API A2DItem ID: APIA2DDual Analog Mic Preamp with Mic and Line Inputs, Analog and Digital Outputs, Clock Input, and Insert Point Between Analog and Digital Sections
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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'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:
The API A2D dual preamp adds digital connectivity to a great-sounding analog front end!
Can We Help?Sweetwater's friendly and knowledgeable Sales Engineers are regarded as the most experienced and educated professionals in the music industry, with extensive music backgrounds and intense training on the latest products and technologies. As your personal contact here at Sweetwater, they are available to provide personalized advice any time you need it.Call toll-free (800) 222-4700 or E-mail us Reviewsbased on 3 reviewsLIVES ON MY SNARE AND KICK
by Taylor Sparks from Tucson, Arizona
Api usually wires things pretty damn hot (not always a great thing) but the A2D is perfect for drums and guitars. Getting a great source for a fair price!March 30, 2011 Music Background: Recording Engineer, Musician , Awesome dude. MUST BUY! BUY THIS
by Ryan Prewett from Nashville
I have used several different models of API pres, and these sound great. Its a great deal for the price to get 2 API pres and 2 professional converters. Use the spdif out to take your mbox/003 track... read more [+]ing up a notch. These pres are very versatile and can make almost any instrument sound great. close [-]
October 21, 2010 Music Background: Producer, Musician, Engineer It's API
by Brandon Weaver from Covington, Ky (Cincinnati, OH)
The Pre - I've owned this unit for about three years now. It get's used on every project I track. It's the API sound. What more could you want? When tracking drums, it usually ends up on kick and ... read more [+]snare, but you could put it anywhere and it would sound great. It works well with ribbons, condensers, and dynamic mics. It's a really good vocal pre, but won't work for everybody.August 16, 2010 Music Background: Audio Engineer/Producer/Studio Owner The AD - the conversion is top notch. I have SSL, Focusrite, DBX, and Digidesign converters. The API are among the best. And you can adjust how hard the converters are hit, separate from the pre, so you can really drive the pre (which can sound fantastic on some sources) and not peak your converters. Great feature. The Routing - this is one of my favorite parts about this piece. You can patch into just the converters, allowing you to run through more analog gear, and back into the API for conversion. It's very versatile. the downside - I have no idea why, but most of these units shipped with superclock instead of word clock. You can ship them back to API for an upgrade to word clock, but it's ~$300. Having only superclock can be a real pain, if you're trying to interface with other digital gear that only has superclock. This is the only reason I didn't give this unit five stars. Other than that, this has everything you need in a preamp/converter. close [-]
Jennifer, Chicago, IL Also popular
API A2D
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