Sound Pure's Take

I love using API mic pres because I always know what I’m going to get. Top-of-the-line, military grade build quality 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.

Watch & listen

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

Also in this recording API Audio 3124+ 4-Channel Microphone Preamp

  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 m... Read more

  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!

AR805CE & AR610CE: 16” vs. 17” - Eastman Archtop Comparison

Also in this recording Neumann TLM 107 (Nickel) Multi-pattern LDC Microphone Schoeps Colette Mono Set CMC 6 + MK 4 Shure SM57 Instrument Microphone Royer Labs R-121 Ribbon Microphone API Audio 3124MB+ 4-Channel Mic Preamp/Mixer Dave Hill Designs Europa 1 Mic Preamp Lynx Aurora 16 I/O D/A and A/D Converter

The AR805CE from Eastman is a huge sounding 16” archtop guitar. This deep bodied 16" solid carved spruce archtop is a guitarist's guitar, with excellent tone, impeccable playability and refined aesthetics. The AR610CE is... Read more

The AR805CE from Eastman is a huge sounding 16” archtop guitar. This deep bodied 16" solid carved spruce archtop is a guitarist's guitar, with excellent tone, impeccable playability and refined aesthetics. The AR610CE is a 17" f-hole archtop with cutway with mahogany back and sides. The classic finish is gorgeous and commanding, and this jazzbox has a rosewood board and pickguard, which adds an elegant, earthy vibe to the overall aesthetic. The added surface area of a 17" archtop increases projection and bass response, but the 16" inch is more comfortable and feedback resistance. These guitars are available for SoundPure’s Try-Before-You-Buy program, so if you want to hear how these guitars sound in your studio with your gear, shoot us an email at Archtops@SoundPure.com or call us anytime at 919.682.5552. Thanks for watching!

AR680 CE & AR880 CE: Maple vs. Mahogany - Eastman Archtop Comparison

Also in this recording Neumann TLM 107 (Nickel) Multi-pattern LDC Microphone Schoeps CMC 6 U Microphone Amplifier Shure SM57 Instrument Microphone Royer Labs R-121 Ribbon Microphone API Audio 3124MB+ 4-Channel Mic Preamp/Mixer Dave Hill Designs Europa 1 Mic Preamp Lynx Aurora 16 I/O D/A and A/D Converter

The John Pisano line form Eastman Guitars were personally designed by John Pisano himself from top to  bottom. Working closely with Eastman craftsmen, John included all of the features and performance he ever wanted in a... Read more

The John Pisano line form Eastman Guitars were personally designed by John Pisano himself from top to  bottom. Working closely with Eastman craftsmen, John included all of the features and performance he ever wanted in a guitar. In this video, we compare maple and mahogany back and sides on these almost identical arch top guitars. These guitars are available for SoundPure’s Try-Before-You-Buy program, so if you want to hear how these guitars sound in your studio with your gear, shoot us an email at Archtops@SoundPure.com or call us anytime at 919.682.5552. Thanks for watching!

ER4 & AR603 CE15: New Models from Eastman Guitars

Also in this recording Schoeps CMC 6 U Microphone Amplifier Neumann TLM 107 (Nickel) Multi-pattern LDC Microphone Shure SM57 Instrument Microphone Royer Labs R-121 Ribbon Microphone API Audio 3124MB+ 4-Channel Mic Preamp/Mixer Dave Hill Designs Europa 1 Mic Preamp Lynx Aurora 16 I/O D/A and A/D Converter

Eastman Guitars has a few new models added to their line with the addition of the ER4 and AR603 CE15. The AR603 CE15 is a little bit smaller in size but still retains that archtop tone and sensibility. The ER4 has a radi... Read more

Eastman Guitars has a few new models added to their line with the addition of the ER4 and AR603 CE15. The AR603 CE15 is a little bit smaller in size but still retains that archtop tone and sensibility. The ER4 has a radical new design that sure to turn heads, but it's got a great articulate voice that's got tons of authoritative mid-range but still has a nice high-end bite to it. These guitars are available for SoundPure’s Try-Before-You-Buy program, so if you want to hear how these guitars sound in your studio with your gear, shoot us an email at Archtops@SoundPure.com or call us anytime at 919.682.5552. Thanks for watching!

