API 512c

The API 512c is a mic / line / instrument preamp designed to provide a low noise, unusually good sounding front end for all types of audio systems. Sonically, it offers the distinct API sound at an extremely affordable price. Offering low noise (-129 EIN) and 65 dB of gain, the 512c includes phantom power, and switchable polarity, -20 dB pad and Mic/Line or Instrument selector. Front panel XLR and 1/4 inch connectors combined with rear panel mic access allows for additional flexibility when installed into an API lunchbox®, API's 10 position 500V vertical rack, or an API console.

The API 512c remains faithful to the circuit designs of API's founder, Saul Walker. Fully featured and still hand assembled, the 512c carefully preserves the original sound character that made it so much a part of the early days of recording. Offering high headroom and a wide variety of inputs and input access points, it is equally at home in the commercial recording studio as it is in the home project studio.

The 512c Mic/Line Preamp makes use of the 2510 and 2520 op-amps and therefore exhibits the reliability, long life, and uniformity which are characteristic of all API products.

Features:
Mic Preamp with 65 dB of gain
Front and Back Panel Mic Input Access
Line/Instrument Preamp with 50 dB of gain
Front and Back Panel Line/Instrument Input
LED VU meter for monitoring output level
20 dB pad switch, applies to mic/line/instrument
48v Phantom switchable power
Traditional API fully discrete circuit design
Uses the famous API 2520 Op-Amp

Technical Specifications:
Rear Connector:     Output on edge connector, MIC Input on edge connector, can be defeated
Front Connectors:     XLR MIC Input, HI-Z 1/4" Unbal Input
Gain Range:     MIC, 10 dB min, 65 dB max. Unbal HI-Z Input, 14 dB min, 50 dB max
Maximum Input Levels:     MIC, +8 dBu, Unbal HI-Z Input, +36 dBu
Input Impedance:     MIC Input, 1500 Ohms (150 Ohm mic), HI-Z Unbal Input, 20 K Ohms
Output Impedance:     Less than 75 Ohms, Transformer Balanced
Clipping Level:     +30 dBu
Frequency Response:     +0, -.3, 30 to 20 kHz
Noise:     Equivalent Input Noise: -129, Mic In. -125, Un-Balanced In.
Actual Metered Noise: Mic, -95 dBu, Un-Bal., -90 dBu
Distortion:     Less than .05% @ +4 Out, Less than .1% @ +28 Out
Size:     1.50" X 5.25" X 6" Deep
Shipping Weight/Actual Weight:     2 lbs./1 lb. 7 oz.
Power Consumption:     ±12/18 Volts/DC, @40 ma.