Call Us Toll Free
888-528-9703
Local/International (+1)
919-682-5552

Call Us! Toll Free! 888-528-9703
Local / International (+1) 919-682-5552

API Audio TCS-II Channel Strip: Mic Pre, EQ, Comp - Used From API

Mono Channel Strip featuring API’s 512c Mic Preamp, 527A Compressor, 550A Equalizer, plus 325 Line Driver with Rear-panel Patching, LED Peak Metering and patented THRUST® circuit! In Used, Mint condition

Buy Pre-owned from Sound Pure with Absolute Confidence

Sound Pure's dedication to pre-owned products is unprecedented in the industry. We are a small team of dedicated experts that buys, trades, and consigns. We are trusted by customers all over the world. Our curated collection, is thoroughly tested and inspected by some of the best in the business. Our inventory is constantly changing, ever-evolving, with some items sold before reaching the website. Looking for something specific? Have questions about this product's condition or history? Want more photos, or to simply chat with an expert who's had his hands on this actual piece? Contact us now.

Our Current Used/Vintage Collection »

Sound Pure's Consignment Program »

Luthier Certification for Used Instruments »

$2,450.00

No Sales Tax in OH!

No Sales Tax in 45 States. Learn More.

Pre-Owned
Condition: Mint

"Experience the Difference"

Lifetime Support

Free Lifetime Technical Support!

Our small team of dedicated experts is here to help the original purchaser for the lifetime of the product. Why? Because we care about building real relationships with our customers for life and stand behind every product we sell.

No Sales Tax collected in OH.

Sales Tax

Sales tax is only collected in the following states: FL, GA, IL, NC and VA. If your state is not listed, sales tax will not be collected on your order.

In Stock!

Ships immediately after order processed!

Add to Cart

Rating: 4.9
Our Google Reviews

Payments as low as $55/mo.

Or, apply & pay as little as $55/mo.

0% interest financing available. See all options.

Want a lower price?

Get Discount

Check your email inbox now!
If you don't see it, Check Promotional or Spam

Our best price is too low to print,
but we'll email it to you immediately!

learn more »

How to get a lower price, instantly!

Why do we do this?

Some manufacturers have a "minimum advertised price", which restricts how low of a price we can display. By requesting an e-mail quote from us, you give us the ability to offer you a lower price than anywhere else on the web. A quote on the product will be sent instantly to the e-mail address you enter, and you can add the product to your cart at the lower price displayed in the e-mail.

What We Think

The API TCS-II is one of those pieces that gives you the unmistakable API sound—without needing a full console to get there.

At its core, this is a complete channel strip built from some of API’s most iconic circuits: the 512c preamp, 550A EQ, and 527A compressor. That combination alone tells you a lot about what to expect—punchy, forward, and unmistakably musical.

What really stands out is how cohesive it feels. You’re not just stacking great modules—you’re working through a signal path that was designed to function as a whole. The preamp has that classic API presence and midrange focus, the EQ is bold and intuitive, and the compressor brings a tight, controlled energy that can push things forward without losing clarity.

The compressor section deserves a mention on its own. With API’s THRUST circuit, it reacts in a way that keeps low end intact while adding that familiar punch and urgency. It’s especially satisfying on drums, bass, and anything that needs to feel “in your face” without getting over-compressed.

In practice, the TCS-II is all about speed and confidence. You can dial in a vocal, bass, or guitar sound quickly and end up with something that already feels mix-ready. It’s not about subtle, invisible processing—it’s about making things sound intentional from the start.

It’s also surprisingly flexible. With insert points, routing options, and the ability to reorder sections, you can tailor the signal flow to fit your workflow instead of the other way around.

For engineers who love the API sound and want a streamlined way to capture it at the source, the TCS-II delivers that classic punch, tone, and immediacy in a single, well-thought-out piece. It’s the kind of front end that makes tracking feel inspiring—and mixing a whole lot easier.

Want More Great Content?

Call Us! Toll Free! 888-528-9703
Local / International (+1) 919-682-5552

Talk with a Specialist

Manufacturer's Description from API

Features:

API 512c Mic Preamplifier
API 550A Equalizer
API 527A Compressor
API 325 Line Driver
Complete patching facilities on rear panel
Two ten segment LED VU displays
Output clips at +30dBm

TCS-II is a complete input module with mic pre, dynamics processing, precision EQ and output level control. With extensive signal metering, multiple balanced insert points and an output mute switch, TCS-II contains the best features of a large console input channel in a single rack space.

It’s the perfect choice for anyone looking for that high-performance API console sound.

The result of thoughtful engineering, TCS-II includes everything needed to record an audio signal. It all starts with the famed 512c Mic Preamplifier, which includes the benefit of

additional Mic, Line or Instrument input switching. Next is the 527A multi-mode Compressor with fully adjustable Threshold, Attack, Release, and Ratio controls on detented pots. The patented THRUST® circuit in the 527A gives your track the “in-your-face” punch that has made this circuit an award winner.

Also included in TCS-II is probably the most recognized and revered API EQ of all time, the 550A three-band Equalizer with its switchable frequencies and 12dB of boost or cut.

The 550A’s High and Low frequency bands can be individually switched to be shelving EQs, and the “B.P. Filter” switch inserts a 50Hz to 15KHz bandpass filter.

At the output of the unit is the 325 Line Driver, taken directly from API console designs with an output level pot and 10 segment meter. The meter can also be switched to show the output level of the preamp.

Each of TCS-II’s processing pieces can be switched in or bypassed individually, while a flip switch internally routes the compressor after the EQ if desired. Additional features include a sidechain input and the famous API 2520/transformer combination.

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.