It’s vacation season for seemingly everyone, but API. The iconic pro audio stalwart kicked off August with a big announcement: API Select is a new line of pro audio gear that’s designed, built and tested at API’s Maryland HQ. The initial line-up already numbers 6 products at surprisingly sober prices – including a pair of stompboxes. API Select analog gear Interestingly, the SR22 compressor and SR24 equalizer seem to be repacks of JDK Audio gear (API side hustle brand from back in the day). The JDK stuff sold for a little less and exhibited a softer character compared to the typical API console punch. It also had killer 1940s military radio equipment-style faceplates to match the vintage voicings. Likewise, the stompboxes seem to be derived from API’s TranzFormer GR EQ and compressor pedal. I don’t think this should be taking away from anyone’s excitement. I also wouldn’t fault API for pulling a rebrand if it makes sense for them and doesn’t harm customers. Here’s more about each API Select item: API Select T12 2-channel all-tube mic preamp The API Select T12 Tube mic preamp is an all-tube, Class-A microphone preamplifier incorporating a proprietary AP2516 input transformer, 12AT7WC and 12BH7 dual-triode tubes, and a custom API output transformer. The preamp offers variable microphone input impedance and switchable 48V phantom power. It switches between mic and high-impedance unbalanced 1/4″ instrument input with -20dB input pad, 11-step gain control, low-cut filter with 3 fixed frequencies, and 11-step output trim. All the controls are detented for accurate recall and channel matching. Metering is facilitated by an LED peak indicator and classic analog VU output meters. Output connections include XLR and 1/4″ TRS. Price (MSRP): USD 2195 API Select T25 Tube Compressor The T25 Tube Compressor is based on a Field Effect Transistor (FET) gain reduction circuit which also uses 12AT7WC and 12BH7 dual-triode vacuum tubes and a custom API output transformer. The front panel offers an 11-step attack time switch, an 11-step release time switch, 4 fixed ratios, 31-step input/threshold control, 31-step output/make-up gain control, an IN/OUT switch, and Link switch for stereo operation. All controls are detented for accurate recall. Metering options include a 10-segment LED gain reduction meter, LED peak indicator, and classic analog VU output meters. The D-S feature provides a high-frequency dependent side-chain control for de-essing with API’s patented THRUST® switch. Full hard-wired relay bypass is available as well. Input and output connections include XLR and 1/4″ TRS. Price (MSRP): USD 2185 API Select SR22 2 Channel Compressor The SR22 Dual Compressor is based on a patented THRUST® circuit with variable Threshold, Ratio, and Make-up gain controls. The classic analog VU meters are switchable between output level and gain reduction. LEDs provide peak threshold indication. There is also switchable Hard or Soft Knee compression, along with linkable stereo operation with true RMS power summing. The inputs and outputs are on fully balanced XLR and 1/4″. Price (MSRP): USD 1295 API Select SR24 2 Channel 4 Band EQ The SR24 equalizer offers 4 bands modeled on the classic APSI model 562 EQ. Each band has continuously variable frequency and gain controls with separate knobs and 12 dB of boost or cut per band. All 4 bands have peak/dipping parametric configuration. API uses a custom transformer balanced output. The equalizer has fully balanced 1/4″ and XLR input and output connections, and offers a generous +24 dB headroom. Price (MSRP): 1295 API Select TranZformer GTR – stompbox EQ API Select TranzFormer GTR The stompbox is based on a proprietary API 2510 OpAmp and signature API output transformer. The equalizer has 3 bands with +/-15 dB of gain for each, along with an overdrive circuit. A -20 dB output pad and buffered bypass complete the list. Price (MSRP): USD 295 API Select TranZformer® CMP – VCA compressor stompbox Like the one before it, this pedal uses a proprietary API 2510 OpAmp and signature output transformer. The compressor has adjustable attack and release times, a wet/dry blend control, selectable feedback/feedforward compressor styles, and buffered bypass. |
