is it through a lunchbox system? I'd love even a single ch. of API preamp, or two for drums. ..or, is there something close? I see all kinds of Neve clones, no 312 racks, 512 lunchboxes?

If you're up for kits, there's a guy selling the at the Prodgy Pro forum. Looks pretty easy to put together. You could get a channel for less than $400 that way I think.

Cheapest way? 3124...around $2k for 4 channels. enough for kick, snare, overheads.

However, I caution, as someone who's used both vintage and modern API pres...they sound VERY different. If you're judging "the API sound" based on things cut with the old consoles, you won't get that with the new preamps. The old ones were, IMO, a more balanced, hi-fi, general purpose sound. The new ones are sort of extreme mid punch...they're magic on amps. I'd love to have one just for that...

Sorry...I digressed...but, a lunchbox and 2 521c pres will cost $1400+...making the 3124 the bargain choice-particularly for drums, where you need more channels anyway.

Don't forget the Seventh Circle Audio A12 modules.

The answer is definately Seventh Circle Audio, especially if you are willing to build the kits.

Brent Averill's 312 clones are resonably priced. I believe the ADK preamp is also an API type design, and runs under $1000.

Still, If you can afford it get a Lunchbox, or 3124, or A2D. That way you have the real deal.

Yea, I'd love a 3124 for sure, that would do a drum kit quite well.

Yeah, 3124 at about 500 bucks a channel powered and racked. Problem is you pay for the whole thing at once lol--but I do like mine!

You know you want to just save your pennies for the new API mixer, right? Have you seen that little guy? The routing...mmm...

Save your money and buy an Api 3124, you won't regret it, I promise.
They shine on Snare and Overheads. I also heard they sound great on Amps and sometimes vocals.
Good luck.

Dang you guys. Who posted this anyways.. I knew the answer, but thought maybe there was a "close enough" solution. I also like the idea of the A2d, with A/D onboard..
What about those DAV english preamps?

I don't know about the DAV's but, API will do miracles to your drum tracks. Also Purple Audio "The Biz" is wonderful for room mics, I just bought 2 of them in a Lunchbox confirguration.

quote:

Originally posted by Kel:
..
What about those DAV english preamps?

Nah.. THIS is what we went for looking for an API type vibe, but less aggressive. I can give you an eg of a song that was recorded with ALL daking pre's that to my ears,sounds freekin great.

I have the Daking's as well and they're wonderful! around $2000 for a 4 channel unit. The Daking is a little less agressive in the midrange department than the API. IMO
Both are great units, I don't favor 1 over the other.

That's a sound I really love too. If I had the 4, I'd use it on kick snare and both toms. I'd rather my overheads have a crisp and clear, Millennia-type sound.

the Daking's not any different price-wise, but attractive. I have the Grace or Toft for OH, but I'd be intrigued as the the sound of the API on OH on my system. I've heard them many times but too many variables has me wondering what will be the result with my setup, studio and mics.
cheapest lunchbox??

quote:

Originally posted by Kel:
the Daking's not any different price-wise, but attractive.

Used,yes.
New,no.

The Daking is like $400 less new.

used the API is still about $2k. Those Seventh Circle preamps look intriguing, I can DIY, but prefer not to given all my spare time

The 7th Circle A12's are the easiest of their preamps to build. I believe Michael Wagener, over on the Gearslutz forum, really like them. If you do a search over there you will find a number of comments about them. You can always pay Tim or someone else to make them for you. Since you are probably in my general area, I might consider building them for you.

What is so great about API pre amps?