The API 862 is a limited run microphone preamp/EQ celebrating API's 50th anniversary. The 312 preamp and the 550A EQ are combined in a single, hand-wired 19-inch rack-mount unit. These special limited edition units are painstakingly hand-assembled, paying homage to the golden era of analog recording. The limited-production 50th-anniversary faceplate gives each unit a sleek, elegant feel.
312 Preamp
The 312A preamp section is a faithful reproduction of the original 312 microphone preamp, utilizing Saul Walker’s original design from the 1970s. One of API’s most popular mic preamps, used extensively in their consoles, as well as the highly successful 3124 rack unit, the 312 is known for its bright, open, punchy sound. It has been a go-to preamp for engineers recording drums, rock guitars, bass, vocals and more.
The API 312 is capable of withstanding blisteringly high SPLs, making it an excellent choice for heavy-hitting drummers, screaming guitar amps, and particularly emphatic vocalists. Don’t worry though, the peak LED indicator will help keep you from clipping – or intentionally drive signals for added saturation.
550A EQ
The 550A EQ section is a near-identical reproduction of the legendary 550A 3-band equalizer designed by Saul Walker in the late 60s. The original 550A equalizer became API’s standard channel module EQ when the company began manufacturing consoles in 1971. Known for its bright, open, punchy sound, the API 550A EQ has been used on countless hit records over the decades. The 550A is equipped with API’s incomparable 2520 op-amp and innovative “Proportional Q” circuitry.
With 21 points of reciprocal equalization divided into three overlapping ranges, the 550A is capable of creating truly unique filter shapes. For added versatility, the high and low-frequency ranges can be used as peak or shelf filters. Frequency ranges and boost/cut are selected by three dual-concentric switches, and a pushbutton "in" switch allows the EQ to be silently introduced to the signal path.
Features:
- 35 dB of adjustable microphone input gain
- Polarity flip, 48 V phantom power, and 20 dB pad switches
- Insert switch to activate rear EQ input connection for 550A EQ section instead of 312 output
- 3 bands of EQ in discrete steps to a maximum of 12 dB boost or cut and 5 frequencies per band
- 550A EQ IN switch
- High and Low bands shelf/peak selection switches
- Switchable band pass filter toggle switch
- Vintage style analog VU meter (0VU = +4 dBu) and peak LED (+18 dBu), selectable 312 or 550A output