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From Our Research Team:

API Combines Analog Performance and Digital Connectivity!

The API A2D dual mic preamp marks a first for the venerated company — it includes an integrated digital output! The A2D features a pair of premium mic preamps in one chassis, fed into API's proprietary high-quality AD converter. You get both analog and digital outputs for each channel for maxiumum flexibility (especially useful when you're adding other outboard gear into the signal chain), as well as insert points between the analog and digital sections. A pair of 9-pin D-sub connectors let you link several units together while linking them all to a central clock source. As much as you'll appreciate this kind of flexibility, you'll really love the way the A2D sounds when you plug in!

API A2D Dual Analog Preamp with Analog and Digital Outputs at a Glance:

• A new chapter of API innovation begins
  
• API quality shines on the analog section
  
• Sterling digital performance and features

A new chapter of API innovation begins
API's reputation as innovators has been well-earned over the decades — and they're not done yet! The A2D is the first product produced by API with an integrated digital input. Recognizing the desire for a high quality solution to raise microphone signals to a workable line level, API put one of their most popular mic preamp designs into an enclosure with their new proprietary analog to digital conversion. The result is a complete package — a pair of superb mic preamps feeding an A/D section with a set of standard digital interface outputs, multiple sample-rate choices, and internal or external clock options. Precise control of both the analog gain as well as the level feeding the digital section means that the mic signal can be kept super-clean if desired, or driven harder on the analog side for that whallop and impact that can only be achieved by driving the transformer into saturation for that historic API sound.

API quality shines on the analog section
Being an API product, you can rest assured that the A2D doesn't skimp in the analog department. Its analog section consists of the circuitry contained in two API 312 mic preamps, or one half of the popular 3124 quad mic preamp rack product. A level control pot with an expanded 20-segment metering system shows precise mic gain levels. Control switches include polarity, 48v phantom power, input pad, 2:1 transformer routing, and Mic/Line select. Each analog input contains a balanced low-level XLR connector and a high-level line input on a 1/4" jack.

Rear panel analog connectors include an XLR input and output for each channel, as well as a balanced 1/4" TRS insert to the A/D converter. This allows the A2D to have external analog processing devices inserted in the audio chain (EQ, compression, etc.)

Sterling digital performance and features
The digital side of this dual preamp features API's hallmark quality, too. The digital section includes two level pots to adjust the feed to the A/D converters, each with a corresponding 20-segment calibrated meter. A multi-position switch selects the desired sample frequency. The External Sync LED will light when an external clock signal is used.

Digital interface connectors provided are SPDIF single ended RCA connector and AES digital out on XLR. A coaxial BNC accepts an external word clock, which will illuminate the front panel EXT SYNC LED when locked.

In addition, there are a pair of 9-pin D-sub connectors which allow the linking of multiple A2D units, all operating off the first sample-rate clock in the chain.

API A2D Dual Analog Preamp with Analog and Digital Outputs Features:

• A pair of signature 312 mic preamps
  
• API 2520 op amps
  
• 20-segment LED metering on both analog and digital sections
  
• Mic and Line inputs
  
• Polarity, phantom power, input pad, 2:1, and mic/line switches
  
• Six sample rate choices
  
• External word clock input
  
• Multiple A2D units can be slaved together
  
• Insert point provided between analog and digital sections

The API A2D dual preamp adds digital connectivity to a great-sounding analog front end!

Specification Detail Preamp Type Solid State Number of Channels 2 Phantom Power Yes EQ No Compression No Analog Inputs 2 x XLR (Mic), x 2 x 1/4" (Hi-Z), 2 x 1/4" (Line) Analog Outputs 2 x XLR Digital Inputs No Digital Inputs Digital Outputs 1 x AES/EBU (XLR), 1 x S/PDIF (Coax) Other I/O Sync In (BNC), 9-pin In and Out (Master/Slave) Computer Connectivity No Computer Connectivity Rackmount Spaces 1U Height 1.75" Width 19" Manufacturer Part Number A2D