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Categories

  • 500/51x
  • Component
    • Case
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  • Digital
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  • Effect
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  • Guitar Amp
    • American Amp
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    • Low Watt Amp
    • Solid State Amp
  • Guitar Pedal
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    • EQ Pedal
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  • Microphone
    • Condenser Microphone
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  • Mod
    • Compressor Mod
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  • Monitoring
    • Headphone Amp
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  • Power Supply
  • Preamp
    • API Preamp
    • Clean Preamp
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    • Misc Preamp
    • Neve Preamp
    • Tube Preamp
  • Synthesizer
  • Utility
    • DI
    • MS Matrixing
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  • Zener Compressor

DIY API Preamp

Also known as “American Preamps Imitated”–these projects are inspired to various degrees by the classic 1970’s preamps designed and manufactured by Automated Processes Inc., or API. The “API Sound” is commonly thought to be a result of the unique strengths and limitations of API’s proprietary discrete operational amplifier, the 2520, and input and output transformers. In particular, it is the relatively slow slew-rate (transient response), small bandwidth, and high amount of harmonic distortion that give API mic preamps their euphonically “up front,” “warm,” and at times “agressive” sound.

  • Access 312 Preamp PCB
  • Bearcat 412 Discrete Mic Preamp
  • Bicycle Recordings 312 Hybrid Preamp
  • dBDawg PreQ 500-series Preamp/EQ Kit
  • FiveFish X12 Preamp
  • MP-99 CLASSIC AMERICAN SOUND
  • Seventh Circle A12 Preamp
  • Sound Skulptor MP12 Preamp

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