Unusual api module...

[pucho812]

We had this at the studio over the weekend. Producer came in with a session and brought extra gear.
Of the few pieces was a rack of 19 api pres. They were model 512 but they were not a typical 512 Pre in height that I have ever seen. Had a mic, line, and oscillator for input selection. And had a vu meter on it that is identical to the meter size and shape and kind on a 525 compressor.
I grabbed a photo which I can upload later. I would assume it was a typical api pre of I/o transformers and a 2520, but never saw these before.

 

[Whoops]

Hi Pucho, somo photos would be nice.

Are they vintage original models? Are you sure they were not DIY?

 

[Zebra_PD]

From the description sounds like its similar to the 50th Anniversary 312 that I'm guessing is made to look like the original ones from the late 60s. So perhaps if they are in deed originals they might be an very early version of the 312/512.

https://www.apiaudio.com/product.php?id=149

Love to see some pics as well (gearporn....)

 

[pucho812]

Never seen one like this

 

[Zebra_PD]

Never seen anything like it 

Hopefully some of the old folks on the forum can identify it for you.

Tried sending some pics to API ?

 

[pucho812]

I spoke with Jeff at CAPI and basically what we could conclude is that a lot of API stuff was custom back them, even from stock modules.  so he did give some insight and even showed me some similar 512 modules but non had the meter and the photo he had, had one with a built in limiter?

At any rate it was basically a 312 on the mic side which would explain why it sounded like it did but the osc input and other combined with meter threw me for a loop.

 

[fazer]

Never saw a module like that but API has there own machine shop and built everything to a clients spec.  It’s cool that an individual can have a one off done today with CNC and 3D printers.

The oscillator input would seem correct for alignment with a mic to tape and be able to do alignment and slate your tape .  This could of been for a band /live production, to take a split feed from the Stage.  Put that with a Stephens 40 track and you have a very portable recording package circa 1990z

 

[pucho812]

Never saw a module like that but API has there own machine shop and built everything to a clients spec.  It’s cool that an individual can have a one off done today with CNC and 3D printers.

The oscillator input would seem correct for alignment with a mic to tape and be able to do alignment and slate your tape .  This could of been for a band /live production, to take a split feed from the Stage.  Put that with a Stephens 40 track and you have a very portable recording package circa 1990z

don't know, I didn't get to ask any info about it. the bands producer/engineer brought them in.  I just snapped a quick photo as it was a module I had never seen before.  I even looked up on John klett's list of modules and nothing matching that description came up, close but nothing with the OSC as an option.
https://www.technicalaudio.com/reading/apilistmostlyoldmodelnos.html