API 565 500 Series Filter Bank

A 500 series reissue of the 215L module found in large format API consoles

The 565 Filter Bank is a sweepable filter, designed specifically to contour the sound to preserve the natural tone of the signal. Its extreme flexibility, repeatable settings and superb sound make it ideal for all studio, live sound and broadcast applications. The 565 includes a sweepable low-pass filter, sweepable high-pass filter and a fully sweepable variable notch filter. The 565 Filter Bank module has circuits that are true to the musical filters of the famed 215 module found in large format API consoles.

API 550A key features:

• sweepable low-pass filter (500Hz to 20kHz, -6 or -12dB slope)
• sweepable high-pass filter (20Hz to 400Hz, -12 or -18dB slope)
• variable notch filter (fully sweepable between 20Hz and 20kHz)

API 2520 Op Amp—key to the API sound

API’s 2520 Op Amp found in the 505-DI is given most of the credit for the API sound. Designed by API engineers, the 2520 is a high-gain, wide-band, direct-coupled amplifier specifically designed for audio applications. The circuit derives its characteristics mainly from the performance of its passive elements, being connected into a feedback loop, which provides predictable, stable performance. Furthermore, the discrete 10-transistor amplifier is encapsulated in a thermally conductive epoxy that protects against thermal shock, vibration, and humidity, assuring long life and reliable performance.

In total, the elegant simplicity of 2520 discrete operational amplifier provides the core of the API sound.

API Audio's VPR Alliance

The VPR Alliance is a program of standardization and consistency guidelines for approved manufacturers wishing to design products for API's 500-series rack format. The program provides complete design specifications for manufacturers interested in producing third-party modules that physically fit and electronically conform to API's rack specifications.

The creation of the VPR Alliance was encouraged by the overwhelming popularity of API's 500-series racks, including the 10-space 500V and the six-space lunchbox®, which led to a proliferation of third party modules that fit the API format. Typically installed into API racks, these third party modules had raised issues of warranty and interaction with API-manufactured modules in the same rack.

Because of the variables related to those third party modules, API had previously been forced to declare that inserting any third-party modules into a 500V or lunchbox voided the warranty on that rack. Through the VPR Alliance, API is now able to eliminate confusion as to which third-party products definitively do and do not void the API warranty. The VPR Alliance is a straightforward resolution that saves the company time and money while promoting goodwill to API customers.

API’s customers benefit from the VPR Alliance with the knowledge of exactly which products are approved for placement in API racks; customers have a wider range of module choices for their racks that have been tested by API staff for specification compliance.

An Abbreviated History of API

It all began with a dream. It was 1968. The company: Automated Processes Inc., formed by men with a vision. Best known for their now legendary "2520 amplifier", this unique amp has been and will continue to be the heart of all API discrete products. It continues to provide reliability and sonic purity unmatched by the competition. The resulting console met the needs of the music, commercial and broadcast industry.

API became the leading audio broadcast console manufacturer for radio and television networks and high profile stations. In addition, recording studios, large and small, began using API...and receiving rave reviews from engineers and producers. There are over 700 API consoles across the nation and around the world, including the three major networks. Over thirty years later, many of these consoles are still in daily use in some of the most prestigious recording and broadcast facilities in the world because, to date, there are few, if any consoles of equal sound quality at a cost-effective price.

The API 565 can mean the difference between a good mix and the perfect mix! For more information, call or chat with an RSPE representative today.

Don’t forget to check out RSPE’s Rack Revolution, a virtual 500-series rack builder that lets you custom-configure the perfect 500-series lunchbox for your studio, DAW, or mobile recording rig. RSPE carries every 500-series module imaginable, including mic preamps, compressor-limiters, equalizers, and 500 power racks.