Arsenal Audio by API - Anyone tried Yet?? V 14, R 20, R24

[str1ke4ce]

Ok, ok, so for all the non believers, yes, Arsenal Audio is made by API...
NOW the question is, who has one?? and Does it Deserve to be called API?
They have 3 products that I know of. The V 14 4 band eq, but that is VPR format.
I mainly want opinions on the R 20, 2 channel Mic Pre and the R 24, 2 channel, 4 band EQ.
Was looking to get the API 2500, but could get both of these for the same price.
These bad boys look kick a$$, but looks are sometimes decieving..So, who's used em'? What would you compare them to? Should I just get the 2500? I know they are pretty new, but sure some of ya'll got em already, appreciate all feedback, thanks.

[str1ke4ce]

bump, anyone?

[Kronos147]

You can do a search on the R14 and Pan60. He has written a review and had some kind words to say about the 500 series EQ.

[soundrick]

Originally Posted by str1ke4ce

Ok, ok, so for all the non believers, yes, Arsenal Audio is made by API...

Did the nameplate that says "Arsenal Audio by API" on the front panel give it away??

BTW, the 2500 is a compressor, that's going to do something a little different for you than the Arsenal EQ.

[Doc Mixwell]

The Arsenal Stuff is great at its price point. My personal favorite Arsenal product is the R24 EQ. Its a Really smooth, no BS equalizer. Its built from the old APSI designs of yesteryear. It does not resemble API gear. The Mic amp is very clear, fast[ish] with a nice mid range cut through. The V14 is cool, but your all thumbs with the dual concentric pots. Its sounds prettty clear and offers surgical EQ. These boxes are not crayons, they do one thing, and only one thing. The 2500's have a shelf life at our store of about 10 minutes. I highly recommend the 2500 for a buss compressor that will surly grant smiles and giggles in any control room.

[pan60]

i love the Arsenal Audio V14s!
like Roc Mixwell mention the Knobs can be a pain for some, but no issues for me.

[Claude G.]

I bought the R24 about a month ago...BEST INVESTMENT I HAVE EVER MADE! and if you look around U can find new for under 1K!!!! (Purewave...)

[pan60]

i still want to give the pre a try, but just to swamped.
as ya'll know, i love my V14s!!!!!

[alexamk]

I bought the dual pre and dual eq racks, very nice gear. A few weeks after I bought 2 Api 3124 and 5500 dual eq so I have been using these much more. Have not had a chance to do a shoot out. But I think you will be happy with the AA stuff.

[chet.d]

Can't afford a 5500 to add to my 2500 so really considering the R24.

People still digging them? I'm tempted, help me rationalize spending.

[Claude G.]

AA stuff is amazing...so the question is - When will they come out w/an AA 16 channel mixer? I WANT ONE!!!!!!

[chet.d]

appreciate anyone else's take on the R24, close to pulling the trigger.

[pan60]

i say go for it, buy from a reputable dealer and if you do not like it, you can return it.
i just can not see anyone not loving these EQs.
they do just what they should!
my V14s will be with me forever!!!!

[Fletcher]

The rack mount box is really good sounding... the 500 series module, not so much.

I don't know why [same stuff inside... different pots, different power supply is all that comes to mind]... but the rack thing just sounds sweeter and deeper to me [and you don't have the "dual concentric knobs from hell" problem with the rack unit that you have with the 500 series version.

Peace.

[chet.d]

Thanks, appreciate the insights.

I just got it and got pretty lucky it seems at around 700 on that ebay place... I try to avoid that turf but how could I turn it down!?

woohoo! should work well w/ the 2500.

[Benmrx]

Another +1 on the R24 over here. I find getting the left/right sides to match can be a little tedious, but it's hard to complain when the unit sounds as good as it does and comes in at this price-point.

[pan60]

Originally Posted by Fletcher

The rack mount box is really good sounding... the 500 series module, not so much.

I don't know why [same stuff inside... different pots, different power supply is all that comes to mind]... but the rack thing just sounds sweeter and deeper to me [and you don't have the "dual concentric knobs from hell" problem with the rack unit that you have with the 500 series version.

Peace.

maybe we need to get your power supply in for a look?

hope all is well in your part of the world, hope you are not working to hard: )~

[piotr]

Just want to keep this thread up...

Can anyone comment on the relationship between api 5500 and the AA R24?
Would R24 be a nice complement to 2500 for 2-buss?

p.

[Fletcher]

Both would be a nice compliment for a 2500... as for relationship... cousins on the best of days.

