January 2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by pan60

i need to grab a couple 560's some day when the wife is not looking: )~

Man, she's always looking.

Swansonic · 14th January 2012

my first API eqs were the 560s and I really really like them on drums and also on guitars.

My next API eq I purchased was the 5500 and if it wasn't for the "range" switch I most likely would have sent it back. 2db steps are huge. I like the 5500 on guitar buss.

I see rave reviews everywhere about the 550A's and some day I will have to try them but those 2db steps seem to make me look else where so I have a few EQ32 for more flexibility when needed.

I don't buy "vintage gear" so I'm only talking about brand new units here.
As a side note I have all the heavy hitters regarding API compression at my place and absolutely love' m.

Just thought I'd point out the usefulness of the "range" switch on the 5500 if you are talking about "new" units.

27th September 2011	#1
PTP Gear Head Joined: Aug 2011 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 38 Thread Starter	Which 8 API eq's to pick for a 500VPR? I’ve got some questions about the eq’s in the 500-series. I’ve already decided to buy the 500-VPR rack and at least 8 API eq’s. However, I’m not sure which eq to choose and perhaps some of you could shine some light on it. I've searched the internet and this forum a lot and I think I've read all threads regarding the api eq's but most are comparing older handwired 550a's to the newer ones. I understand that this design difference creates a difference in sound as well. However I'm mostly interested in the current designs because the older ones are hard to find where I live and the Saul Walker versions are a lot more expensive. First, let me explain my setup: I have an Aurora 16 ad/da which routes my signal to a SSL X-Desk summing mixer. I have a lot of outboard dynamics so I’ve got my grounds covered there but all of my eq’ing is done ITB (I use Waves Studio Classics and Platinum). This is what I would like to change. I would like to add 8 eq’s to the first 8 ch. of my X-Desk where my most important tracks are routed: Bass Kick Snare Lead Vocals Electric Guitar Electric Guitar Ac. Guitar Ac. Guitar On track 4-8 I’m pretty sure I want 550a’s, but would it be better to pick some different eq’s (like 550b’s or 560’s) for track 1-3 for better control? I was thinking ch 1-2 560, ch 3 550b. Or do 550a’s sound remarkely better than 550b’s/560's? Most people seem to prefer the 550a (current reissue), saying it sounds bigger and warmer and the 550b being cleaner. The fact that API still produces a 3 band eq while they also have a 4 band eq makes me assume that there should be a sonic advantage in the 550a over the 550b. If so, what in the design makes this difference, since they both use pcb mounted pots and 2520 opamps? Is there a difference in the q bandwith and/or transformers? I can't find an answer to this question. I want to use the eq’s for both tracking and mixing. Later on I could add another X-Desk and 500 rack with eq’s. And I could be growing to add an empty 1608 in the future, pulling the modules out of my rack and putting them into the 1608. I Could still use both of the X-Desks as extra inputs to the 1608 during mixdown. This way I could slowly grow into a fully loaded 1608. So basically I would like to know where do You think the different eq’s really shine (550a, 550b, 560) and what would be your advice for me to pick, given my setup? I will test them before I buy but I’m still interested in your opinion so I can make up my mind in what configuration to test. Thanks!

27th September 2011	#2
seaneldon Lives for gear Joined: Mar 2006 Location: Bahstahn, MA Posts: 2,687	I'm a 550A guy...I like having the filters and rarely need 4 bands. That's not to say I'd poo-poo anyone for having 550B's, but for my purposes... Get a couple 560's for kick and snare. Purple "TAV" for something a little smoother and more of a compliment to the API's, actually. Buy stuff. Try stuff. Send back what you don't like. Keep what you do. Live'n'learn... __________________ Sean Eldon Qualls Mercenary Audio / sean@mercenary.com "They don't think it be like it is...but it do" - Oscar Gamble

27th September 2011	#3
Rob Murray Gear maniac Joined: Jul 2006 Location: NYC Posts: 177	Kick and Snare I like the 560's, Bass too, though I could go either way, a B would be quite useful too. Vocals, I might take the B just to have the extra band, and also because you're already looking at 4 550a's... Long story short you can't go wrong. Might be nice to have at least 2 of each, so when you're tracking you have your pick of the litter depending on sound/mood. and then on mix you're still solid. __________________ Murray Mastering www.murraymastering.com

27th September 2011	#4
dandeurloo Lives for gear Joined: Sep 2006 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 924	560's are sweet. Very very flexible and quick and easy to use. A pair of those will do well for a lot of things. I also like the 550a's over the b's. They sound a little sweeter. The other thing to consider would be a pair of the "missing links" from Classic API. I think you would find that a pair of those will get used more then any of the others. As far as where they shine. They are all great so they shine on any thing you have listed. The only real down side to API eq's the 2 db steps which sometimes are to much. But that is why the 560's are great to have around. __________________ Dan Deurloo Credits Some of the music I have been part of. Risen Drums Custom drum company I co-own. I wont pimp our drums here unless you ask.

