One of the highlights of the recent AES convention in San Francisco was API‘s introduction of its brand-new Channel Strip. The API Channel Strip includes a 512C mic pre, the famous 550a EQ, the 527 compressor and the 325 line driver, all well-known and highly-coveted pieces in their own right, now packaged together.
Each processing piece can be switched in or bypassed individually, and a flip switch allows the compressor to be placed after the EQ if desired. Additional features include an insert point, side chain input, multiple metering locations, and the famous API 2520/transformer combination.
“There was a need for a leaner, meaner version of the API 7600 that could serve as a stand-alone unit, with just the right features necessary for a comprehensive audio channel,” said Larry Droppa, API president. “We picked all the best parts of an API console channel and put them in a single space unit.”
The result of thoughtful engineering, the new API Channel Strip is currently shipping with a retail price of $2,995.