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Description

The API 3124+ is your gateway to the legendary sonic character that has defined countless hit records. Renowned for its signature warmth and clarity, this preamp is a vital addition to any studio setup, offering four channels of classic API punch in a sleek 1U rackmount design. Whether you're capturing the nuanced dynamics of a vocal performance or the rich tones of an electric guitar, the API 3124+ delivers an authentic and vibrant audio experience that professionals crave.

With its robust build and intuitive interface, the API 3124+ is designed to meet the rigorous demands of both seasoned engineers and aspiring musicians. Its versatile inputs accommodate a wide range of microphones and instruments, allowing for seamless integration into your existing setup. The unit's discrete circuitry ensures low noise and high headroom, making it perfect for both subtle and dynamic sources.

Embracing both innovation and tradition, the API 3124+ comes equipped with high-quality op-amps and transformers, preserving the classic API sound while providing modern reliability. Ideal for any genre, from rock to jazz to pop, this preamp is a testament to API's enduring commitment to audio excellence.

Key Features:

  • Four channels of classic API console sound in a compact 1U rackmount chassis
  • Discrete circuitry for low noise and high headroom
  • High-quality op-amps and transformers for authentic tone
  • Versatile inputs for a variety of microphones and instruments
  • Intuitive interface for seamless operation

Product specs

Brand API
Model 3124+ 4-Channel Mic Preamp
Finish Black
Year 2000 - 2016
Made In United States
Categories Microphone Preamps

FAQs

What type of sound character can I expect from the API 3124+ preamp?

The API 3124+ is known for its fast, aggressive, and midrange-forward sound, making it excellent for adding punch and clarity to recordings, particularly in rock and pop genres.

How many channels does the API 3124+ offer?

The API 3124+ features four channels, allowing you to amplify multiple microphones or instruments simultaneously, making it suitable for a variety of recording setups.

Does the API 3124+ include hi-Z inputs for instruments?

Yes, the API 3124+ includes front-panel hi-Z inputs, which are ideal for directly connecting and amplifying instruments like guitars and basses without needing additional equipment.

Is the API 3124+ suitable for both professional and home studios?

The API 3124+ is highly regarded in professional studios for its superior build quality and sound, but it is also a valuable addition to high-end home studios seeking professional-grade preamp capabilities.

What is the impedance of the API 3124+ microphone inputs?

The API 3124+ features a microphone input impedance of 1500 ohms, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of microphones for optimal performance.

GMP Recording Studios

Preamp Shootout - AMS NEVE1073 vs API 3124+ vs R. N. Designs 5024

Video thumbnail for Preamp Shootout - AMS  NEVE1073 vs API 3124+ vs R. N. Designs 5024 by GMP Recording Studios

Preamp Shootout - AMS NEVE1073 vs API 3124+ vs R. N. Designs 5024

GMP Recording Studios

Video thumbnail for API Audio 3124+ 4-Channel Microphone Preamp -  Quick n’ Dirty by soundpurestudios

API Audio 3124+ 4-Channel Microphone Preamp - Quick n’ Dirty

soundpurestudios

soundpurestudios

Video thumbnail for API Audio 3124V vs API 3124+ Shootout on Drums by Drum Drum Drum

API Audio 3124V vs API 3124+ Shootout on Drums

Drum Drum Drum

Drum Drum Drum

Reviews

PROS

  • Offers deep, punchy, and warm sound quality for various audio applications

  • Variable output stage avoids clipping issues common with older models

  • Aggressive DI enhances guitar and bass presence in the mix

  • Excellent value for money, especially in the used market

  • Compact 1U size is space-saving and easy to transport

  • Complements existing gear like Neve 511's seamlessly

  • LED meter, pad, and phase features enhance usability

  • Ideal for recording kick and snare drums with outstanding punch

CONS

  • Requires a pad to prevent clipping when driving the preamps

  • Preamps are hot and can easily clip converters without modification

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about API 3124+.

Features and functionality

  • API 3124+ preamps run very hot; using inline pads can help handle high-level signals without distortion.

    Source
  • The API 3124+ preamps might require a compressor or microphones with a pad due to their high output.

