RECORDING January 2023 - 48
REVIEW
API 3122V
One of the most popular microphone
preamps in a flexible 2-channel package
REVIEW BY PAUL VNUK JR.
U
ndoubtedly, the 312 microphone preamp from API (Automated
Processes, Inc) is one of the most well-known preamp designs of all
time. Unlike a few other contenders, it has remained in production
in various form factors since its introduction more than 50 years ago.
The latest version of this classic is the 2-channel 19 " API 3122V. Let's see
what it offers and how it lives up to its legacy.
By the Numbers
The late Saul Walker invented what
would become the classic API preamp
even before the formation of the company
in 1969. While it would evolve into
various formats like the 200 Series 212,
the 500 Series 512 plus a host of 19 "
rack mount and console offerings, by
and large, the 212/312/512 preamp
architecture has essentially remained the
same since the 1970s. Throughout my
years at RECORDING, I have reviewed
this preamp on five previous occasions
in all of the above forms. It's a preamp I
use often and a sound I know well.
A Beautify Blending
At its heart, the 312 preamp circuit
is a fully discrete design based around
the famous API 2520 Op-Amp, with an
AP 2516 input transformer. From there,
the 3122V is all about form and function.
Regarding looks, style and function, the
3122V features a best-of blend of the features
found in the 500 Series API 312 and
API 512v (reviewed December 2016)
and the 19 " 3124V and 3124MV units.
48 RECORDING January 2023
Across its 1U high, 19 " faceplate
dressed in API black, with traditional
blue and black proprietary API knobs,
are two matching preamp channels.
Each channel features seven backlit push
buttons, gain and level knobs, front and
rear I/O options and one orange glowing
traditional VU meter per channel.
Features Old and New
Looking closer, like all API preamps,
it all begins with a +34 to +68dB input
gain pot. There are buttons for 48V phantom
power, polarity and a -20dB pad
(drops the gain range to +14 to +48).
Next up are two functions introduced
on the 512v. One is an output level control
that allows you to further adjust the
signal from unity down to off. Second is
a 3:1 button that, when pressed, changes
the transformer's output ratio to 1:1.
This drops the signal a further 10dB and
loads the transformer, adding a subtle
saturated weight.
The newest feature, not found in other
current 500 Series or 19 " offerings, is a
fixed 50 Hz, 12dB/octave high pass filter.
Taken from the API 312 500 series
preamp is a gorgeous backlit VU meter
showing the unit's overall output level.
The meter is set at +4dBu (perfectly calibrated
for my DAW setup), but there
is an internal jumper to change this to
+14dBu if the need arises. There is also
an additional red LED peak meter directly
above the gain knob. Note that
this is more of a suggestion than a rule;
bouncing into the red is quite sonically
acceptable.
Connection Options
/4
The first of two final buttons select between
mic level or 1
level, while the second button allows
you to choose the front-side XLR 1
/4
combo
input or the rear XLR in. Also on the
back of the unit are a pair of XLR outputs
and an IEC power socket.
Versatility
As mentioned, from a design topology
standpoint, the API 3122V retains
the same well-known clean, full, rich,
punchy sound as its siblings but with
even more versatility in both levels and,
more importantly, sound.
" Hi-Z instrument
RECORDING January 2023
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of RECORDING January 2023
Fade In
Fast Forward
Roland SPD-SX PRO Sampling Pad
Session Log with Marc Urselli: Trasfrontera Japan, taiko drums, Kaoru Watanabe and Anna Sato
Soundware Showcase: Toontrack Hitmaker SDX
PreSonus Studio One Version 6
Hugh Padgham: Behind the Gates of the Hitmaker
LEWITT BEATKIT PRO
Soundware Showcase: Spitfire Audio Abbey Road Orchestra: Low Percussion
Studio 101 with Joe Albano: An Intro to Drum Recording
sE Electronics T2
Solid State Logic SSL CONNEX
API 3122V
Inside the Studio with Mark Hornsby: Steve Gadd
Plugin Outlet: Strymon BigSky Plugin
Panda Audio Future Impact v3
EFNOTE 3X & EFNOTE 7
Readers’ Tracks
Fade Out: New (Year’s) Studio Resolutions
RECORDING January 2023 - Intro
RECORDING January 2023 - Cover1
RECORDING January 2023 - Cover2
RECORDING January 2023 - 1
RECORDING January 2023 - 2
RECORDING January 2023 - 3
RECORDING January 2023 - Fade In
RECORDING January 2023 - 5
RECORDING January 2023 - 6
RECORDING January 2023 - 7
RECORDING January 2023 - Fast Forward
RECORDING January 2023 - 9
RECORDING January 2023 - Roland SPD-SX PRO Sampling Pad
RECORDING January 2023 - 11
RECORDING January 2023 - 12
RECORDING January 2023 - 13
RECORDING January 2023 - Session Log with Marc Urselli: Trasfrontera Japan, taiko drums, Kaoru Watanabe and Anna Sato
RECORDING January 2023 - 15
RECORDING January 2023 - 16
RECORDING January 2023 - 17
RECORDING January 2023 - 18
RECORDING January 2023 - 19
RECORDING January 2023 - Soundware Showcase: Toontrack Hitmaker SDX
RECORDING January 2023 - 21
RECORDING January 2023 - 22
RECORDING January 2023 - 23
RECORDING January 2023 - PreSonus Studio One Version 6
RECORDING January 2023 - 25
RECORDING January 2023 - 26
RECORDING January 2023 - 27
RECORDING January 2023 - Hugh Padgham: Behind the Gates of the Hitmaker
RECORDING January 2023 - 29
RECORDING January 2023 - 30
RECORDING January 2023 - 31
RECORDING January 2023 - 32
RECORDING January 2023 - 33
RECORDING January 2023 - LEWITT BEATKIT PRO
RECORDING January 2023 - 35
RECORDING January 2023 - 36
RECORDING January 2023 - 37
RECORDING January 2023 - Soundware Showcase: Spitfire Audio Abbey Road Orchestra: Low Percussion
RECORDING January 2023 - 39
RECORDING January 2023 - Studio 101 with Joe Albano: An Intro to Drum Recording
RECORDING January 2023 - 41
RECORDING January 2023 - 42
RECORDING January 2023 - 43
RECORDING January 2023 - sE Electronics T2
RECORDING January 2023 - 45
RECORDING January 2023 - Solid State Logic SSL CONNEX
RECORDING January 2023 - 47
RECORDING January 2023 - API 3122V
RECORDING January 2023 - 49
RECORDING January 2023 - Inside the Studio with Mark Hornsby: Steve Gadd
RECORDING January 2023 - 51
RECORDING January 2023 - 52
RECORDING January 2023 - 53
RECORDING January 2023 - 54
RECORDING January 2023 - 55
RECORDING January 2023 - Plugin Outlet: Strymon BigSky Plugin
RECORDING January 2023 - 57
RECORDING January 2023 - Panda Audio Future Impact v3
RECORDING January 2023 - 59
RECORDING January 2023 - EFNOTE 3X & EFNOTE 7
RECORDING January 2023 - 61
RECORDING January 2023 - 62
RECORDING January 2023 - 63
RECORDING January 2023 - Readers’ Tracks
RECORDING January 2023 - 65
RECORDING January 2023 - 66
RECORDING January 2023 - 67
RECORDING January 2023 - 68
RECORDING January 2023 - 69
RECORDING January 2023 - 70
RECORDING January 2023 - 71
RECORDING January 2023 - Fade Out: New (Year’s) Studio Resolutions
RECORDING January 2023 - Cover3
RECORDING January 2023 - Cover4
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