Moog MF-105M MIDI MuRF Pedal Demo

Also in this recording Victoria Amps Victorilux 45W 2x12 Combo Amp Victoria Amps Victoriette 20W 1x12 Combo Amp Peluso R14 Ribbon Microphone Royer Labs R-121 Ribbon Microphone Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Microphone Shure SM57 Instrument Microphone Great River Electronics MP-2NV Stereo Preamp API Audio 3124+ 4-Channel Microphone Preamp

Soundpure Electric Guitar Expert Ross Gruet demonstrates the MIDI Murf, a revolutionary effects pedal from Moog. With 8 channels for a wide variety of tones and qualities, its warm, resonant, 100% analog Mid and Bass fil... Read more

Soundpure Electric Guitar Expert Ross Gruet demonstrates the MIDI Murf, a revolutionary effects pedal from Moog. With 8 channels for a wide variety of tones and qualities, its warm, resonant, 100% analog Mid and Bass filter bands bring you everything from shimmering timbral morphing and rhythmic stuttering to deep bass grooves, and its durability and size make it the perfect piece of equipment for touring and studio use.    Gear List: Suhr Classic Antique Vintage White Electric Guitar Moog MF-105M MIDI MuRF Pedal Victoria Victorilux 2x12 Amp Victoria Victoriette 1x12 Amp Peluso R14 Ribbon Mic Royer R-121 Ribbon Mic Sennheiser MD 421 II Mic Shure SM57 Instrument Mic Great River Electronics MP-2NV Stereo Preamp API Audio 3124+ 4-Channel Microphone Preamp   If you like what you hear, check this pedal out at SoundPure.com or give us a call anytime at (919)-682-5552.

Mic'ing a Leslie Speaker Cabinet for a Hammond B3 Organ with Ribbon Microphones

Also in this recording AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone AEA R84 Ribbon Microphone Lynx Aurora 16 I/O D/A and A/D Converter API Audio 3124+ 4-Channel Microphone Preamp

An AEA R84 pair and an R92 were used by SoundPure's Jason Richmond to record an isolated Leslie speaker box during this jazz trio session. Equally spacing the R84's on either side of the Leslie and placing the R92 at its... Read more

An AEA R84 pair and an R92 were used by SoundPure's Jason Richmond to record an isolated Leslie speaker box during this jazz trio session. Equally spacing the R84's on either side of the Leslie and placing the R92 at its bottom, Jason was able to fully capture Mark Wells' fantastic performance on the Hammond Organ. Guitarist Jared Wofford and drummer Devin Fuller join to complete the sound. The AEA ribbon mics were run through an API 3124 preamplifier and converted with the Lynx Aurora AD converter. If you want to learn more about the gear used in this session, or if you have any questions concerning the techniques used, don't hesitate to call the recording engineers here at Sound Pure Studios. 919.682.5552. or 888.528.9703.

Vocal Reverb - Bricasti M7 Demo Video

Also in this recording Bricasti Design M7 Reverb Processor Lynx Aurora 16 I/O D/A and A/D Converter Neumann U87Ai Microphone API Audio 3124+ 4-Channel Microphone Preamp

Bricasti M7 Reverb used to process vocals. They listen to some vocal tracks and demonstrate how amazing reverbs can be acheived easily through the use of several presets on the Bricasti M7. V1 and V2 presets are demonstr... Read more

Bricasti M7 Reverb used to process vocals. They listen to some vocal tracks and demonstrate how amazing reverbs can be acheived easily through the use of several presets on the Bricasti M7. V1 and V2 presets are demonstrated on tracks of singer/songwriter Cassie Taylor and Matt Douglass. The M7 has proven to be the go-to reverb processor of engineers all over the world. The results are astonishing. All of the detail and harmonic content is preserved while added natural reverbs to your track. Check out our series of discussion videos as well as processing videos on the Bricasti M7. If you have any questions about the Bricasti, please give us a call and we would be happy to answer any questions. Call toll free 888-528-9703.

Neumann TLM102 Microphones - Drum Overheads

Also in this recording Neumann TLM 102 NI Microphone API Audio 3124+ 4-Channel Microphone Preamp Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Microphone Sennheiser E609 Silver Dynamic Microphone Lynx Aurora 16 I/O D/A and A/D Converter

Introducing the Brand New Neumann TLM102 Large Diaphragm Microphone, used here as a Stereo Pair on Drum Overheads. No processing, no EQ, no compression at all was used when making these simple but great sounding recordin... Read more

Introducing the Brand New Neumann TLM102 Large Diaphragm Microphone, used here as a Stereo Pair on Drum Overheads. No processing, no EQ, no compression at all was used when making these simple but great sounding recordings. Extraordinarily detailed and balanced sound on the full drum kit is achieved in an extremely easy-to-replicate microphone setup utilizing two TLM 102 Studio microphones. This is the first extensive test-drive ever done with the fabulous new, and well-priced Neumann microphone. The video was filmed and recorded entirely at Sound Pure, where their recording and pro audio sales experts are available to answer any questions that you might have. They can be reached by telephone, toll free at 888-528-9703, or email sales(at)soundpure(dot)com and will gladly answer any questions that you have about recording drums, mic selection, and their experiences with this brand new, and fabulous TLM 102 studio mic.

