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API 1608-II Special Edition Recording and Mixing Console

“I think it might have been the first record I printed in my studio. It literally felt like as soon as I put it through my 1608 it locked. There was an ‘AH HA’ moment when it took on this whole 3D thing and I thought ‘what sorcery did I just buy’?”

— Shawn Everett

“The joy of working on this console is that after I get the levels dialed and hit record, it sounds like a finished record. Everyone who hears the sounds coming out of the speakers from the API 1608-II are amazed at how full and rich it sounds. It has far exceeded my expectations.”

— Kirby Fitzgerald

“Sometimes a piece of equipment comes into the studio and fundamentally changes the way you work for the better. The 1608 II was such a piece for me. The flexibility built into the console’s DNA has seamlessly tied my studio and workflow together.”

— Taylor Dupree

“The API 1608 II has drastically changed our recording process. Bolder decisions are made from the start so the end result arrives earlier, with less second guessing and more focus on the music. All the tools you need are right in front of you and sound sonically coherent, so it's easy to take the music where you want it to go.”

— Francis Milne (Tricone Studios - Berlin, Germany)

Since its introduction in 2008, API has delivered over 700 1608 consoles to discerning audio professionals throughout the world. To commemorate the impact of the 1608, API proudly announces the 1608-II Special Edition. Featuring the vintage style cream color worn by numerous iconic API consoles, each 1608-II Special Edition is loaded with 550A and 560 EQ modules, and is equipped with API's Final Touch Automation®.

"With a nod to the past and a view to the future", the 1608-II Special Edition continues API's rich legacy of crafting the world's highest-quality analog recording consoles. Adding valuable features for today's Engineers, Producers and Musicians, the 1608-II provides the powerful reliability and the unmistakable API sound that has characterized API products for nearly 55 years.

1608-II Special Edition Features:

  • 16 Input Channels
  • Each channel equipped with Mic Pre and Equalizer
  • Accepts API 500 Series Equalizers
  • 8 Multitrack Buses
  • 8 Auxiliary Buses
  • 1 Stereo Bus
  • 4 Stereo Returns, 100mm faders with Multitrack and Stereo Bus assign
  • Full Center Section Control
  • Final Touch Automation
  • Surround 5.1 Center Section Monitoring
  • Classic Analog Metering
  • Global 0dB Fader Bypass
  • Comprehensive Rear Panel IO Connectivity

The standard fit of a 1608-II Special Edition Console is:

16
12
4
4
1
16
1
2
548c Inputs with Mic/Line and Direct Output
550A Equalizers
560 Equalizers
Automated Stereo Returns
Complete Center Facilities Section
Automated Channel Faders
Automated Stereo Fader
Automated Group Master Faders

Pricing:

$68,900 MSRP

Final Touch Automation Motorized Fader Automation System

The 1608-II Special Edition comes equipped with same Final Touch Automation system originally developed for the Vision and AXS, and now the standard for the AXS, 2448 and 1608-II consoles. Final Touch Automation combines system reliability, user flexibility and operational simplicity and offers a unique set of features specifically designed for modern workflow.

In addition to the 1608-II, API's Final Touch Automation systems are available for the flagship Vision console, the Legacy AXS, and the 2448. This allows for mix files to be easily transferred across any of these API console products.

Final Touch Automation Features:

  • Reliable, self-contained system requiring no external computer
  • Individual Switch Control on each fader
  • Global Control Panel in the console Center Section
  • Hi Resolution Touch Screen Control
  • Files are easily saved to standard memory cards
  • Automated Mute and Insert switches on each channel
  • Unlimited Fader Groups with 2 dedicated Group Master Faders
  • Motorized Stereo Program Fader
  • 4 Motorized Stereo Returns
  • DAW Control with unity gain audio bypass
  • Unlimited Mix Restore points
  • Comprehensive Operations Manual

For more information, contact:

Mark Seman, Sales: (301) 776-7879, ext. 211; mseman @ apiaudio.com
Dave Hintze, Sales: (301) 776-7879, ext. 212; dhintze @ apiaudio.com

For a full list of 1608-II demo locations, please visit our dealer page.