Is an API the pre for me?

[Geoff738]

Seeking some advice for my situation.

I'm a weekend warrior looking to upgrade my pres. I do mostly rock stuff, and at this point vocals and acoustic and electric guitars are probably 95% of what gets miced around here.

Current pres include Sytek, Gap pre 73, and an Avalon 737 is available most of the time - but I haven't used it in a couple years now. I tend to prefer the Sytek most of the time.

Budget is under a grand if single channel and $1500ish if I go for a stereo unit.

Why am I leaning API? A couple reasons. I think I've got the clear/fast end of things covered with the Syteks (and Avalon, maybe too). The Gap is supposed to be Neveish, but to the extent that it actually is, I tend to lean towards the Syteks most of the time. Whether that's just because I've had them a lot longer and used them a lot more, or whether I just don't really dig the Neve thing, I dunno. But, I would like something that adds a bit more character than the Sytek or Avalon, but not as much as the Gap. From what I understand (been ages since I was in a studio with APIs), API fits that description. Also, I'm just a hobbyist, so getting a bunch of stuff in and returning what I don't like as much just isn't practical. It's going to take me a while to put whatever I get through its paces. I figured at the end of the day if I go API and I don't end up preferring it to what I already have, it will have decent resale.

I'm also leaning away from 500 series for the moment - I just can't see myself filling even a six space rack. Maybe one of the two space jobbies.

So, given the above, any reason for me not to go API. (Or clones - BAE,CAPI, others?) Would Daking also meet my description, or are they more of a clean vibe?

Anything else I should consider?

Thanks!

And, for my kid I add:

Cheers,
Geoff

[Fletcher]

API pre's should be fine for you... they'd be a fine compliment to what you have, and will do an exemplary job in whatever applications you choose. There is a reason they've been something of a standard for 40+ years.

Peace

[HudHudson]

We have 64 channels of API preamps (two 1608s) and I'm always happy with the results: snappy, clear, great transient response, solid bass. That being said, we have a pair of Daking pre/eqs and love those, too. Not as mid-forward as an API but every bit as useful.

[Geoff738]

Forgot to mention one other possibility - the Overstayer channel amp, which I understand will be available again shortly. If anybody has used both API and the Overstayer, please chime in and let me know if they're in a similar sonic ballpark.

Cheers,
Geoff

[ScumBum]

If your doing rock then API is the pre for you .

With your budget at $1,500 , you could get 6 CAPI pres for $1,300 . If you need a lunch box get 5 CAPI pres for $1,085 and a lunch box for $425 new on ebay bringing the total to $1,500 .

[JL.]

API's are fantastic pres for rock. I think it's an all around great pre though, it is mid forward. Daking is kind of like that too, which would also treat you well, you could just pick up two Daking ones.

[drBill]

Originally Posted by ScumBum

With your budget at $1,500 , you could get 6 CAPI pres for $1,300 .

Yes, but I'll get specific and suggest the brand spankin new CAPI VP28's. You just can't go wrong with the Classic versions of API goodness....

[McPhaul]

What are you using for converters?

API A2D could give you the stereo API thing and a great set of converters too. I understand your desire to go 500 series but if your converters aren't up to it you could do better with 2 channels and the converters.

Will

[kafka]

Originally Posted by Geoff738

I'm a weekend warrior looking to upgrade my pres. I do mostly rock stuff, and at this point vocals and acoustic and electric guitars are probably 95% of what gets miced around here.
...
Budget is under a grand if single channel and $1500ish if I go for a stereo unit.
...
I'm also leaning away from 500 series for the moment - I just can't see myself filling even a six space rack. Maybe one of the two space jobbies.
...
So, given the above, any reason for me not to go API. (Or clones - BAE,CAPI, others?) Would Daking also meet my description, or are they more of a clean vibe?

Originally Posted by JL.