Fulltone Supa-Trem Tremolo Pedal Demo from Sound Pure

Also in this recording Victoria Amps Victorilux 45W 2x12 Combo Amp Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Microphone API Audio 3124+ 4-Channel Microphone Preamp Royer Labs R-121 Live Series Ribbon Microphone Lynx Aurora 16 I/O D/A and A/D Converter

Fulltone Custom Effects Supa-Trem tremolo pedal demo at Sound Pure Studios. The Supa-Trem uses a photo cell like old American Tube-amps, but benefits from Fulltone's engineering to have an even clearer sound.

Buscarino Grand Cabaret Nylon String at Sound Pure

Also in this recording Buscarino Cabaret Model German Spruce/Pomele Bubinga Nylon String Guitar Buscarino Chameleon Speaker 8" Cabinet API Audio 3124+ 4-Channel Microphone Preamp Peluso CEMC6 Solid State Microphone Avalon AD-2022 Dual Mono Microphone Preamplifier Lynx Aurora 16 I/O D/A and A/D Converter

Chris Boerner and Craig Wagner demonstrate the amazing Buscarino Grand Cabaret nylon string guitar from luthier John Buscarino. Played in Sound Pure Studio's recording-capable lobby (nice live sound!)

From API Audio

512c

Discrete Mic / Line Pre

Features

  • Mic Preamp with 65 dB of gain
  • Front and Back Panel Mic Input Access
  • Line/Instrument Preamp with 50 dB of gain
  • Front Panel Line/Instrument Input
  • LED VU meter for monitoring output level
  • 20 dB pad switch, applies to mic/line/instrument
  • 48v Phantom switchable power
  • Traditional API fully discrete circuit design
  • Uses the famous API 2520 Op-Amp

The API 512c is a mic / line / instrument preamp designed to provide a low noise, unusually good sounding front end for all types of audio systems. Sonically, it offers the distinct API sound at an extremely affordable price. Offering low noise (-129 EIN) and 65 dB of gain, the 512c includes phantom power, and switchable polarity, -20 dB pad and Mic/Line or Instrument selector. Front panel XLR and 1/4 inch connectors combined with rear panel mic access allows for additional flexibility when installed into an API lunchbox®, API's 10 position 500V vertical rack, or an API console.

The API 512c remains faithful to the circuit designs of API's founder, Saul Walker. Fully featured and still hand assembled, the 512c carefully preserves the original sound character that made it so much a part of the early days of recording. Offering high headroom and a wide variety of inputs and input access points, it is equally at home in the commercial recording studio as it is in the home project studio.

The 512c Mic/Line Preamp makes use of the 2510 and 2520 op-amps and therefore exhibits the reliability, long life, and uniformity which are characteristic of all API products.

Specifications
Rear Connector: Output on edge connector, MIC Input on edge connector, can be defeated
Front Connectors: XLR MIC Input, HI-Z 1/4" Unbal Input
Gain Range: MIC, 10 dB min, 65 dB max. Unbal HI-Z Input, 14 dB min, 50 dB max
Maximum Input Levels: MIC, +8 dBu, Unbal HI-Z Input, +36 dBu
Input Impedance: MIC Input, 1500 Ohms (150 Ohm mic), HI-Z Unbal Input, 20 K Ohms
Output Impedance: Less than 75 Ohms, Transformer Balanced
Clipping Level: +30 dBu
Frequency Response: +0, -.3, 30 to 20 kHz
Noise: Equivalent Input Noise: -129, Mic In. -125, Un-Balanced In. Actual Metered Noise: Mic, -95 dBu, Un-Bal., -90 dBu
Distortion: Less than .05% @ +4 Out, Less than .1% @ +28 Out
Power Consumption: ±12/18 Volts/DC, @40 ma.
Size: 1.5" X 5.25" X 7" Deep
Size (Boxed for Shipping): 4.5" X 6.5" X 10.25"
Actual Weight: 1.41 lbs.
Shipping Weight: 1.94 lbs.

Manuals & documents

Free 3-Year Warranty

Sound Pure stands behind our products. Free three-year warranty on this item. Coverage exclusions live in Terms & Conditions, Section 27.

Level of support and expertise that simply isn't available at big-box megastores. Read the warranty →

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 Control Room A — Durham, NC

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.

$895