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API 512c 500 Series Microphone Preamp , $895.00 - Add to Cart Skip to Product Information

API 512c 500 Series Microphone Preamp

500 Series Microphone Preamplifier
API 512c 500 Series Microphone Preamp
API 512c 500 Series Microphone Preamp

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API 512c 500 Series Microphone Preamp
In Stock!

Only 3 left in stock! More on the way.

Get That Legendary Console Sound

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Our Product Research Team

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With the API 512c, you've got the chance to own API's legendary front-end sound — at an unbelievably incredible value. Fitting into API's 500-series modular chassis, the API 512c has nothing but legendary heritage. This microphone preamplifier evolved from the original 1967-era 512 — API's first-ever modular mic pre — and it's brimming with that classic's same sonic character. All in all, you get an API console-level microphone preamplifier in a design that's totally expandable and realistically portable. If you're looking for classic preamp character, then you've found it: the API 512c.

API's famed 512 mic preamp

API's been creating outstanding "modular" outboard gear since the 1960s — and the numbers "512" get to the heart of that heritage. The 512c, in fact, is a directly relative of the original 1967-era 512 — API's first-ever modular microphone preamplifier. When you call the 512c into service, you'll be met by that same, now-legendary sonic character — a sound that was so much a part of the early days of recording. In all, the 512c offers up high headroom, a wide variety of inputs and input access points — all with API quality and famous tone.

500 Series module flexibility

The beauty of the entire API 500 Series is its long-term flexibility and lasting value — especially when you consider that needs change over time. With a range of mounting frame options, the API 512c will be a valuable asset to your ever-changing studio rigs. It's also ruggedly designed with sound you just won't outgrow — crafted to be your sonic partner for year after year after year.

API 512c 500 Series Microphone/Line Preamplifier Features:

  • Mic Preamp with 65dB of gain
  • Front and Back Panel Mic Input Access
  • Line/Instrument Preamp with 50dB of gain
  • Front and Back Panel Line/Instrument Input
  • LED VU meter for monitoring output level
  • 20dB pad switch, applies to mic/line/instrument
  • 48v Phantom switchable power
  • Traditional API fully discrete circuit design
  • Uses the famous API 2520 Op-amp

Warranty Info

Sweetwater's FREE 2-Year Total Confidence Coverage Warranty

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Offer applies only to single-receipt qualifying purchases. Select manufacturers may require that only the manufacturer’s products qualify towards the minimum purchase amount needed to be eligible for promotional financing. Otherwise, an invoice that meets the minimum purchase amount and contains at least one qualifying manufacturer product is eligible for promotional financing. No interest will be charged on promo purchase balance, and equal monthly payments are required on promo purchase until it is paid in full. The payments equal the amount financed divided by the number of months in the promo period, rounded up to the next whole dollar. These payments may be higher than the payments that would be required if this purchase was a non-promo purchase. During the last month(s) of the promo period the required monthly payment may be reduced due to the prior months’ rounding. Regular account terms apply to non-promo purchases. New Accounts as of 07/31/2025: Purchase APR is 34.99%. Penalty APR is 39.99%. Min Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders: See your credit card agreement terms. Subject to credit approval.

Offer applies only to single-receipt qualifying purchases. No interest will be charged on the promo balance if you pay it off, in full, within the promo period. If you do not, interest will be charged on the promo balance from the purchase date. The required minimum monthly payments may or may not pay off the promo balance before the end of the promo period, depending on purchase amount, promo length and payment allocation. Regular account terms apply to non-promo purchases and, after promo period ends, to the promo balance. New Accounts as of 07/31/2025: Purchase APR is 34.99%. Penalty APR is 39.99%. Min Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders: See your credit card agreement terms. Subject to credit approval.

The estimated required monthly payment shown which excludes taxes and delivery equals the amount financed divided by the number of months in the promo period, rounded up to the next cent. During the last month(s) of the promo period the required monthly payment may be reduced due to this rounding. These payments apply only with the financing offer shown. If you make these payments by the due date each month, you should pay off this amount financed within the promo period, if it is the only balance you are paying off. If you have other balances on your account, this payment will be added to any other minimum monthly payments.

Applies only to select items from this manufacturer. Ask your Sweetwater Sales Engineer for more details.