27th September 2011	#5
HudHudson Lives for gear Joined: Sep 2004 Location: Austin, Texas USofA Posts: 1,671	I keep a pair of 550As, a 550B and a 560 in my Lunchbox; double that and you should be covered. __________________ "The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side." - Hunter S. Thompson should have said this, but didn't www.yellowdogstudios.com

27th September 2011	#7
rogerbrain Lives for gear Joined: May 2009 Location: atlanta Posts: 1,487 5 Reviews written	I don't have any API eq's ..( I do have 525 527 and 512 ) not saying these are better.. but you should look at the Purple Audio ODD and TAV and the Harrison EQ32 ..( I do have the Odd and EQ32 and a few rack mount EQ's ) they are pretty dang good.... maybe you have tried them and eliminated them from the want list .. that was 2 cents worth thanks __________________ Good Reverb Takes Time Roger Brainard www.rogerbrainard.com

27th September 2011	#9
drBill Gear Guru Joined: Jul 2006 Location: So Cal Posts: 11,509	To fill 8 slots : (4) 550A's (2) 560's (2) 550B's

27th September 2011	#10
TimS Gear maniac Joined: Jul 2011 Posts: 188	I don't want to speak out of turn or announce anything before he's ready to announce it himself, but Jeff at Classic API has some really cool things he's working on. He couldn't give me a timeline, but if you aren't in a hurry you might want to wait and see what he comes out with.

27th September 2011	#11
RickSample Gear Head Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 47	Are you saying that Classic API is coming out with eq's?!!

27th September 2011	#14
robertshaw 3 + infractions, forum membership suspended. Joined: Jun 2006 Location: Boston Posts: 7,120 5 Reviews written	API 554 is one of the best

27th September 2011	#15
Retinal Lives for gear Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,057	I'm probably gonna give an unpopular reply to this but I actually prefer the 550B to 550A.. kill me (the same I prefer the 1084 over the 1073 because of the eq..) I mean, this is splitting the hair of course, I'd take an A or B over ANY other eq, just to make it clear. However, they sound very similar, especially the new ones, and again, i prefer the B, it's tougher, punchier and a tad more aggressive, but these are all sudh small differences, the main point IS the 4th band. At least for my methods B is so much more versatile and fun I'd go 2 As, 2 560s, 4Bs which is actually very similar to what I have and usually it looks like this: Bass - 550B Kick - 560 Snare - 550B Lead Vocals - 550A Electric Guitar - 550B Electric Guitar - 550B Ac. Guitar - 550A Ac. Guitar - 560 Optionally the stereo bus of El GTR can get the 550A instead, but usually not if we're talking about heavy ones. Whatever you pick, is API, can't get better than that __________________ http://soundcloud.com/rockstarstudio/hi-hate-autumn-mixed-at

27th September 2011	#17
DaVogi Lives for gear Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 639	I'm with Retinal, I'll take B over A because of the flexibility.... so if you have the Waves-Version you could easily test for yourself if the choices the A-Model gives are enough for your needs... cause a tad more mojo doesn't is worth a penny if the eq you want to use doesn't have the right frequency points for your work...

28th September 2011	#21
rob S Lives for gear Joined: Nov 2006 Location: silverlake Posts: 1,231	Whats most important, sonics or flexibilty? I like the old 560 and APSI graphic far more than the current 560. They have a weight to them them that doesnt seem apparent in the newer production 560. I also prefer 550A's over 550B's sonically. Never been able to intellectualize what that reason is. But its happened enough times that i believe it. Mind you, i like a 550B just fine but we are here to split hairs. I also really like old 550's (no A). They have a slightly different sound to them. There are also less frqs on the top and bottom bands so those if you that are already feeling constrained from the 3 band will feel it that much more. Not a fan of the 554. Do like the fixed freq 553.

28th September 2011	#22
TonyBelmont Moderator Joined: Feb 2004 Location: Boston,MA Providence,RI Posts: 15,919	I would probably get all 550A's (and A's... not A-1's)... But, it's nice to have a pair of the 560's for certain instruments. Maybe 6 x 550A's and 2 x 560's. __________________ Tony Belmont We Sell Gear! High Profile Audio.....PluginDiscounts.com I may on occasion talk about some of the products I am a dealer for in my posts.. and that's OK! I sell them because I like them. Not vice versa. It's more fun to talk about things you know and love, then things you don't.

13th January 2012	#24
pan60 500 series nutjob Joined: Nov 2004 Location: 500 series Guru SKANK! ; ) Posts: 10,940	i love my API 550A's! i don't think it would hurt to have some 550B's or even some other EQs. personally i would make sure you had at least one A-Designs EM-PEQ ( unless you already have that covered ), that is a awesome EQ by ANY standard in my humble opinion. __________________ www.pan60.com Pan60 Facebook Page Pan's Facebook BLAST PAD Inventor just one invention among others. A CHARTER MEMBER OF THE 500 FORMAT, MAFIA it is easy to sound as though one was endowed with great intelligence, whilst speaking amongst a crowd of total morons

13th January 2012	#25
KevinNYC Gear Head Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 56	While no one in their right minds would turn their nose up at a rack full of API eqs there's so many other flavors i also like in the format. Someone mentioned the Harriso Great River G32s.....also, the Chandler Little Devils and the electrodynes are all killer. Spread the love!

14th January 2012	#30
Swansonic Gear Head Joined: Dec 2003 Location: Alberta Posts: 45	my first API eqs were the 560s and I really really like them on drums and also on guitars. My next API eq I purchased was the 5500 and if it wasn't for the "range" switch I most likely would have sent it back. 2db steps are huge. I like the 5500 on guitar buss. I see rave reviews everywhere about the 550A's and some day I will have to try them but those 2db steps seem to make me look else where so I have a few EQ32 for more flexibility when needed. I don't buy "vintage gear" so I'm only talking about brand new units here. As a side note I have all the heavy hitters regarding API compression at my place and absolutely love' m. Just thought I'd point out the usefulness of the "range" switch on the 5500 if you are talking about "new" units.

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