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Story

The API 512c is a mic / line / instrument preamp, world-famous for its ability to provide a low noise (-129 EIN) and unusually good sounding front end for all types of audio applications. Sonically, it delivers the distinct API sound at an affordable price, and in the scalable API 500 Series format. Offering an impressive 65 dB of gain, the 512c includes phantom power, switchable polarity, -20 dB pad and Mic or Instrument/Line selector. Front panel XLR and 1/4 inch connectors combined with rear panel mic access allow for additional flexibility when installed into an API lunchbox®, API's 10 position 500V vertical rack, or an API console.

The API 512c remains faithful to the circuit designs of API's founder Saul Walker. Artfully combining those circuits with API's proprietary transformers and the incomparable 2520 op-amp, the 512c is a highly musical and rich-sounding analog mic pre, equally at home in commercial recording spaces as it is in smaller home studios. Fully featured and still hand assembled, the 512c exhibits the reliability, long life, and uniformity that are characteristic of all API products.

Specifications

Mic Preamp with 65 dB of gain

Front and Back Panel Mic Input Access

Line/Instrument Preamp with 45 dB of gain

Front Panel Line/Instrument Input

LED VU meter for monitoring output level

20 dB pad switch, applies to mic/line/instrument

48v Phantom switchable power

Traditional API fully discrete circuit design with 2520 Op Amp

Manual

Download Manual