API 1608-II 16-channel Recording and Mixing Console with Automation

The 550A parametric EQ module

Designed by API founder Saul Walker in the late ’60s, API’s iconic 550A is one of the all-time classic console equalizers (and 500 Series EQ modules). Offering three bands of definitive API parametric equalization, the 550A has shaped the sound of countless recordings over the last 50 years, and it remains one of the most coveted EQs on the planet. The 550A’s three bands are spec’d with overlapping frequency selections, which gives you remarkably effective sound-sculpting capabilities. (For greater surgical control with even more extensive frequency overlap, API optionally offers the 550b 4-band EQ, which also fits the 500 Series slots of the 1608-II console.) Combining API’s proprietary 2520 op-amp and Proportional Q circuitry, the 550A gives engineers access to acoustically superior EQ that’s quick and easy to deploy.

• 3 overlapping bands of definitive API equalization
• Each band offers 7 frequency centers
• Maximum 12dB of boost/cut per band
• Detented controls for easy settings recall
• High and Low EQ bands offer shelf/peak switching
• Proportional Q narrows filter Q at extremes
• API’s traditional fully discrete circuit design
• High headroom (+30dB clip level)

The 560 graphic EQ module

For those who appreciate the operational efficiencies of a graphic EQ, API offers the 560 (which is also included in the stock 16-channel 1608-II). Originally designed for mounting in API large-format boards of the 1970s, the 560 EQ is unique in the fact that it manages to shoehorn the quick intuitiveness of a 10-band graphic equalizer into the tidy 500 Series format. As such, it offers sound balancing and signal sweetening solutions that no other console equalizer can. With the 560’s visual curve shaping and zero detents, it’s exceptionally fast to tweak and recall settings. Based on the original 560 design, today’s 560 incorporates API’s proprietary circuitry and components (including the API 2520 op-amp) while featuring improved resolution in the ±4dB region. A perfect companion for a parametric EQ, the 560’s Proportional Q design broadens the filter bandwidth at lower boost/cut levels while narrowing it at higher settings. What’s more, the boost and cut characteristics are identical, which makes it easy to “undo” committed equalization after the fact.

• Based on the original 1969 API 560 EQ
• 10 bands of proprietary API equalization
• Familiar graphic operation on 1-octave centers
• 12dB of boost/cut per band
• Proportional Q narrows filter Q at extremes
• Additional resolution within the ±4dB region
• Center detent for reliable reset
• Silent bypass button

The 2520 op-amp

Another Saul Walker invention, the 2520 operational amplifier (used in components throughout the API 1608-II, including the 550A and 560 EQs) offers the generous headroom necessary for consistent analog sound quality even when presented with radical equalization curves. Notably, the 2520’s capacity for driving low impedance loads is critical when it is mated to API’s custom output transformers. The superior results are quite audible with optimized low-frequency reproduction and crisper imaging, which delivers that sought-after, massive API “punch-in-the-gut” sound that jumps right out of the speakers.

Final Touch motorized fader/mute automation system

API’s Final Touch automation system provides the precision and finesse every mix needs. Human accuracy being what it is, computers are far more suited for repetitive tasks such as duplicating fader levels, pass after pass. Like most console automation systems, Final Touch takes the guesswork out of mixing, freeing you to focus artistically on the big picture rather than tedious housekeeping chores like multiple complex fader rides. The Final Touch system is available factory fitted into your console, or as a retrofit into existing non-automated boards. Either way, Final Touch automation delivers bulletproof reliability, unprecedented flexibility, and straightforward, user-friendly operation. And like all API pro audio equipment, it’s also an outstanding value, with functionality rivaling that of the most costly and sophisticated console automation systems on the market.

• Reliable, self-contained fader automation system requiring no external computer
• Individual Switch Control on each fader
• Global Control Panel in the console Center Section
• High-resolution 7.5-inch Touch Screen Control
• Files are easily saved to standard SD memory cards
• Automated Mute and Solo switches on each channel
• Unlimited Fader Groups with 2 dedicated Group Master Faders
• Motorized Stereo Program Fader
• 4 Motorized Stereo Returns
• DAW Control with unity gain audio bypass
• Unlimited Mix Restore points
• Comprehensive Operations Manual

Undisputed industry trendsetter

Most audio professionals and enthusiasts are familiar with the 500 Series format. But did you know that the format was invented by API as a module/receiver and power rail specification before they began manufacturing consoles in 1971? In the modern era, API set the specifications for the popular 500 Series chassis (or, as API cheekily calls their own: “Lunchbox”). Today, 500 Series racks are found in countless commercial recording and post-production facilities, home studios, and mobile recording rigs — yet another indicator of API’s legendary status as an industry trendsetter.

Built for the long haul

Since the 1970s, API boards have been prized for their robust, mil-spec build quality. This is borne out by the impressive number of vintage APIs still in daily service around the world. Back in the Golden Age of Analog, pro audio equipment was meticulously assembled and wired by hand using fully discrete circuit designs and military-grade components — factors to which the timelessly superior sound and performance of coveted vintage gear are often attributed. And that is precisely how API builds their consoles to this day. Your API 1608-II is built to reliably deliver superior sound, session after session, over decades of faithful service. And the company backs up their assiduous craftsmanship with an industry-leading 5-year warranty on all parts, giving you the confidence of knowing you have made an excellent investment in your studio business.

API: an American pro audio legend

Launched in 1968 by Saul Walker, Automated Processes Inc. began building high-quality consoles for broadcast applications. Soon, the company’s products found favor with recording studios, and a string of industry-leading innovations (including the 500 Series module, the first VCA, computerized console automation, and more) followed. API produced the 2520 amplifier, one of the most famous op-amps in the recording industry, and their consoles and products found homes in such iconic studio facilities as the Hit Factory, Record Plant, Ocean Way, Sunset Sound, and many others. In fact, there are over 700 vintage API consoles around the globe — many of which are still in use. Clearly, the company isn’t resting on its laurels; today’s API products give you the same unbeatable combination of utility, innovation, and stellar sound. That’s why, at Sweetwater, the name API commands reverence.

API 1608-II 16-channel Analog Recording Console with Automation Features:

• Includes API’s state-of-the-art Final Touch fader/mute automation system
• 16, 32, or 48 Input channel frame sizes
• Each channel equipped with Mic Pre and EQ
• Per-channel 500 Series slots: 12 x 550A, 4 x 560 graphic EQ modules
• 8 Multitrack Buses, 8 Aux Buses, 1 Stereo Bus; 4 Stereo Returns
• 100mm faders with Multitrack and Stereo Buss assign
• Full Center Section control
• Surround 5.1 Center Section monitoring
• Classic analog metering
• Global 0dB fader Bypass
• Comprehensive rear-panel I/O connectivity