API 312 Mic Preamp

5.0 (1)

$795.00

$795.00 4 available New

$730.00 3 available Used

5.0 (4)

$983.00 $879.00 $104.00 · All time low

$795.00

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "API 312 Mic Preamp". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Infuse your recordings with the legendary warmth and character of the API 312 Mic Preamp. This gem of a preamp is a modern homage to the iconic API consoles that defined the sound of countless classic recordings. Whether you're tracking vocals, drums, or guitars, the API 312 delivers that unmistakable analog punch, making your tracks feel larger-than-life.

The API 312 is built around a fully discrete circuit design, featuring the renowned 2520 op-amp and the proprietary AP2516 input transformer, ensuring the pristine audio quality that professionals demand. Designed to fit seamlessly into your 500 Series rack, this preamp offers up to 69 dB of gain, providing ample headroom for any microphone. With switchable 48V phantom power and a 20 dB pad, the API 312 is as versatile as it is powerful.

The vintage-style VU meter and peak LED indicator give you precise visual feedback, making it easier to dial in the perfect settings. Whether you're aiming for that classic American sound or just want a reliable workhorse for your studio, the API 312 Mic Preamp is a must-have for any serious audio engineer.

Key Features:

500 Series module design
Fully discrete circuit with API's 2520 op-amp
Proprietary AP2516 input transformer
Up to 69 dB gain with switchable 20 dB pad
Switchable 48V phantom power
Vintage-style analog VU meter and peak LED indicator

Product specs

Preamp Type	Solid State
Number of Channels	1
Frequency Response	20Hz-40kHz (±0.5dB)
Phantom Power	Yes
Pads	-20dB
Polarity Switch	Yes
Module Slot Size	Single
Power Usage	±16V DC, 55mA
Depth	6.75"
Weight	1.5 lbs.

FAQs

What makes the API 312 Mic Preamp stand out in the 500 series format?: The API 312 Mic Preamp features the classic API fully discrete circuit design with the renowned 2520 Op-Amp and a proprietary AP2516 input transformer, delivering a fast, aggressive sound that is midrange-forward, ideal for capturing punchy recordings.
Does the API 312 Mic Preamp provide phantom power for condenser microphones?: Yes, the API 312 Mic Preamp includes switchable 48V phantom power, making it compatible with condenser microphones that require external power.
How much gain does the API 312 Mic Preamp offer?: The API 312 Mic Preamp offers up to 69dB of gain, ensuring ample headroom for capturing both quiet and loud sources with clarity.
What is the purpose of the 3:1 output transformer tap on the API 312 Mic Preamp?: The 3:1 output transformer tap on the API 312 allows users to adjust the output level and tonal characteristics, providing flexibility in shaping the sound to fit different recording needs.
Is the API 312 Mic Preamp suitable for high-fidelity recordings?: Yes, with a frequency response of 20Hz-40kHz (±0.5dB) and its solid-state design, the API 312 Mic Preamp ensures high-fidelity recordings with detailed and accurate sound reproduction.

Videos

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Vintage King

The API 312 Mic Pre Is Back And We Put It To The Test!

Vintage King

API 312 vs 512 on Electric Guitar!

Johan Segeborn

Reviews

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PROS

Enhances clarity and character for instrumental recording
Adds desirable tonal quality to guitar tracks
Maintains rich, well-defined lows and clean low-mids in vocals
High-mids are catchy without being aggressive
Provides punch and clarity across various applications
Achieves "in your face" vocal presence even without a compressor
Features an efficient and readable Vu-Meter

CONS

Input level is high even at zero gain, often requiring a -20dB pad
Lacks a combo jack (XLR/jack) on the surface for easy connectivity

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about API 312 Mic Preamp.

Mods and upgrades

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Owners praise Jeff Steiger and Ed Anderson transformer reproductions, especially Litz spun versions, for enhancing the API 312's sound.
Source
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The build used Cinemag transformers and optional 918 opamps, offering a vintage sound characteristic in comparison tests.
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Features and functionality

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The API 312's signature sound is attributed to its simple design, primarily comprising a few transformers and a 2520 discrete opamp.
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Custom additions included a DI impedance switch and a transformer ratio switch, specifically tailored for studio synth use.
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Comparisons

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The BAE312 preamp, known for its use of Jensen transformers, is noted as the best-sounding 312-based preamp by some users.
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Some users compared vintage API units with CAPI preamps, noting CAPI's circuits provided superior sound quality across various tests.
Source

User experience

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Enthusiasts highlight the API trick of using a step-up transformer on the output as key to achieving the classic API sound.
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The burn-in testing period showed no heat issues, attributed to vent placement over DOAs, despite the close proximity of components.
Source

Use cases and applications

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API 312 preamps are favored for their unique saturation, which users believe is best captured before applying digital EQ and compression.
Source

Build quality

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The build included meter circuitry using 3D-printed sections, which successfully minimized noise despite the compact arrangement of transformers.
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Value and pricing

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Owner-built 8-channel API 312 clone cost around $2,000, considered a bargain compared to purchasing individual CAPI VP modules and a rack.
Source

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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

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Mac DeMarco

Singer, Guitarist

Mac DeMarco

Verified via MusicTech

"For the recording of Five Easy, DeMarco says he took a rig that included “a Lynx Aurora interface, eight API 312 preamps, and I took like a couple dynamic mics. I also took an old Neumann U47, my acoustic guitar, electric guitar, a P bass, a little drum set…I had a Minimoog with me and I had this, like, tabletop Yamaha DX7 – it’s a TX7. And I had two really tiny Genelec monitors."

Album Usage

The API 312 Mic Preamp has been featured on the following albums:

Five Easy Hot Dogs

Mac DeMarco & Mac DeMarco (2023)

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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