API's are fantastic pres for rock. I think it's an all around great pre though, it is mid forward. Daking is kind of like that too, which would also treat you well, you could just pick up two Daking ones

For what you're trying to do, you really can't go wrong with either API or Daking. Both will work on anything. API has a punch and tight bass that is fantastic on guitars. Daking won't disappoint you either. I'd be happy to record with nothing but Dakings. I keep a 512c around just for guitars, but I wouldn't have any problem if I had nothing but API, either. The API is a touch sharper in the high end, but I love the sweetness of the Daking high end and it's overall openness. The API is more graceful when driven aggressively. I generally run my Dakings a little cooler, but I've been getting some nice crunchy mids out of them when pushing closer to the 0dB mark. It's a little less mid-forward at lower levels.

[mattg082]

API pre is for everyone...I love it. It's one of those pres where it's not as versatile with options as some pres like a great river, but it works on pretty much everything you throw at it and does it very well. It's a bitch buying a lunchbox with a single api pre if that's all you can afford. I bought a lunchbox with the intent to only purchase one pre for it on my budget. I had a Great River and a API 512c sent out to me for demo. I kept both!

The API 512c, is one of those pres I'd like to have a entire console of. It's the one pre I would record anything on and be happy with. Judging by what you already have, it's a logical choice to get one.

Putting budget and best bang for your buck first... If you have a nice converter already and plan to buy more 500series pres, go with a lunchbox. If you're lacking in conversion and don't plan on adding to a lunchbox you would be better served by the api a2d. Not only do you get two awesome pres you can use for stereo as well, you get a new clock and a good converter. I wanted variety and had the money so went with two different pres in my lunchbox and a apogee converter. Almost bought the A2d though.

[Geoff738]

Ok, conversion right now is Echo audiofire. I suspect that the conversion in the API is a step up from that - and something I'm considering.

I'm not handy with a soldering iron, so the CAPI kits are not gonna happen.

A six unit rack isn't a lot more coin than the two space jobbies though - so I'll give that some consideration. The problem with the six space one is I will fill it.

I'll have to think about this a bit more - but I think I've narrowed down to API or possibly Daking or Overstayer (anybody out there with a beta unit want to fill us in a bit more?). Will try and do a bit of searching the forums here before I ask any more dumb questions about that.

Cheers,
Geoff

[AudioGaff]

This may already be known by many, but there now is a one slot API 500 series frame from Chameleon Labs that can be purchased.

Chameleon Labs CPS-501 Powered Chassis | Sweetwater.com

[Ernest Buckley]

Originally Posted by Geoff738

Seeking some advice for my situation.

I'm a weekend warrior looking to upgrade my pres. I do mostly rock stuff, and at this point vocals and acoustic and electric guitars are probably 95% of what gets miced around here.

Current pres include Sytek, Gap pre 73, and an Avalon 737 is available most of the time - but I haven't used it in a couple years now. I tend to prefer the Sytek most of the time.

Budget is under a grand if single channel and $1500ish if I go for a stereo unit.

Why am I leaning API? A couple reasons. I think I've got the clear/fast end of things covered with the Syteks (and Avalon, maybe too). The Gap is supposed to be Neveish, but to the extent that it actually is, I tend to lean towards the Syteks most of the time. Whether that's just because I've had them a lot longer and used them a lot more, or whether I just don't really dig the Neve thing, I dunno. But, I would like something that adds a bit more character than the Sytek or Avalon, but not as much as the Gap. From what I understand (been ages since I was in a studio with APIs), API fits that description. Also, I'm just a hobbyist, so getting a bunch of stuff in and returning what I don't like as much just isn't practical. It's going to take me a while to put whatever I get through its paces. I figured at the end of the day if I go API and I don't end up preferring it to what I already have, it will have decent resale.

I'm also leaning away from 500 series for the moment - I just can't see myself filling even a six space rack. Maybe one of the two space jobbies.