[TonyBelmont]

Originally Posted by piotr

Can anyone comment on the relationship between api 5500 and the AA R24?

They don't really have anything in common, other than they are built in the same factory.

[pan60]

i think would evan go a bit farther and say cousins twice removed.

[Fletcher]

Not really... the Arsenal stuff is based on the APSI stuff [or as we used to call it back in the late 70's / early 80's APsI]... which was very similar indeed to the API stuff except it used less expensive components.

Having APSI stuff built in the API factory kinda makes them cousins... or maybe "step cousins" but not quite "twice removed".

[piotr]

I am glad to see that you guys took the relationship issue so seriously!

;-)

I understand that the only way to decide on a box is to try it first. But I am wondering if the AA EQ is worth bringing in for a trial. From the comments above, it seems that it is. Other units I am considering are the api 5500, Neve 8803, or perhaps two Germanium Tone Controls?... so the R-24 is a bit out of their league (hence my doubts)...

p.

[pan60]

Originally Posted by Fletcher

Not really... the Arsenal stuff is based on the APSI stuff [or as we used to call it back in the late 70's / early 80's APsI]... which was very similar indeed to the API stuff except it used less expensive components.

Having APSI stuff built in the API factory kinda makes them cousins... or maybe "step cousins" but not quite "twice removed".

okay "step cousins"

Originally Posted by piotr

I am glad to see that you guys took the relationship issue so seriously!

;-)

I understand that the only way to decide on a box is to try it first. But I am wondering if the AA EQ is worth bringing in for a trial. From the comments above, it seems that it is. Other units I am considering are the api 5500, Neve 8803, or perhaps two Germanium Tone Controls?... so the R-24 is a bit out of their league (hence my doubts)...

p.

LOL
everything around here is taken seriously!

i feel i t is defiantly worth a try!
these use do not use the API op-amp, they take a bit more affordable rout, but that would not mean they were not worth trying.
they are not going to be a 550 ( i like my 550 by the way ), but still worth a audition.
i have no issue with Ics, lots of really great gear built around them.

[BLueROom]

I was moments away from snagging that

Great deal!

Originally Posted by chet.d

Thanks, appreciate the insights.

I just got it and got pretty lucky it seems at around 700 on that ebay place... I try to avoid that turf but how could I turn it down!?

woohoo! should work well w/ the 2500.

[superiorsound]

Thanks to Pan60 and several others I just purchased 2 500 series v14 and an r24. I must say I am pretty happy with it based on the test thus far. The low end can get a bit muddy so I would refrain from any gain and take the subtractive approach. I had a mix that the bass was sooo muddy and a slight dip at 700hz cleared it up no problem. I am really happy with my purchases for tracking I would say the v14 are very versitile. I think its important to stress the fact they are not a mojo box. However they do add a slight color and can bring out the highs 12k and up better than any software compressor I have. IM very happy and now that I bought a 10 space api rack I need some other suggestions for pres and eqs! any ideas?

[pan60]

Originally Posted by superiorsound

Thanks to Pan60 and several others I just purchased 2 500 series v14 and an r24. I must say I am pretty happy with it based on the test thus far. The low end can get a bit muddy so I would refrain from any gain and take the subtractive approach. I had a mix that the bass was sooo muddy and a slight dip at 700hz cleared it up no problem. I am really happy with my purchases for tracking I would say the v14 are very versitile. I think its important to stress the fact they are not a mojo box. However they do add a slight color and can bring out the highs 12k and up better than any software compressor I have. IM very happy and now that I bought a 10 space api rack I need some other suggestions for pres and eqs! any ideas?

sweet glad to hear you are liking them: )~

i have not found them muddy but i do not push the bottom either.
welcome to the 500 FORMAT SLUTZ CLUB!

[pan60]

alert
Anyone looking at getting any of the ARSENAL AUDIO by API gear might want to go ahead and make the decision!
The rumor through the grape vine, is that there is a lawsuit in-progress that might result in the end of the name ARSENAL AUDIO.
Now, I am pretty sure API won’t abandon the product line, but this leads me to believe the gear labeled as ARSENAL AUDIO by API will be come VERY collectible.
get em while you can!

[KEYBEEETSSS]

OK, so I have been noticing this but I reallllly noticed this yesterday; but just passing audio thru the r24 is a really nicse boost even with the EQ on OUT...

[piotr]

Originally Posted by KEYBEEETSSS

OK, so I have been noticing this but I reallllly noticed this yesterday; but just passing audio thru the r24 is a really nicse boost even with the EQ on OUT...

boost of what?
can you elaborate, please?
thanks!

p.