API Audio Products

An Abbreviated History of API

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.

Technical contributions to the industry:
1969		Pioneered modular design
1969		Developed high technology in conductive plastic faders
1973		The first computerized console automation system for the control of fader levels
1974		Developed and manufactured the first computer programmable console with automation of EQ, Sends, Pans and Faders. Far ahead of its time, the system was eventually known as Total Recall
1974		The first voltage controlled amplifier (VCA)
1974		Developed one of the first tape synchronizer systems
1977		Developed first micro-processor based crosspoint intercoms for use in broadcast and production, which became the basis for the discrete series bus assignment system
1991		First console manufactured utilizing touch-screen computer assignment for complete switch reset

Letter from the President

Dear Audio Professional,

API has a history rooted in the 1960s — the decade when the search for preserving audio quality was at its most frantic. The now-legendary recordings that were made during the '60s and '70s live on today as historic landmarks for the music industry. I am proud to say that API was an integral part of that past and is proud to carry on that tradition.

Today API is both pleased and gratified to continue to play a major role in the recording and production of music. As we enter our fifth decade of manufacturing the best audio gear we can, API stands ready to deliver that same warm analog "magic" that we have been known for since the 1960s.

I was thrilled with the opportunity to acquire API more than 10 years ago, and I am just as thrilled today, as it remains an exciting time to be producing such extraordinary audio equipment. The "standard" API products like the 512c Mic Preamp, 525 Compressor and the 550b EQs continue to win listening tests, technology awards, and new fans, while the "newer" products such as the 2500 Bus Compressor, the A²D Mic Pre, the 527 Compressor and the phenomenally successful 1608 console demonstrate just why API gear is involved in so many of today's top recorded projects – everything from slammin' demos to chart-topping hits.

With our long-standing tradition of providing a no hassle, 5-year parts warranty on every product we make, the demand for API continues to increase. I invite you to make an investment in the API tradition, and in turn, I would like to welcome you to the 'API club' of enthusiastic and dedicated Audio Professionals.

Best regards,
Larry Droppa
President
API