Let me start off with the pros: It feels very well made and each module slid in like butter but held firm. If you are running standard modules that don't require lots of power and are fine with db25 connection then this will be perfect for you.
Now the cons: This unit could only power up with 4 or less modules installed that draw 12OmA. Occasionally I could get it to power up with 5.
If you want rack ears it will cost you an extra $ and to install them you need to completely disassemble the unit. Because of the power situation I had to return two units and go with a product that has a beefier power supply.

I only have 2 modules in this right now so my review is limited to that. The big downfall for me is no power switch. in my setup that really causes some issues for me. I do like the linking switches in the back. I can see where the db25 connectors could be hated or liked but for me I make all of my own cables so this isn't an issue and I really like the cleanliness of db25 anyway. But be prepared to spend some money on breakout cables. They aren't cheap.

When I was shopping for a 500 series box for my modules two things considered were value and strong build quality. With the API name you can't go wrong you get both. You might pay a bit more but it is worth every dime especially when you consider resale value.

This is a great piece of gear - well made and easy to set up - and definitely affordable - it does a great job of running my 500 series pramps etc - I would recommend it to anyone wanting to get into 500 series
Preamps etc

This thing does the job but man is API cheap. You have to pay to rack mount it and for each panel cover. Ehh.. And to top it off no on/off switch! Why? Even when I call API support line and talked to engineer he couldn't explain it and agreed with me that it was a stupid over look in the design.If you need to change mics mid session and one of them can't be hot plugged you have to unplug the whole unit to shut it off. What the heck! The rack mounting kit is not designed for the 8-slot so good luck not breaking the thing installing it. The only upside is that it works and the linkable channel feature is kind of cool.

The build quality on this is excellent, and by going with DSUB connections and a "stock" external power supply the cost is really attractive.

I bought the rack ears for it and didn't realize I'd pretty much have to disassemble this thing in order to put ears on it, but the ears fit good and look nice, unlike some rack kits I've seen. My only suggestion on that is that API could reconfigure the rack ears to fit on without having to remove the handle and the rubber feet, and it would still fit in a rack and make converting it from a studio unit to mobile unit quick and easy

all in all a great item with little room for improvement.

The new API lunchbox is a fantastic unit with the quality you would expect from a name like API. 8 slots with 250mA per slot gives me enough power to run all of my 500 series gear. The DB25 connectivity on the rear also makes setting up connections a breeze. If you are looking for a new lunchbox I would highly recommend the API 8-B.