"Over the years, we've acquired the technology and experience to engineer and produce audio products that don’t necessarily conform to API’s classic component structure or topography," explains API President Larry Droppa, which acquired the company in 1999. "API Select gives us the opportunity to offer gear that's very high quality, but that's different from API's legendary line of classic products. A great example of this is API Select's new T12 Tube Mic Preamp, which is a 2-channel, all-tube, Class-A microphone preamplifier. Its tube technology is combined with API's proprietary AP2516 transformer in the input stage and a custom API transformer on the output stage, so it produces that incredibly rich API sound — but in a distinctly different way."
API introduced several different API Select products to mark the new line's debut. Wishing the rack-mount category, the range includes the T12 Tube Mic Preamplifier, the T25 Tube Compressor, the SR22 Dual Channel Compressor, and the SR24 Dual Channel Equalizer. For now, two guitar pedals complete the line's introduction; the TranZformer GTR for guitar equalization and the TranZformer CMP for compression effects. Both pedals use API's own 2510 opamp combined with a signature API output transformer, are designed to fit into a standard pedalboard, and both use standard 9 volt power supplies.
The API Select T12 is a classic 2-channel, all-tube, Class-A microphone preamplifier designed with API's proprietary AP2516 transformer in the input stage and a custom API transformer on the output stage. Built with 12AT7WC and 12BH7 dual-triode vacuum tubes, the T12 represents a variation in API's preamplifier technology to provide the user with additional tonal options. The T12 can handle a wide range of production applications including stereo operation.
The API Select T25 is a classic 2-channel, FET feedback-style compressor/limiter with a Class-A tube output stage that utilizes a custom API transformer. Built with 12AT7WC and 12BH7 dual-triode vacuum tube, the T25 represents a new direction in API's line of compressors. It offers a powerful and flexible feature set, including the ability for use in either dual mono or stereo mode, and is carefully engineered to deliver classic tube performance.
The SR24 is a two channel, four band equalizer in a two rack-space chassis, with a circuit design deeply rooted in API's history. The SR24 is a faithfully re-engineered version of the original API 562 console module, offering the user 2 channels of classic analog EQ in one rack-mount unit. With a dedicated knob and/or switch for each control function, the SR24 is easy to use; by utilizing continuously-variable controls for both the frequency and boost/cut, the SR24 can be very precise in applying equalization to the selected audio material.
Finally, the SR22 Dual Channel Compressor features two channels of API's patented compressor circuit in a rack-mount unit with internal power supply. This same compressor circuit was originally designed into the legendary ATI Paragon analog live mixing console. Each channel includes the patented THRUST circuit, which protects the sensitive high frequency content of the audio signal, even under the most vigorous of compression ratios. The perfect companion to the new SR24 Dual Channel EQ, the SR22 provides comprehensive, easy-to-use control along with classic analog VU meters for monitoring output and gain reduction. The two channels can also be linked for use as a stereo compressor with true RMS power summing of the left and right signals.
"It was particularly satisfying to develop this kind of vintage-style equipment," comments API Engineer Jeffrey Richards. "We designed every piece with care and precision, and I have to say with respect for this kind of solid, reliable analog technology. Although API Select is produced in 'small batches', we think the value is enormous."
Units are now shipping, and all API Select products are offered with API's standard Five Year Warranty.
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