ProAudio Review - April 2008 - (Page 12)

STUDIO | REVIEW by Steve Murphy API 1608 16-Channel Analog Console A Classic Console is Reborn The API 1608 console is outwardly modeled on the original API 1604 console, whose production run spanned much of the 1970s and into the early 1980s. These vintage workhorse consoles continue to hold a great deal of value and demand; to wit, many stock (as well as Franken-modified and resurrected) 1604s are still in daily use in tracking rooms, broadcast facilities and mobile recording operations. Internally, the 1608 can perhaps be described as the child prodigy born of the vintage 1604 console and the more modern, largeformat Legacy range. In its stock configuration, the 16x8x2 console ships with 16 input channel strips and faders, 12 550A semi-parametric EQ modules and four 560 graphic EQ modules, a stereo-bus master fader, an eight-input summing-bus sub-master module, four dual echo/send return modules (accommodating the console's eight auxiliary sends and returns), eight unpopulated 500 Series module bays, a complete central facilities and monitor- APPLICATIONS: Studio and project studio KEY FEATURES: 16 input channels with 212L mic preamps; 12 x 550A and 4 x 560 equalizer modules; 8 aux sends, 8 returns and 8 sub-master busses; full stereo and multichannel (5.1) monitoring section; 8 open 500 Series bays; analog VU metering; extensive patch connections on rear panel. PRICE: starts at $49,900 CONTACT: API Audio | ☎ 301-776-7879 ➲ www.apiaudio.com ing section, and a full meter bridge with illuminated analog VU metering for all 16 input channels (capable of monitoring preamp output, direct output and sub-master output levels) eight echo return busses (capable of monitoring send output levels) and the L/R main program busses. API also offers an expansion frame loaded with 16 input channels and the same EQ compliment for $39,900, as well as unloaded (no EQ) versions of the both the console and expander for $35,000 and $25,000 respectively. Unfortunately, I cannot tell you about the automation fader package upgrade for a little over ten grand (rumored to also include a DAW fader-control layer!) but perhaps they will make an announcement soon CHANNELING THE FUTURE Let's start with some generalities: All of the console's generous input and output points are located on the rear panel; all input/return points are actively balanced (excepting instrument inputs) using API's trademark all-discrete 2520 and 2510 op amps, and all output/send points are transformer-balanced; all external I/O connections are on XLR and TRS 1/4-inch jacks with the exception of several DB-25s principally used for multichannel input and monitoring groups; From The Field: Why I Bought It: The API 1608 By Manny Sanchez, Owner of Chicago’s I.V. Lab Studio I’ve been actively working in the music business for about 10 years now, working my way up from the lowest of lows as an intern at the Chicago Recording Company. My first experience with professional recording included a Studer A-827 and either a Neve VR72 or an SSL 6000 E, depending on the day. We didn’t even get a Pro Tools rig at CRC until it was absolutely necessary in early 2003. Needless to say, I was very lucky to learn a methodology of recording that is not really emphasized in the learning programs of the young engineers that I have met. I never went to an engineering school and I truly believe that I wouldn’t be where I am today if I had. Learning from the engineers at CRC gave me a broad perspective of approaches to the 12 | ProAudio Review | April 2008 Subscribe to the Digital Edition of Pro Audio Review http://www.myparmag.com www.proaudioreview.com http://www.apiaudio.com http://www.proaudioreview.com http://www.myparmag.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of ProAudio Review - April 2008

ProAudio Review - April 2008 Contents A Little More Recognition Please Studio News and New Products API 1608 16-Channel Analog Console TASCAM X-48 Digital Audio Workstation SSL Matrix Super Analogue Console Toft Audio Design Series ATB Analog Console KRK Systems Exposé E8B Powered Monitor Broadcast News and New Products ZOOM H2 Portable Digital Recorder Producing Surround Sound at 50th Grammy Awards JBL LSR4312SP Linear Spatial Reference Powered Subwoofer Audio Production For Gaming Euphonix S5 Fusion Digital Post Production Console NAB Hot Gear Soundcraft Vi6 Digital Live Production Console Go To A Show! Contracting News and New Products Studio Consoles Studio Wireless Microphones Alicia Keys “Superwoman”

ProAudio Review - April 2008

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.