API 505-DI 500 Series Direct Input Reviews
The API 505 delivers fat, punchy sound. The DI circuitry the instrument passes through has everything to do with that - you certainly don't want to degrade your sound right at the input. Now you can equip your studio or road rig with the same DI hi-Z input you've heard on countless hit records, with all the convenience of the 500 Series format. Equip your 500 Series rack with the 505 DI, and get killer direct sounds right from the get-go. Give your basses and synths the classic fat and punchy sound of the API 505 DI.
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Highest Rated Reviews
Best DI I've Ever Used
I'm a producer and engineer but as an instrumentalist, I get most of my work as a bassist. I've generally been skeptical of DI-only recording because it just lacks some of the magic an amp gives you. Decided to finally get serious about DI and bought this and I may never go back to micing an amp. It really is that good. The few tone controls are more than enough to sculpt the sound and it's impossible to get a bad sound out of this. As other people said, if you can gain stage in a way that allows you to drive this thing a little bit, that's where the magic happens. I really need to get a second so I can begin tracking stereo sources.
My only caveat - this thing is expensive for what is, at the end of the day, a DI box. If you're a newbie, your money is probably better spent elsewhere. But if you are at the point where you are ready to drop real money on a DI, this thing is the real deal.
Pure API sound
I have the Rupert Neve 5060 center piece they are known for the transformer and much warmth , on the other her hand the API has a huge transformer on it as well but give a different kind of warmth but add a bit more clarity with the warm, the fatter function is amazing the high function is superb the API gives you more punch and is great for drums percussions pianos and vocals I'm not saying it's better than the Rupert Neve sound. It's different and I use both on different projects
True API Sound
This thing sounds awesome! I have an MPC Key 61, Novation Bass Station II, Roland Jupiter X, and Prophet 10 all going through 6 of these in an API 500 series Lunch Box. The way you can dial in the tone you're looking for is legit. The magic happens when you drive the gain up just enough to get that saturation/distortion. I also own software plug-in emulations of some of the most iconic API gear, and now that I actually own API hardware, I can definitely hear the difference. The plug-ins come very close to "that sound", but the hardware delivers a tone that's truly amazing.
Great preamp
I replaced an Avalon U5 with this API unit. I am happy I did. The API has more punch and mojo, and is much more intuitive in use. With recording gear one of the questions that I ask first is "how much noise does this add to my signal chain?". This unit doesn't add any noise. It is clean and quiet just like pro level equipment should be. I mostly use it with my Ernie Ball Bongo, but I've used it with my electric guitars as well, both with results that I've been thrilled with. I will eventually add one more of these to my chasis.
This thing is great on bass
I'm sure this DI is awesome on pretty much anything you run through it... but at this point, bass guitar has been what I've used it for. AND IT's AWESOME! Clean, fat, tight... I'm blown away.
505 DI is top notch
This preamp is great and has more tone options than I should expect from a DI. It has plenty of gain and will be used regularly for keyboards and drum machines in my setup. The thin/phat tone control makes it perfect for getting your tone just right before recording. This API is worth every penny. I own two.
