Developed in association with Automated Processes Incorporated, the API Collection features four precision processors based on renowned API modules: the 550A 3-Band Equalizer, the 550B 4-Band Equalizer, the 560 Graphic Equalizer, and the 2500 Stereo Compressor. Used by engineers worldwide on countless hit records, these modules deliver a sound like no other. And with the API Collection, Waves captures every nuance of their unique sonic signatures.

Extended information

As the latest addition to the family of modeled hardware processors, the API Collection carries on the Waves legacy of advanced audio technology. The API Collection is much more than software emulations of hardware, it is the sound of API.

- API 550A
Modeled on API’s late 1960’s legend, the API 550A EQ delivers a sound that has been a hallmark of high end studios for decades. It provides reciprocal equalization at 15 points in 5 steps of boost divided into three overlapping ranges. The high and low frequency ranges are individually selectable as either peaking or shelving, and a band-pass filter can be inserted independently of all other settings. The 550A is a uniquely powerful equalizer with that one-of-a-kind API sound.
* 5 selected frequency centers per band
* Reciprocal and repeatable filtering
* Maximum 12 dB of boost/cut per band in 2-3 dB steps
* "Proportional Q" narrows filter Q at extremes
* High headroom +30 dB clip level


- API 560
Based on API’s 1967 classic, the 560 10-Band Graphic Equalizer features precision filtering and massive headroom, so you can take your sound to the edge and beyond. The 560’s curve shaping potential is unmatched, while API's unique "Proportional Q" design intuitively widens the filter bandwidth at lower boost/cut levels and narrows it at higher settings. And since boost and cut characteristics are identical, previous actions can be easily undone. For precision equalization with unmatched versatility, turn to the EQ heard on top recordings for decades: the API 560.
* Familiar one octave centers
* 12 dB of boost/cut per band
* "Proportional Q" narrows filter Q at extremes
* Additional resolution in the critical ±4 dB region
* Clip level > +28 dBu

- API 550B
Featuring four overlapped EQ bands, the 550B gives tracks that sweet analog sound that API is renowned for. With 7 switchable filter frequencies spanning up to 5 octaves per band, the 550B’s “Proportional Q” automatically widens the filter bandwidth at minimal settings and narrows it at higher settings. It even lets you undo previous processing, affect or even reverse tonal modifications. With its vast range of tonal possibilities, the API 550B is a versatile EQ for all your processing needs.
* 7 selected frequency centers per band
* Reciprocal and repeatable filtering
* 12 dB of boost/cut per band
* Bands 1 and 4 offer shelf/peak switching
* High headroom +30 dB clip level

- API 2500
The API 2500 is a dynamics processing powerhouse that lets you deliver the punch with absolute accuracy. Its dual channel design lets the 2500 also function as two separate mono channels via a single compression setting. Using auto-makeup gain, you can adjust Threshold or Ratio while automatically maintaining a constant output level. With both "feed back" and "feed forward" compression types, the 2500 boasts a wide range of incredibly musical parameters which have made it a favorite of engineers the world over.
* 3-position Thrust high-pass filter
* Variable Link left and right channels
* 3 Variable Link filter types
* 3 compression modes: Soft, Medium and Hard Knee
* 6 Release settings ― 5 fixed, 1 continuous

Technical specifications

- API 550A
HF Filter Gain -12dB to +12dB
HF Filter Frequency 5KHz, 7KHz, 10KHz, 12.5KHz and 15KHz
MF Bell Filter Gain -12dB to +12dB
MF Bell Filter Frequency 0.4KHz, 0.8KHz, 1.5KHz, 3KHz and 5KHz
LF Filter Gain -12dB to +12dB
LF Filter Frequency 50Hz, 100Hz, 200Hz, 300Hz and 400Hz
Filter On/Off 50Hz to 15KHz Band Pass Filter
LF Filter Type Low Shelf or Bell
HF Filter Type Hi Shelf or Bell
EQ IN On/Off
VU Meters -30dB to 0dB With Clip indicator
Output Controls:
* Analog On/Off
* Phase Polarity Reverse On/Off
* Output Gain -18dB to +18dB
* Trim Output Gain Adjustment

- API 560
Per Band Gain -12dB to +12dB
Band Frequencies 31Hz, 63Hz, 125Hz, 250HZ, 500Hz, 1KHz, 2KHz, 4KHz, 8KHz and 16KHz
EQ IN On/Off
VU Meters -30dB to 0dB With Clip indicator
Output Controls:
* Analog On/Off
* Phase Polarity Reverse On/Off
* Output Gain -18dB to +18dB
* Trim Output Gain Adjustment

- API 550B
HF Filter Gain -12dB to +12dB
HF Filter Frequency 2.5KHz, 5KHz, 7KHz, 10KHZ, 12.5KHz, 15KHz and 20KHz
HF Filter Type Hi Shelf or Bell
HMF Bell Filter Gain -12dB to +12dB
HMF Bell Filter Frequency 800Hz, 1.5KHz, 3KHz, 5KHz, 8KHz, 10KHz and 12.5KHz
LMF Bell Filter Gain -12dB to +12dB
LMF Bell Filter Frequency 75Hz, 150Hz, 180Hz, 240Hz, 500Hz, 700Hz and 1KHz
LF Filter Gain -12dB to +12dB
LF Filter Frequency 30Hz, 40Hz, 50Hz, 100Hz, 200Hz, 300Hz and 400Hz
LF Filter Type Low Shelf or Bell
EQ IN On/Off
Meters -30dB to 0dB With Clip indicator
Output Controls:
* Analog On/Off
* Phase Polarity Reverse On/Off
* Output Gain -18dB to +18dB
* Trim Output Gain Adjustment

- API 2500
Compressor Controls:
* Threshold -20dBu to +10dBu
* Attack 0.03ms, 0.10ms, 0.30ms, 1 ms, 3 ms, 10 ms and 30 ms
* Ratio 5:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 6:1, 10:1 and Infinity:1
* Release 0.05s, 0.1s, 0.2s, 0.5s, 1.0s, 2.0s and Variable Release mode
* Variable Release 50ms to 3s

Tone Controls:
* Threshold Knee Hard, Medium and Soft
* Detector Thrust Loud, Medium and Normal
* Tone Type New (Feed-Forward) or Old (Feed-Backward)

Link Controls:
* Filter Type HP, LP and BP
* L/R Link Independent, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% and 100%

VU Meters:
* Input/Output -30dB to 0dB With Clip indicator
* Gain Reduction 0dB to 30dB
* Meter Source GR, IN or OUT

Output Controls:
* Analog On/Off
* Compressor In On/Off
* Bypass On/Off
* Make-Up Gain Auto/Manual
* Make-Up Gain -24dB to +24dB