Saul Walker
Feb 1, 1927 – October 19, 2016
We at Sweetwater are saddened to hear of the death of Saul Walker, the co-founder of API, who was probably the most influential name in American console design that you’ve never heard before. As the creator of some of the most revered microphone preamps, equalizers, and recording consoles in the world, his impact on the world of recorded music and thousands of hit records simply cannot be overstated. The circuit designs that he originated in the ’60s and ’70s, including the 312 mic pre, 512 mic pre, and 550 EQ, are still being produced and in daily use in studios worldwide, virtually unchanged.
Founding Automated Processes Inc (API)
After starting his career as an electronics engineer for the US Navy, Saul designed the first 12-channel recording console for Apostolic Studios in New York in 1967. The positive response to that design resulted in him co-founding Automated Processes, Inc. (API) in 1968. As VP of Engineering, he designed the all-discrete 2520 op-amp (operational amplifier) that offered high gain, low noise, high output power – capable of +33 dBm – which could boost a signal from mic level up to a 2-watt output. It continues to be the backbone of the entire API product line.
Innovations
A timeline of some of Saul’s innovations at API includes:
1968 – Introduced the modular console design known as the 500 Series module
1969 – Introduced the 500 EQ
1969 – Developed conductive plastic faders
1970 – Recording innovator Les Paul purchased the first modular API console
1971 – Introduced the legendary 550A EQ
1974 – The first VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier) is introduced
Later Years
After API, he contributed his audio expertise during stints at Datatronics, Mitsubishi Pro Audio Group, Anchor Audio, and Otari Corporation. In recent years, Saul taught Music Electronic Technology at New York University and lectured at the Schulich School of Music of McGill University, and at Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University.
To honor his significant contributions in professional audio, in 1979 he was awarded a Fellowship by the Audio Engineering Society for his innovative console system designs. Saul was then honored with the distinguished AES Silver Medal in 2011 for “decades of innovative analog designs that have raised the bar on audio quality while offering solutions that empower the creative side of all audio engineers.”
My Personal Recollections
Personally, I was privileged to meet Saul in Nashville back in the early 2000s when he was speaking about console design and telling wild stories about the early days of API. During my career I’ve used lots of API preamps and EQs mounted in 500 Series racks, but I’ve also enjoyed working on dozens of API consoles ranging from overdubs on the earliest 1970s versions all the way up to recording full orchestra sessions on an 80-input Legacy Plus. The API sound made it one of my favorite consoles of all time.
Saul, acknowledging your contributions as inventor, engineer, and educator, we’d like to thank you for your expertise, gear designs, and your mild manner and generous spirit – all truly exceptional in this wild world of music making.
