API 2500+ Stereo Bus Compressor

Parallel compression done right

The Mix/Blend circuit found on the API 2500+ does a lot more than the simple wet/dry blend pot found on many modern compressors, giving you the option of either crossfading or parallel mixing of the compressed and uncompressed signals. First of all, the circuit can be hardwire relay bypassed entirely to deliver a purer signal than a standard blend pot simply maxed out to fully “wet” — a feature golden-eared engineers will appreciate. Next, when engaged and set to X (Cross), the Mix control lets you crossfade between fully uncompressed and fully compressed, literally increasing one while decreasing the other. In || (Parallel) mode, the MIX control effectively dials in your desired amount of compressed signal to blend in with the uncompressed signal, which remains constant. In case you’re wondering; trust us — these two active modes do sound and behave differently and you’ll quickly find uses for each.

Equip Your Studio with Iconic API Compression

If you’re after versatile compression, the API wrote the book. While the 2500+ is set up for stereo compression, you can also use it dual-mono. However you use it, though, you’ll have a range of compression styles to dial in — all highly musical, all incredibly usable. The 2500+ sports API’s patented Thrust circuit, a proprietary loudness contour that packs a powerful punch, imbuing each octave with the same energy (instead of half the energy as the next lowest one, as is the normal state of affairs).

The Old/New Tone Type switch lets you choose between classic feedback and modern feed-forward compression styles. Whether you’re using it for drum stems, guitars, bass, vocals, or as a stereo bus compressor to pump up your mixes, the 2500+ delivers the iconic API analog sound and "slam factor" that has been relied on by recording engineers and heard on countless hits for a half century. Simply put: every serious studio needs the API 2500+.

Incredibly versatile, highly musical

When you choose API, you know you’re getting legendary sonic character. And with the API 2500+, you’ve got a range of character to choose from. To start, the 2500+ is equipped with API’s patented Thrust circuit before its RMS detector, which delivers punchy, old-school low end. There are also two types of compression onboard the API 2500+ — Old and New. The Old style uses the feedback type of compression in which the detector is placed after the VCA (as found on the classic API 525), while the New style uses a feed-forward type for a faster response typical of many popular modern compressors.

The API 2500+ is stereo-ready, but sports a variable link between the left and right channels, so you can independently put the channels to work on your mono sources. Whatever way you use it, you’ll appreciate having API’s auto-makeup gain button on the output stage. It lets you vary the API 2500+’s threshold or ratio, while automatically maintaining a consistent output level.

Sidechain input for creative ducking

Every dynamics processor has a sidechain circuit that examines the signal and determines how much the VCA will reduce gain — but not every unit provides access to its sidechain. In compressors without a separate sidechain input, your main input signal is, essentially, compressing itself. With compressors that have a separate sidechain input — like the API 2500+ — you can introduce a different signal that determines the compression action on the main signal.

An overt illustration of sidechaining is the “pumping” effect that’s popular in EDM production. A control signal — let’s say, a bass drum — is plugged into the sidechain input, triggering the detector and causing the main signal — a synth bass, in this example — to "duck," under each bass drum hit. This clears the way for maximum kick drum impact. Another classic use is for auto-ducking music under a voiceover, as in a radio commercial spot. Sidechaining can be used creatively in many ways, limited only by your imagination!

API — the legendary American pro audio company

No American pro audio company is more iconic than API. Launched in 1968 by Saul Walker, Automated Processes Inc. began building 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. And the company certainly isn’t resting on its laurels; today’s API products give you the same unbeatable combination of utility, innovation, and great sound. That’s why, at Sweetwater, the name API commands reverence.

API 2500+ Stereo Bus Compressor Features:

• New Mix/Blend circuit with crossfade or parallel compression
• Selectable ratio, attack, and release times
• Expanded variable threshold between -20dBu to +20dBu
• Selectable NEW or OLD switch for feed-forward or feed-back operation
• Over Threshold LED illuminates when input audio crosses the set threshold
• Patented Thrust filter with 3 settings for frequency-dependent sidechain control
• 3 selectable compressor curve Knee settings: Soft, Medium, or Hard
• Choice of Old (feedback) or New (feed-forward) compression
• Preset or variable release time control
• Variable Left/Right channel linking
• Selectable automatic or manually variable make-up gain
• 1/4" balanced XLR sidechain inputs
• Audio circuit uses 2520 discrete op-amps
• Premium stereo VU meters show selectable input or output
• Full hardwire relay bypass