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API 3124+

Item ID: API3124p

4-channel Mic and Instrument Preamp with 65dB Gain Range and Front-panel hi-Z Inputs

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From Our Research Team:

API Console Preamp Performance in a Rackmountable Unit!

The API 3124+ 4-channel microphone and instrument preamp packs API console sound and performance into a very easy-to-use, premium-quality rackmountable unit. Whether you're capturing vocals or plugging in an instrument, you'll definitely appreciate the 3124+. It uses the same preamp circuit found in API consoles, plus the same output transformer you'll find in API's equalizers - a recipe for great API sound and character! This preamp provides a very robust gain range, making it useful for a variety of input sources. Equally at home onstage, in the broadcast rig, and in the recording studio, the 3124+ is a real performer.

API 3124+ 4-channel Mic/Instrument Preamp at a Glance:
  • Ideal for a variety of audio applications
  • Premium API components inside
  • Perfect for mics and instruments alike

Ideal for a variety of audio applications
API's commitment to quality means the 3124+ provides a stellar front end to a wide variety of audio applications. The 3124+ is designed with the professional engineer in mind, giving you four channels of premium preamp performance, while keeping the size and price at a reasonable level. Equally at home in the control room, the recording studio, and news or recording truck, at the house console, on the stage, direct-to-DAT, or at the ready in your personal studio.

Premium API components inside
This preamp gives you the great sound and performance characteristics that make API gear so popular among studios, engineers, and musicians. How? The model 3124+ utilizes the same microphone preamp circuit that is used in all API consoles. It uses the RE-115 K mic input transformer and the same output transformer that is used in all API equalizers. All four mic inputs of the 3124+ are powered by an internal 48 volt phantom power supply, front panel switchable for each channel. Also provided is a front panel 20dB pad switch that effects both the Mic and Line in.

Perfect for mics and instruments alike
You get plenty of headroom from this pre, whether you're plugging in a mic or an instrument. The model 3124+ can provide up to 65dB of gain to an output clip level of +30 dBm. The hi-Z front panel input goes directly to the op-amp, allowing a low level input such as a guitar or bass to be amplified without a matching transformer or direct box. This hi-Z input can take input levels as high as +22, making it perfect for keyboards and other high level devices. The rear output is an XLR connector.

API 3124+ 4-channel Mic/Instrument Preamp Features:
  • Uses API 2520 Op-amp
  • Classic Console Circuit
  • Four XLR Mic Inputs
  • Four 1/4" Un-Balanced Inputs
  • Front Panel Polarity Switch
  • Front Panel 20dB PadSwitch
  • Front Panel Mic/Line Switch
  • Front Panel 48V Power Switch
  • Output Clips at +30dBm
  • Input Impedance:1500 Ohms Mic, 470 K Ohms Un-Balanced, hi-Z in
  • Output Impedance:Less than 75 Ohms Channel Outputs
  • Nominal Levels:XLR Channel Output +4dBu
  • Stereo Output Level:Unbalanced: nominal -2, Balanced: +4
  • Clipping Level:XLR Channel Output better than +28dBm
  • Frequency Response:+0, -5, 10Hz to 20kHz (-.5 at 10Hz)
  • Noise EIN:-129 Mic, -125 Un-Bal. Actual
  • Measured Noise:Better than -91dBm/below Nominal +4.
  • Distortion:All Outputs at +4 out, .03%, at +22, .09% Max
  • Gain Range:150 Ohms Input 10dB Min., 65dB Max (inc. PAD). Un-Bal. Input 14dB Min., 50dB Max
  • VU Meter:Calibrated for XLR Outputs, OVU=+4 dBu, (-12, -6, -3, 0, +3, +6, +18)
  • Controls:GAIN, PAD (20dB), 48Volts, POL (polarity), MIC (mic/un-ba;), VU, AC
  • Dimensions:19" x 1U x 8"
  • Weight: 11 lbs.

