Which 500 Series Toys Fit Which Racks?

[John J.]

I'd appreciate hearing from owners of different 500 series lunchbox and racks (API, BAE, OSA, etc.) which versions they're using and which 500 series toys fit or don't fit. Reading many "preamp" postings here I wonder if there is one specific 500 rack that seems to accomodate most all pres, eqs, comps out there, especially with all of the new 500 series toys coming out and being announced. Including 48V and power, which one is most compatible?

-John

[SK1]

I was under the impression that the new 500 series modules would be fine with the newer racks.

I did read that with old 560A eq modules one of the pins has to be modified to work correctly with newer racks.

Here is a quote from mercenary's' website

"The 500V can be ordered with an optional 48 volt phantom power supply, bussed to pin 15 for the API 512c to access. It must be noted that the older API 560A series equalizers used pin 15 for a "direct output" and must be disabled on the 560A circuit board edge connector by cutting a trace. This will eliminate 48 volts from damaging the 560A series equalizers"

I believe that my vintage 525's were originally modified to fit the new stuff as well (could be wrong though)
I've got a 6 space api with xlr

I'm also wondering if there is any reason not to order the OSA rack, since it's the cheapest.

[John J.]

Just received a prompt reply from Brent Averill Enterprises regarding this topic, "our racks are compatible with the new API 512, Purple Audio, A Designs and OSA".

That's good news, considering the BAE 6 mount rack with power & V48 is $499.00.

Now I need to check into what they meant in mentioning the "new API 512"...

- John

[NathanEldred]

Originally Posted by John J.

Just received a prompt reply from Brent Averill Enterprises regarding this topic, "our racks are compatible with the new API 512, Purple Audio, A Designs and OSA".

That's good news, considering the BAE 6 mount rack with power & V48 is $499.00.

Now I need to check into what they meant in mentioning the "new API 512"...

- John

This is accurate information for OSA and API racks also. All three companies (BAE, API, OSA) racks will allow all of the above brands to work as intended. So far gear made for this system includes Buzz Audio, API, A Designs, Purple Audio, BAE, Avedis Audio, Shadow Hills, & OSA. What BAE meant about "new API" is that there are some size and pin issue compatibility with vintage API cards, not sure which years, but probably anything older than 10-15 years should be checked (I've got some early 90's 550b's that work and fit fine in my OSA rack along with a few different brands of preamps). Either way the older API can be modified, but it's going to cost a few dollars from either API or a notable tech (BAE probably could do it also).

[TonyBelmont]

Originally Posted by John J.

Now I need to check into what they meant in mentioning the "new API 512"...

- John

What they mean is the modern API stuff... The vintage API modules of the mid-1970's era had a slightly different setup.

Typically, anything made in the last 20 years should be fine.

[Tim Farrant]

I should point out that our Elixir preamp module for 500 Series draws 150mA from the power supply, per module. Most other preamps draw around 50mA, the Shadow Hills draws about 100mA. This might cause a problem with some rack power supplies.

The API LP20 power supply has plenty of reserve, as does the new OSA power supply. API have recommended that only 2x Elixir modules are fitted in their Lunchbox along with other modules. I am not sure of the current capability of the BAE supply, perhaps if someone knows it would be useful information to add here.

Cheers
Tim.