So, given the above, any reason for me not to go API. (Or clones - BAE,CAPI, others?) Would Daking also meet my description, or are they more of a clean vibe?

Anything else I should consider?

Thanks!

And, for my kid I add:

Cheers,
Geoff

Turn the 737 back on. Its a great unit for recording acoustic guitars and vocals. Anyone who complains that the 737 doesn`t sound good doesn`t know how to use it. Theres a beautiful EQ on there that can pretty much get you where you need to go so you have what you need. I also own a GR 500 series mic pre but hardly use it because I prefer the Avalon most of the time. The 737 is also a wonderful DI for bass.

Peace,
EB

[drBill]

Originally Posted by Geoff738

I'm not handy with a soldering iron, so the CAPI kits are not gonna happen.

In addition to the kits, Jeff sells the vp25/26/312 in fully assembled 500 series units as well, and even then, they are still less expensive than the alternatives.

If you're recording digital, I'd definitely choose the CAPI's over traditional API's. I like to call the vp26's API's for the digital age. The top end is much smoother than the 512c's, and they just fit so much better in the mix for me. And now that the vp28's are about to drop.....those guys are going to cause a serious stir. Like having an API pre and secondary gain stage with twice the DOA's and transformers as most pre's.....

Anyway, just my $.02.

[Geoff738]

Originally Posted by drBill

In addition to the kits, Jeff sells the vp25/26/312 in fully assembled 500 series units as well, and even then, they are still less expensive than the alternatives.

If you're recording digital, I'd definitely choose the CAPI's over traditional API's. I like to call the vp26's API's for the digital age. The top end is much smoother than the 512c's, and they just fit so much better in the mix for me. And now that the vp28's are about to drop.....those guys are going to cause a serious stir. Like having an API pre and secondary gain stage with twice the DOA's and transformers as most pre's.....

Anyway, just my $.02.

Doesn't look like the 28s are going to be sold assembled.

How does the top end on the BAEs sound compared to the CAPIs (and APIs for that matter)?

Cheers,
Geoff

[Geoff738]

Originally Posted by Ernest Buckley

Turn the 737 back on. Its a great unit for recording acoustic guitars and vocals. Anyone who complains that the 737 doesn`t sound good doesn`t know how to use it. Theres a beautiful EQ on there that can pretty much get you where you need to go so you have what you need. I also own a GR 500 series mic pre but hardly use it because I prefer the Avalon most of the time. The 737 is also a wonderful DI for bass.

Peace,
EB

Agreed that the pre in the 737 is ok. The eq is good, the comp I need to revisit, perhaps.

Cheers,
Geoff

[ScumBum]

Originally Posted by Geoff738

Doesn't look like the 28s are going to be sold assembled.

How does the top end on the BAEs sound compared to the CAPIs (and APIs for that matter)?

Cheers,
Geoff

Contact Jeff from CAPI , Gearslutz.com - View Profile: jsteiger he might have a few assembled units from testing , or might do a special order . He also carries the 500 series racks too . You will be 100% satisfied if you get the VP28's .

[wwittman]

Originally Posted by mattg082

API pre is for everyone... but it works on pretty much everything you throw at it and does it very well...

I'm interested in that qualifier "pretty much",

what DOESN'T it work on?


I've worked at several studios over the years with API desks.
what were we unable to record successfully as a result?

[wwittman]

Originally Posted by Ernest Buckley

Anyone who complains that the 737 doesn`t sound good doesn`t know how to use it.

then I don't 'know how' to use it

I've also, apparently, never heard anyone else 'know how' to use it

on the other hand, apparently everyone "knows how" to use an API or Daking.

[roy_mattie]

I used the Lunchbox API 512c for a bit, and it was great on elec guitars. However, I have found the sound I was looking for in the form of an API 312 card.

There's a single 500-series module and also a pair available on eBay as of this past weekend.

A single module with a 6-sp lunchbox still leaves you a few hundred dollars for something else.