Sound Pure's Take
This preamp remains to be a favorite among rock engineers and as a preamp for drums kits and percussion. Nevertheless, it's somewhat subtle coloration makes it one of the great workhorse preamps still in production. Engineers have successfully utilized API-based preamps (on which the 3124+ is based) on projects from classical instruments on film scores all the way to indy-rock distorted electric guitars. It's the classic, unforgettable API-famed sonic texture keeps clients coming back to it. The 3124+ is particularly noted by it's compact 1 rack size, and affordable price. On a per-channel basis it is truly hard to beat. Request a quoteback and see for yourself.
From API Audio
Features
- Uses API 2520 Op Amps
- Classic API console circuit
- Four female XLR mic inputs
- Four front panel 1/4" Hi Z instrument inputs
- Front panel polarity switches
- Front panel -20dB pad switches
- Front panel mic/instrument switches
- Front panel 48V power switches
- Outputs clip at +28dBu
The API 3124+ is a high quality, compact, 4-channel mic preamp. It is equipped with the RE-115 K mic input transformer and the proprietary API output transformer found in the 512c single mic pre and throughout the API product line. The unit has an internal 48-volt phantom power supply, which is switchable for each channel, as well as -20dB pad switches that affect both the mic and Hi-Z instrument inputs, both located on the front panel.
Another feature of the 3124+ is that it can provide up to 65dB of gain to an output clip level of +28dBu. Additionally, the Hi-Z front panel inputs feed directly to the op amps, which allow a low level input such as a guitar or bass to be amplified without a matching transformer or direct box. These Hi-Z inputs can take input levels as high as +20dBu, making them perfect for keyboards and other high level devices. The mic preamp outputs are on rear panel male XLR connectors.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Input Impedance: | 1500 Ohms Mic, 470 K Ohms Un-Balanced, HI-Z in |
| Output Impedance: | Less than 75 Ohms Channel Outputs |
| Nominal Levels: | XLR Channel Output +4 dBu |
| Stereo Output Level: | Unbalanced: nominal -2, Balanced: +4 |
| Clipping Level: | XLR Channel Output better than +28 dBm |
| Frequency Response: | +0, -5, 10 Hz to 20 kHz (-.5 at 10 Hz) |
| Noise EIN: | -129 Mic, -125 Un-Bal. Actual |
| Measured Noise: | Better than -91 dBm / below Nominal +4. |
| Distortion: | All Outputs at +4 out, .03%, at +22, .09% Max |
| Gain Range: | 150 Ohms Input 10 dB Min., 65 dB Max (inc. PAD). Un-Bal. Input 14 dB Min., 50 dB Max |
| VU Meter: | Calibrated for XLR Outputs, OVU=+4 dBu, (-12, -6, -3, 0, +3, +6, +18) |
| Controls: | GAIN, PAD (20 dB), 48Volts, POL (polarity), MIC (mic/un-ba;), VU, AC |
| Power Consumption, Quiescent: | .66 Watts |
| Size: | 19" X 1.75" (1U) X 11" Deep |
| Size (Boxed for Shipping): | 23.25" X 6.5" X 16.5" |
| Actual Weight: | 10.38 lbs. |
| Shipping Weight: | 14.06 lbs. |
Warranty
This item is sold without the Sound Pure 3-year warranty (used / B-stock / dealer-exempt). Coverage terms for items in this category live in Terms & Conditions, Section 27.
Returns
Not eligible for Try Before You Buy or the 48-hour approval period. Standard return policy applies — see Terms & Conditions, Section 18 for details.
Sound Pure Studios · Durham, NC
Come hear it in our control rooms.
Sound Pure is a working studio in Durham, NC — a 1,000 sq ft live room and two pro control rooms. Book a session to audition gear in a world-class acoustic space before you buy.