Shop Keyboard Deals, Financing, and More

API 3124V 4-channel Microphone Preamp

Discrete 4-channel Mic/Line/Instrument Preamp with 65dB Gain Range, Variable Output, and Transformer Tap Selection
$3,295.00

Or pay $549.16 for 6 months with Easy Pay

See all payment options
In Stock!

Only 3 left in stock! More on the way.
Add to Cart
Notify me about deals

Ask An Expert

Our expertly trained Sales Engineers are ready to help!

What is a Sales Engineer?
Sweetwater Gear Exchange

Have one to sell?
Check out Sweetwater's Gear Exchange!
Learn More

Most Popular Accessories & Related Items

API 3124V 4-channel Microphone Preamp
In Stock!
$3,295.00
Add to Cart
Add to list
Back to navigation

This article was Written By

Our Product Research Team

Get to know them!

The API 3124 Gets an Upgrade

The API 3124V adds variable output and transformer tap selection to the company's popular 3124+ 4-channel mic/instrument preamp. The 3124V packs legendary API console sonics and performance into an easy-to-use, premium-quality rackmount unit. Whether you're capturing vocals or plugging in an instrument, you'll definitely appreciate the 3124V. It uses the same preamp circuit found in API consoles, plus the same input and output transformers you'll find throughout the API range — a recipe for classic API sound. Want instant vintage character? A 3:1 output transformer tap selection lets you switch in additional harmonic saturation. 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 API 3124V will serve you well.

Ideal for a variety of audio applications

API's commitment to quality means the 3124V provides a stellar front end to a wide variety of audio applications. The 3124V 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. Not only will it make your mics sound incredible, the unit's convenient front-panel hi-Z instrument inputs are engineered with the headroom to handle your active bass or hot outputs from keyboards and other gear. It's equally at home in commercial recording studios, mobile ENG or recording rigs, at front of house, or 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. The 3124V 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 found throughout the API product line. All four mic inputs of the 3124V are powered by a 48-volt phantom power supply — front panel switchable for each channel. Also provided are front-panel, per-channel polarity-reverse switches and 20dB pad switches that affect both Mic and hi-Z inputs.

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 3124V can provide up to 65dB of gain, and with variable output you can optimize your gain staging. The front-panel hi-Z inputs routes directly to the op-amp, perfect for amplifying low-level inputs like guitar and bass without using a direct box or matching transformer. These inputs can take levels as high as +20dBu, making them ideal for active pickups, keyboards, and other high-level gear. The 3124V sports rear-panel XLR mic pre inputs and channel outputs.

API 3124V 4-channel Mic/Line/Instrument Preamp Features:

  • Legendary API discrete circuitry
  • Uses classic API 2520 op-amps
  • Variable-output level control
  • 3:1 output transformer tap selection
  • 4 rear-panel female XLR mic inputs
  • 4 front-panel 1/4" hi-Z instrument inputs
  • Front-panel polarity-reverse switches, per-channel
  • Front-panel -20dB pad switches, per-channel
  • Front-panel mic/instrument switches, per-channel
  • Front-panel 48V power switches, per-channel
  • Rear-panel XLR channel outputs

Additional Media

Warranty Info

Sweetwater's FREE 2-Year Total Confidence Coverage Warranty

Extra peace of mind at no extra cost.

  • Save money with FREE parts and labor
  • Get back to making music with the industry's fastest turnaround time
  • Fix it the first time with our award-winning, factory-certified Service Department
Learn More about Total Confidence Coverage

Free 2-year Warranty

Sweetwater's 2-year Total Confidence Coverage™ Warranty gives you extra peace of mind at no extra cost.

Learn More about Total Confidence Coverage
Tools Icon

Save money with free parts & labor!

Fast Icon

Get back to making music with the industry's fastest turnaround time.

Award Icon

Fix it the first time with our award-winning, factory-certified Service Department.

Back to navigation

Tech Specs

  • Preamp Type: Solid State
  • Number of Channels: 4
  • Phantom Power: Yes
  • Analog Inputs: 4 x 1/4" (Hi-Z), 4 x XLR (mic)
  • Analog Outputs: 4 x XLR
  • Rack Spaces: 1U
  • Power Source: Standard IEC AC cable
  • Depth: 11"
  • Weight: 10.38 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: 3124V

What Makes Our Sales Engineers Great?

Sweetwater Sales Engineers are a world-class team of experts dedicated to you. Hand selected from across the globe, each brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the world of music gear to provide you with unparalleled service completely free of charge. Friendly relationships, real trust, and the right gear are only a call or a click away!

Back to navigation

Customer Reviews

Write your review
Rated 5/5

Stunning

I love what this preamp does when you push the gain. It might seem like a lot of money to spend until you really put it through its paces and hear the difference. While it's famous for drums, it still sounds great on everything else. There's a reason why those old consoles became a standard. It's a true workhorse preamp.
Rated 5/5

A Staple for Drums

This box will bring you joy if you are passionate about drum sounds. It's no slouch on electric guitars either. The gain and output trim controls give you lots of tonal options, and the 3:1 feature is great for adding extra character to your signal. Using the DI on the front for electric guitar and bass is also a joy. Highly recommended.
Music background: Drummer/recordist
Rated 5/5

Worth it

Recently set up a commercial studio with various preamps. Great on drums and bass. Even just using it as a bass DI adds some color/charachter/growl.

Decided to sell a few less used pieces including some 500 series pre's to get a second one
To be able to do a full drum kit.

This thing turned me into an API believer.
Rated 4.5/5

Awesome for Drums

Kick, snare, 2x overheads (or 2x toms) sounded immediately punchier and powerful. The output trim is a nice addition! Minus .5 stars for price, but still worth it :-)
See also: Stu Preamp, API, API Preamps
Close Close $2,000 Pick Your PRS Giveaway -- input your email address below to enter or click here to learn more.

See giveaway details & rules or check out our past winners!

Success!

Your email, has been entered to win this giveaway. Good Luck!