¡Obtenga asesoría en español!  Llámenos hoy a (800) 222-4701
(800) 222-4700 Talk to an expert!
Loading Cart
Your Cart Is Empty

See what's new at Sweetwater.

My Cart this.cartQty

API 525 500 Series Compressor , $1,295.00 - Add to Cart Skip to Product Information

API 525 500 Series Compressor

Single-channel Modular Compressor, 500 Series, Classic Reissue with Variable Threshold and Output Levels, "Ceiling" Control, VU Meter, and De-ess Function
API 525 500 Series Compressor
API 525 500 Series Compressor

We Can Get It Fast!

While this isn't an item we normally stock, we can still get it to you as fast as possible due to our great relationship with API. Go ahead and place your order and we'll follow up shortly to let you know when to expect it. Estimated September 7, 2026

Ask An Expert Our Expertly trained Sales Engineers are ready to help! What is a Sales Engineer?
Sweetwater Gear Exchange

Have one to sell?
Check out Sweetwater's Gear Exchange!
Learn More

API 525 500 Series Compressor
We Can Get It Fast!

While this isn't an item we normally stock, we can still get it to you as fast as possible due to our great relationship with API. Go ahead and place your order and we'll follow up shortly to let you know when to expect it. Estimated September 7, 2026

A Reissue of a 1970s Classic!

This article was Written By

Our Product Research Team

Get to know them!

With the API 525, you get to snag the sound of API's famous 525 — a modular compressor originally introduced in the 1970s. This compressor reissue is a "feedback" type of compressor, for classic sonic character and exceptional dynamics control behavior. Onboard the API 525, the cool multi-function "ceiling" control can lower threshold while raising output level to match, so you can adjust dynamics without changing level. As part of API's modular 500 Series, you'll enjoy classic-but-versatile character in a flexible and reasonably priced design, with the API 525.

API 525 500 Series Modular Compressor at a Glance:
  • Reissue of a 1970s classic
  • API's 500 Series: Long-term flexibility, lasting value

Reissue of a 1970s classic
It could be argued that the API 525 is the most successful solid state feedback compressor in history. It delivers dynamics control behavior unlike VCA "feed forward" compressors so common today. A remarkable multi-function "ceiling" control can increase the API 525's gain reduction (lower threshold) while simultaneously raising output level to match, so you can alter dynamics "on the fly" without level changes. Here, this API 525 is an exacting reissue — its design, in fact, as been taken from the original blue prints and spec control drawings, dusted off from the API archives. You get all of that famous sonic character the API 525 was known for in the 1970s — in a new and still-flexible design.

API's 500 Series: Long-term flexibility, lasting value
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 525 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 525 500 Series Modular Compressor Features:
  • Reissue of API's original 525 from the early 70's
  • Peak detecting "feedback" compressor/limiter
  • Variable Threshold and Output levels
  • Unique "Ceiling" control combines key functions
  • VU meter for monitoring gain reduction
  • 4 Switchable release modes
  • De-ess function
  • Traditional API fully discrete circuit design
  • Hardwire bypass
API 525 500 Series Modular Compressor Specifications:
  • Input Impedance: > 30 K Ohms, Balanced
  • Output Impedance: 100 Ohms, Transformer coupled, Balanced
  • Operating Levels: -15dBu to +20dBu
  • Maximum Gain Reduction: 25dB
  • Noise: 98 dB below +10dBu output, at 10dB of Compression
  • Harmonic Distortion: 0.5% Max, 30Hz to 20kHz
  • Attack Time: 15 micro seconds
  • Release Times: .1, .5, 2.0, 2.5 seconds
  • De-essing: Inversion of the Voice Energy Curve
  • Slopes: Compression, 2:1, Limit, 20:1
  • Metering: Compression or Limiting-Illuminated Analog dB meter, shows Gain Reduction
  • Frequency Response: +/- .5 dB, 30 to 20 kHz
  • Power Requirements: +/- 12/18 Volts/DC, at 80 ma.
The API 525 is an exacting reissue of API's 1970s-classic solid-state compressor!

Warranty Info

Sweetwater's FREE 2-Year Total Confidence Coverage Warranty

Extra peace of mind at no extra cost.

  • Save money with FREE parts and labor
  • Get back to making music with the industry's fastest turnaround time
  • Fix it the first time with our award-winning, factory-certified Service Department
Learn More about Total Confidence Coverage

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.