The API 3124+ 4-channel preamp gives you legendary API sound and performance!
Specification Detail
Preamp Type Solid State
Number of Channels 4
Frequency Response 10Hz-20kHz
Phantom Power Yes
EQ No
Compression No
Analog Inputs 4 x XLR, 4 x 1/4" (Hi-Z)
Analog Outputs 4 x XLR
Digital Inputs No Digital Inputs
Digital Outputs No Digital Outputs
Other I/O No Other I/O
Computer Connectivity No Computer Connectivity
Rackmount Spaces 1U
Height 3.5"
Depth 8"
Width 19
Weight 11 lbs.
Manufacturer Part Number 3124+

3124+ Image Gallery

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Reviews

based on 6 reviews

Perfection

by Kenneth Nielson from
May 6, 2013
Music Background: Audio Engineering
I have never had a single issue with my APIs. They are durable and reliable. Countless sessions, countless basement studio relocations, and recording a vast array of instruments. They sound great on e... read more [+]verything. I will never regret this purchase. close [-]

You can't go wrong with API pres

by Nico from Austin, tx usa
January 8, 2013
Music Background: Pro Musician, Recording Engineer
I just purchased my second 3124, and I'm about to get a third. I also have some Neve Portico. But they are much more expensive. I personally like to put a Little Labs Redcloud on the back of the 3124.... read more [+] That way you can really get all the juice out of the pre without peaking in your AD/DA converter. close [-]

Can't have just one!!

by Chris from Florida
May 12, 2012
Music Background: Engineer, producer, musician
I had always been a Neve/Vintech guy for drums and everything else. I played on a session in Nashville at a drummers home studio. Super nice studio. Anyways, he ran all of his close mics, OH and 2 pai... read more [+]rs of room mics through 3 3124 pres and wow. Extremely clear. So I had to get one for my studio. This is a very fast Pre, which is perfect for drums. I've also cut bass and acoustic with it and they both sound great. When you drive the Pre there seems to be a slight distortion on the higher frequencies. I plan to buy a second one soon! If you don't have one, I strongly recommend to try it. close [-]

Re-Review

by Jon from NY
August 14, 2011
Music Background: All sorts of gigs...
I'm using these in a session right now, and being sweetwater fans, the band says I have to review this item haha.. If you pair these preamps with Sennheiser MD-421s, Shure SM57s, (name your favorite ... read more [+]dynamic mic), you will be blown away, I promise. So happy I have two of these... yes, I bought another one :) ... they are a little harsh with some condenser mics, but other than that, you can use these to amplify any microphone up to line level (and a very nice sounding line out it is) with any instrument for excellent results. The DI will make any bass SMOKE. My $250 Peavey bass (for beating on) sounds like thunder through this. I frequently use both the DI's and the mic amps on this... the mic amps LOVE dynamic mics! Can't stress that enough. close [-]

A great front end...

by Jon from Orange County, NY
October 20, 2010
Music Background: Too much experience for where I am at financially =)
Stop here. Pair this with any high end converter that can handle its +24db output. Bright but not harsh. Punchy mids but not popping. Smooth bass without the boom. Works really well with just abo... read more [+]ut any mic and has loads of gain. A great standard workhorse. I have this alongside a Brent Averill reracked pair of vintage 1272s. Two different animals, but both ferocious =). The 3124+ sounds professional because it is professional. Very simple circuitry, with almost no noise. It's very clean, yet puts a nice focused and balanced touch on everything. Great for instruments and LOVES dynamic mics...say goodbye to mic incompatibility. It just works with ANYTHING... if you prefer solid state to tubes. If you find yourself using a lot of plugins to "tone-shape", skip 'em and get this. You will never need to EQ for faulty tone again, as it loves to show you the differences in mic placement and always displays the full spectrum of tones how the mic picks them up, it doesn't mask or emphasize really. Again, very clear with a classic signature sound that you will instantly recognize, as long as your monitoring is in the right place =P Had it for a while ... I'm considering writing in my will that I should be buried with it. Just kidding of course, but I am considering getting another one. close [-]
Read more reviews

Without a doubt Sweetwater has become my " go to" place for all my musical needs. EXCELLENT JOB GUY'S! Very fast delivery.


Brandy, Upper Sandusky, OH

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See Also: API , API Multi-Channel Preamps

API 3124+

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