API 7600 Rackmount Input Module

(Click for a close-up)

September 27, 1999 -- At AES '99 NY, API introduces what may be the most significant product in the company's recent history - the API 7600, one rack space input module. The API 7600 offers studios of all sizes a whole new range of options without sacrificing sound quality. The API 7600 is perfect for project studios who want high performance console sound, but have limited channel needs and/or budget availability, or for professional studios wanting to add more channels to their existing desk. This new API 7600 Strip forms the basis of a build-as-you-need-it, high quality recording console.

The 7600 features a genuine API mic pre, compressor and EQ right out of the glory days of rock 'n roll. The mic pre is the same one currently available in the 200 Series Legacy Console module, the 212L. The EQ is an exact reissue of the famed 550a, offering three bands of API EQ but with seven frequency choices per band. The compressor is the 225L, the same compressor found in the all-discrete Legacy consoles still in production. The 7600 is available in either in a horizontal or vertical configuration, the only difference being the legends on the panel. Complete with internal power supply, the 7600 strip is the basis for building a four-channel, eight-channel or even sixteen-channel professional sounding API console. All the user needs is a rack. Now a studio can design a custom "side car" console for extra inputs or have a portable "floating" console, or have a high quality four or six-channel console for remote recording applications.

Once a studio has started to build its own API console, API can provide outboard linear fader banks via the new, the API 7800 master module. The API 7800 Master Module accommodates multiple 7600 strips to form a complete multi-channel console of virtually any size. The 7800 contains bussing, solo logic and control, master controls and master VU metering, as well as a simple control room section for speakers/headphones and tape playback

"Right now there is a huge hole in the market between low cost multi-function consoles and high quality recording consoles," says Paul Wolff, API's Chief Engineer. "If a user wants professional level EQ, mic pres and compression on a console...it'll cost well over $50,000. The API 7600 is an idea who time has come: a complete real channel strip from a high performance console that can be used as stand alone, or can be combined in multiples over time to build a complete real API console - one strip at a time."

"The 7600 is intended to bridge the gap between low cost and high cost recording desks, says Brad Lunde of Transamerica Audio, API's exclusive U.S. Sales and Marketing arm. "Great for project studios as a miniature console of exceptional quality that can be expanded to as many channels as necessary when the need arises without trading in anything or replacing gear. It also fits high-end "side car" applications in professional studios, who need extra channels without buying a whole new console."

For more information, visit www.apiaudio.com.