API 1608: the next generation

API launched its 1608 console in 2008 and has gone on to deliver more than 600 consoles and expanders to audio professionals across the planet. Now the 1608-II ups the ante. With its updated feature set and versatile functionality, the 1608-II continues API's rich legacy of creating high-quality, professional analog recording consoles. Equipped with API's venerable 550A and 560 EQs and a powerful, flexible, modern feature set designed to accommodate today's hybrid audio production workflows, the API 1608-II delivers legendary reliability and incredible sound that have characterized API consoles for half a century.

Other available settings

Although this page highlights the 32-channel configuration, the 1608-II can also be ordered in 16- or 48-channel frame sizes. Contained in 16-channel buckets, the channel strips are equipped with 500-series module slots that, in stock configuration, come equipped with API's venerable 550A and 560 equalizers. There are a variety of options available (which include API's excellent Final Touch Automation system).

The 550A parametric EQ module

Designed by API founder Saul Walker in the late '60s, API's iconic 550A is one of the all-time classic console equalizers (and 500 series EQ modules). Offering three bands of definitive API parametric EQ, the 550A has shaped the sound of countless recordings over the past 50 years and remains one of the most coveted equalizers on the planet. The 550A's three bands are specified with overlapping frequency selections, which provides remarkably effective sound sculpting capabilities. (For greater surgical control with even wider frequency overlap, API optionally offers the 550b 4-band equalizer, which also fits into the 500 series slots of the 1608-II console.) Combining API's proprietary 2520 operational amplifier and the Proportional Q circuit, the 550A gives engineers access to acoustically superior EQ that is quick and easy to deploy.

• 3 overlapping bands of definitive API equalization;
• Each band offers 7 frequency centers;
• Maximum 12dB boost/cut per band;
• Detented controls for easy settings retrieval;
• High and low EQ bands offer shelf/peak switching;
• Proportional Q narrows the filter Q at the extremes;
• API traditional fully discrete circuit design;
• High headroom (+30dB clip level).

The 560 Graphic EQ Module

For those who appreciate the operational efficiency of a graphic EQ, API offers the 560 (which is also included in the stock 32-channel 1608-II). Originally designed for mounting on large format API boards from the 1970s, the 560 EQ is unique in that it can fit the quick intuition of a 10-band graphic equalizer into the tidy form factor of the 500 series. sound and signal smoothing that no other console equalizer offers. With the 560's visual curve modeling and zero detents, it's exceptionally fast to adjust and recall settings. Building on the original 560 design, today's 560 incorporates proprietary API circuits and components (including the API 2520 operational amplifier), featuring improved resolution in the ±4dB region. A perfect companion to a parametric EQ, the 560's Proportional Q design widens the filter's bandwidth at lower boost/cut levels while narrowing it at higher settings. What's more, the boost and cut characteristics are identical, making it easy to “undo” compromised EQ after the fact.

• Based on the original 1969 API 560 EQ;
• 10 bands of proprietary API equalization;
• Familiar graphics operation at 1 octave centers;
• 12dB of boost/cut per band;
• Proportional Q narrows the filter Q at the extremes;
• Additional resolution within the ±4dB region;
• Central detention for reliable restart;
• Silent bypass button.

The 2520 operational amplifier

Another Saul Walker invention, the 2520 op amp (used in components throughout the API 1608-II, including the 550A and 560 EQs) delivers the generous headroom needed for consistent analog sound quality, even when presented with radical EQ curves. Notably, the 2520's ability to drive low-impedance loads is critical when coupled with API's custom output transformers. Superior results are quite audible with optimized low-frequency reproduction and sharper imaging that delivers that massive API "gut punch" sound that bounces straight from the speakers.

Undisputed industry trendsetter

Most audio professionals and enthusiasts are familiar with the 500 series format. But did you know that the format was invented by API as a module/receiver and power rail specification before they started manufacturing consoles in 1971? In the modern era, API has defined the specifications for the popular 500 series chassis (or, as API cheekily calls it: “Lunchbox”). Today, 500 Series racks are found in countless commercial recording and post-production facilities, home studios, and mobile recording equipment — yet another indicator of API's legendary status as an industry trendsetter.

Built for the long term

Since the 1970s, API boards have been valued for their rugged, mil-spec build quality. This is confirmed by the impressive number of vintage APIs still in daily service around the world. In the Golden Age of Analog, professional audio equipment was meticulously assembled and wired by hand using entirely discrete circuit designs and military-grade components—factors to which the timelessly superior sound and performance of coveted vintage equipment is often attributed. And that's exactly how API builds its consoles to this day. Your API 1608-II is engineered to reliably deliver superior sound, session after session, over decades of faithful service. And the company backs its assiduous craftsmanship with an industry-leading 5-year warranty on all parts, giving you the confidence of knowing you've made an excellent investment in your studio business.

API: a legend of American professional audio

Launched in 1968 by Saul Walker, Automated Processes Inc. began building high-quality consoles for broadcast applications. Soon, the company's products were accepted by recording studios, and a series 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 recording industry's most famous operational amplifiers, and its consoles and products have found homes in iconic studios such as Hit Factory, Record Plant, Ocean Way, Sunset Sound and many others. In fact, there are more than 700 legacy API consoles around the world — many of which are still in use. Clearly, the company isn't resting on its laurels; Today's API products offer the same unbeatable combination of utility, innovation and stellar sound.

Characteristics

• 16, 32 or 48 input channel frame sizes;
• Each channel equipped with Mic Pre and EQ;
• 500 Series slots per channel: 24 x 550A, 8 x 560 graphic EQ modules;
• 8 multitrack buses, 8 auxiliary buses, 1 stereo bus; 4 stereo returns;
• 100mm faders with Multitrack and Stereo Buss assigned;
• Complete control of the central section;
• Surround 5.1 Center section monitoring;
• Classic analog measurement;
• 0dB global fader offset;
• Comprehensive rear-panel I/O connectivity.