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API Audio 3124+ 4-Channel Microphone Preamp  From API

4 Channel Mic Preamp built around API's legendary detailed and punchy sound.

API Audio

What We Think

I love using API mic pres because I always know what I’m going to get. Top quality, military grade build and a distinct, aggressive sound that, when the situation calls for it, is nothing short of amazing. This is my top choice when miking a drum kit and want a contemporary sound. It delivers a level of punchy, dynamic tones with an incredible overall forwardness that I just can’t seem to get out of another preamp model. 
 
The API preamp (3124 and 512c) also performs incredibly well on electric guitars, especially within heavier genres. It’s unparalleled responsiveness and bold overall sound does an excellent job in capturing and showcasing the aggressive playing in metal and hard rock in a very clear and powerful way. I’ve found it to perform at its best when pushing harder on the gain to the point of saturating the fully discrete electronics, resulting in more mid-focused saturation that brings out even more information in the guitar. In these scenarios, I’ll often have to engage the pad to control the signal level and prevent clipping my converter’s input, however it’s a small price to pay to get such an incredible result.
 
For some projects or instruments, fast and punchy may not be ideal. I almost always want to retain high levels of detail, but would prefer additional smoothness and warmth instead of additional punch. In these cases, I reach for the Phoenix DRS-1R for additional analog saturation to push the material back in the mix just a bit. 
 
In situations where unparalleled punch, detail, and responsiveness are desired regardless of genre, the API preamp delivers stronger than anything else - Period. For hard rock or metal engineers, it’s pretty safe to say your preamp arsenal isn’t complete without at least 4 channels to cover your drums, guitars, and bass.

API Audio 3124+ 4-Channel Microphone Preamp - Quick n’ Dirty

  The API 3124+ is a high quality, compact, 4-channel mic preamp. Top quality, military grade build and a distinct, aggressive sound that, when the situation calls for it, is nothing short of amazing. For hard rock or metal engineers, it’s pretty safe to say your preamp arsenal isn’t complete without at least 4 channels to cover your drums, guitars, and bass. This preamp is available for SoundPure’s Try-Before-You-Buy Program, so if you want to hear how it sounds in your studio with your gear, shoot us an email at ProAudio@SoundPure.com, or give us a call anytime at 919.682.5552. Thanks for watching!

  • Signal Chain
    • API Audio 3124+ 4-Channel Microphone Preamp

Manufacturer's Description from API

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.

API Audio

About Manufacturer

API (Automated Processes, Inc.) is world famous for its all-discrete audio products: studio and broadcast mixing consoles, and a full line of rack mount mic preamps, equalizers and processors. 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.

Specifications

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.

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