OSA vs. API Lunchboxes

frontierfran · 12th March 2009

I tried searching but couldnt quite find an answer...

anyway, I want to delve into the wonderful world of 500 series components.
So, im sizing up a rack, and I like what Ive heard about the OSA 11 Space Rack, or even the Lunchboxes.
Ive read some conversations regarding API and possibly their lack of power in their power supplies. Nathan from Atlas mentioned in his reviews the OSA racks come with a super powerful remote power supply, which can in theory power 16 modules! its cheaper than the 500v from API.
so, is this a no-brainer? Some of those posts were old, so perhaps the info is outdated. But can anyone speak on the OSA's vs. the API modular racks and their respective power supplies?
Is paying the extra $200 or so for the API derive from the name only, or is there a performance difference?

thanks! hope those arent dumb questions...

stevetgn · 12th March 2009

You'll have no power problems with the API 500V 10 slot rack, it's just the six slot lunchbox that can lack power for certain combinations of modules.
I have the 500V full of API and Buzz modules, I've have no problems.

Roc Mixwell · 12th March 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by frontierfran

Is paying the extra $200 or so for the API derive from the name only, or is there a performance difference?

You might consider the API becasue it has a 5 year warranty. I don't know what the OSA has for a warranty.

kellyd · 12th March 2009

Not sure if OSA changed their design or if was an option but I sold an Avedis E15 to a guy that had the OSA and because of the switches next to the edge connector he couldn't get the eq in the rack. The eq case was hitting the switches. Mic pres don't have the same problem.

frontierfran · 12th March 2009

thanks for all the quick info guys. I have a really nice quote in for a 500v, so things are leaning towards the API at this point.

frontierfran · 12th March 2009

also, is the 500v usable out of the box, or does it have to be "wired", soldered or anything?
For instance, is PIN 15 still used for running 48v, etc?

grevan · 12th March 2009

I've had my OSA lunchbox for a few years now, and only problem I've had was a power supply that went bad. Dale sent a new one out (no charge) the next day. It has always played nice with a wide assortment of 500 series pres, eq's and comps. thumbsup

Johns · 13th March 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by grevan

I've had my OSA lunchbox for a few years now, and only problem I've had was a power supply that went bad. Dale sent a new one out (no charge) the next day. It has always played nice with a wide assortment of 500 series pres, eq's and comps. thumbsup

Same here, OSA 11 space. Power supply went bad about 3 years ago. Was replaced and now works perfectly with mic pres and compressors installed.

12th March 2009	#1
frontierfran Gear addict Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Philly Posts: 393 Thread Starter	OSA vs. API Lunchboxes I tried searching but couldnt quite find an answer... anyway, I want to delve into the wonderful world of 500 series components. So, im sizing up a rack, and I like what Ive heard about the OSA 11 Space Rack, or even the Lunchboxes. Ive read some conversations regarding API and possibly their lack of power in their power supplies. Nathan from Atlas mentioned in his reviews the OSA racks come with a super powerful remote power supply, which can in theory power 16 modules! its cheaper than the 500v from API. so, is this a no-brainer? Some of those posts were old, so perhaps the info is outdated. But can anyone speak on the OSA's vs. the API modular racks and their respective power supplies? Is paying the extra $200 or so for the API derive from the name only, or is there a performance difference? thanks! hope those arent dumb questions... __________________ _____________________________ Frontier Sound Solutions The Everthere Music https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-E...16265815092624

12th March 2009	#7
grevan Gear nut Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 146	I've had my OSA lunchbox for a few years now, and only problem I've had was a power supply that went bad. Dale sent a new one out (no charge) the next day. It has always played nice with a wide assortment of 500 series pres, eq's and comps. thumbsup __________________ Buy everything. Then you'll be safe. Slipperman

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12th March 2009	#2
stevetgn Lives for gear Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: ITB now unfortunately! Posts: 1,725	You'll have no power problems with the API 500V 10 slot rack, it's just the six slot lunchbox that can lack power for certain combinations of modules. I have the 500V full of API and Buzz modules, I've have no problems.

12th March 2009	#4
kellyd Lives for gear Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Austin Posts: 1,230	Not sure if OSA changed their design or if was an option but I sold an Avedis E15 to a guy that had the OSA and because of the switches next to the edge connector he couldn't get the eq in the rack. The eq case was hitting the switches. Mic pres don't have the same problem.