API 512v Discrete Mic / Line Pre

The API 512v is a mic / line / instrument preamp, world famous for its ability to provide a low noise (-129 EIN) and unusually good sounding front end for all types of audio applications.

2021

API 512v Discrete Mic / Line Pre Details

Sonically, it delivers the instantly recognisable API sound at an affordable price, and in the scalable API 500 Series format. Offering an impressive 65 dB of gain, the API 512v includes front panel Variable Output control, switchable 3:1 output transformer selection, phantom power, switchable polarity, -20 dB pad, and Mic or Instrument/Line selector.

The front panel Combo-style XLR and 1/4-inch connector combined with rear panel mic access allows for additional flexibility when installed into an API lunchbox®, API’s 10 position 500V vertical rack, or into an API console.

The API 512v remains faithful to the circuit designs of API’s founder Saul Walker. Artfully combining those circuits with API’s proprietary transformers and the incomparable 2520 op-amp, the 512v is a highly musical and rich-sounding analogue mic pre, equally at home in commercial recording spaces as it is in smaller home studios.

Fully featured and still hand assembled, the API 512v exhibits the reliability, long life, and uniformity which are characteristic of all API products.

Features

  • Mic Preamp with 65 dB of gain
  • Variable Output Level Control
  • 3:1 Output Transformer Tap Selection
  • Front and Back Panel Mic Input Access
  • Line/Instrument Preamp with 45 dB of gain
  • Front Panel Combo-style XLR + 1/4-inch Line/Instrument Input
  • LED VU meter for Gain Level indication
  • 20 dB pad switch, applies to mic/line/instrument
  • 48v Phantom switchable power
  • Traditional API fully discrete circuit design with 2520 Op Amp
  • Features API’s unique Five-Year Warranty

Specifications

  • Gain Range:
    • Mic: 34dB to 65dB (14dB to 45dB w/PAD)
    • Hi-Z: 14dB to 42dB (-6dB to 25dB w/PAD)
  • Maximum Input Level:
    • Mic: -4 dBu (+16 dBu with pad)
    • Hi-Z input: +36 dBu
  • Input Impedance:
    • Mic: 1500 Ohms (150 Ohm mic)
    • Hi-Z input: 400 kOhms (20 kOhms w/PAD)
  • Output Impedance: Less than 75 Ohms, transformer balanced
  • Clipping Level: +30 dBu
  • Frequency Response: +0, -0.3, 20 Hz to 50 kHz
  • Signal to Noise Ratio: 120 dB
  • Power Consumption: ± 16 Volts/DC @ 90 mA

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The details provided above are drawn from historical documents like advertising brochures or user manuals. They’re shared without bias or review. This info is given solely for your consideration, helping you gauge its usefulness to you.

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