API questions

Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2003 2:44 am

The 312 is the original mic pre circuit as used in the older consoles. It hasn't ever really changed other than updates due to obsolete parts or added function features. The 512C is the same as the 312 only in a module format to fit in the 500 series frame. The 212 is the same as the 312 but without the DI, front panel XLR, or polarity switch. The 3124+ is exactly the same as the 512C with the difference that it has no XLR inputs on the front panel. The 3124MB+ is the 3124+ and adds a 4X2 mixer with pan, aux send and return. Looking at the 3124+ you can see that appears as 4-512C mic pres mounted sideways.

Vintech makes a 4-ch Neve 1073 clone, called the X473 although it doesn't have the same exact eq as a 1073, or even the same eq as their own x73 Neve 1073 clone.

Got it?

Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2003 10:40 am

Thanks, AG, I probably should get it, but now I'm more confused than ever!

You did say earlier:

Quote:

The current API mic pre sold by API is the 512C or the 212L which is the same as in the current Legacy model console. The small difference is in the older 312 vs the newer 512C is the 2520 opamp as well as which transformers get used.

And now you just said:

Quote:

The 512C is the same as the 312 only in a module format to fit in the 500 series frame.

I realize that for for all practical purposes people should consider them the same, but it does seem like your two statements slightly contradict each other.

Sorry if I'm being such a nit-picker. Sad

Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2003 11:04 am

Ya, Your a nitwit-picker. I also said...

Quote:

It hasn't ever really changed other than updates due to obsolete parts or added function features.

Most of the older 312's mic pre's that are now single modules setup to fit in the API 500 series frames contain the older obsolete parts. The 312 Brent refurbs can be done with the newer or older parts. Small differences in sound depending what parts are used.

Respected Past Moderator Joined: Mar 13, 2001 Posts: 1256

To make a long story short. The 3xx series of API are OLD.
The 5xx are NEWer. If you price compare,,,I think buying them from Brent is cheaper than buying them new from API. Sonically no two of anything are identical. If you have a rpoblem recording with either...the problem is with you. Therefore save some money. The bets way to go imo if your ever going to get more than two pre's is to get a large frame from Brent, and everytime you've got $600 you can get a new mic-pre to put in it.

Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2003 11:44 am

Thanks for the clarifications. Sorry if I was annoying!

I generally use the "Aunt Mabel" test in responding to posts. I figure, if there's something that's a little confusing to me, it is going to REALLY be confusing to my Aunt Mabel, should she, in her senility, ever be foolish enough to come here and read these threads.

So on behalf of the Aunt Mabel's everywhere, sometimes I'll ask the seemingly stupid question. You see, I don't mind looking like a fool. I've had lots of practice! :p

Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2003 7:23 pm

I've noticed that they've changed the wording on the Brent Averill site from "made with API components" to "made with Avedis components". So I guess they ran out of old 2520 op amps. I wonder how much of a difference there is.

Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2003 9:09 pm

Quote:

Originally posted by groove guru:
I've noticed that they've changed the wording on the Brent Averill site from "made with API components" to "made with Avedis components". So I guess they ran out of old 2520 op amps. I wonder how much of a difference there is.

I was wondering the same thing. Anyone ever compared an Avedis op-amp to an API?

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