    Source
  • API preamps are said to provide a distinct character, often described as fast and aggressive, making them suitable for punk and aggressive guitar sounds.

    Source

Comparisons

  • API preamps are often cleaner compared to Daking, which adds warmth and size to drums, making toms sound "like cannons."

    Source
  • Owners often favor the CAPI VP312 over the API 3124+, noting its superior performance on drums and lower price point at around $300 each if self-built.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that API preamps excel on drums, with many engineers favoring them despite their high output levels.

    Source
  • Some owners reported opamp failures in API preamps within three years, with poor service experiences, suggesting caution with older models.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The API 3124+ is recommended for drums, especially with standard setups using MD421s on toms and Audix D6 on kick.

    Source
  • The API 3124+ is described as having a "rich and airy top end," which may be overwhelming, likened to Neumann condenser character.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A Sytek MPX-4Aii is recommended as a cost-effective alternative to the API 3124+, offering fast, transparent sound with four channels priced at $600-800 used.

    Source

Critic Reviews

High on Technology: REVIEW API 3124+ MICROPHONE PREAMP

highontechnology.tech

The API 3124+ microphone preamp is a standout piece of gear, celebrated for its ability to add weight and fullness to recordings without exaggeration. It boasts essential features like an output level meter and a smooth variable gain knob that make it user-friendly. With a robust build, it offers fantastic headroom and a unique character to vocals, guitars, and more. Its inclusion of a Hi-Z input is a notable plus for direct instrument recording. While it won't transform poor performances, it elevates quality recordings significantly. Despite its high cost, it holds its value well, making it a worthy investment for serious musicians and engineers.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Aphex Twin uses API 3124+

Aphex Twin

Music Producer

Universal Indicator

...
Verified via Photo

The API 3124+ is listed on the Syro album packaging as being one of the many pieces of gear used on the recording of the album.

See how Tycho uses API 3124+

Tycho

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Tycho

...
Verified via Facebook

"For the benefit of any other musicians out there I thought I'd outline the basics of the new system. For the audio portion we're running two Macbook Pros, each with a set of RME UCX interfaces running in tandem via ADAT connected to them (we were previously using 2 single RME Fireface 800's). The ADAT tandem mode allows for more inputs and outputs per computer in one rackspace. The first machine handles playback of automation, SMPTE timecode for video sync, MIDI sync, and our in ear monitoring system (Sennheiser G3 IEM). The second machine is linked to the first via MIDI sync and handles all input channels, virtual instrument hosting and effects processing. Both machines are running Reaper with each project in its own tab. We were running into a lot of resource limitations when the entire set was on one computer so the only way to open things up and allow us to expand the set was to distribute the load across multiple machines. I also just switched to an API 3124+ for the front end of the input laptop as it fits 4 preamps into one rackspace, and it sounds amazing. We run the bass, guitars, and synths through it which lessens the amount of plugins we have to use to get a good tone inside the box."

See how Hozier uses API 3124+

Hozier

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used on guitar for the Take Me to Church EP, as stated by mix engineer Rob Kirwan in this March 2015 Sound on Sound interview.

“Guitars I generally record using an SM57 and a Sontronics Delta. The former will go through a ‘lunchbox’ Neve 1073 copy, and the latter through an API 3124+. I’ll compress that with the ADL 100 and an LA2A. The Delta is a ribbon mic, and I use it a lot. I like Sontronics’ ribbon microphones. They give you that ribbon sound, but the problem with a lot of traditional ribbon mics is that the gain is so low that you end up bringing up a lot of noise to get them to speak. I don’t think it is worth it, whereas the Sontronics microphones require phantom power to start off with, which is pretty wild, and they are loud. They really complement the 57. The Delta mic gives the guitar lovely warmth and big bottom end, and the 57 picks up the edgy stuff in the middle. I use those two microphones on pretty much every guitar amplifier that I record."

See how Ryuichi Sakamoto uses API 3124+

Ryuichi Sakamoto

Keyboardist, Composer

Yellow Magic Orchestra

...
Verified via Photo

the API 3124 can be seen in the image

See how Toru Kitajima uses API 3124+

Toru Kitajima

Singer, Guitarist

Ling Tosite Sigure

...
Verified via サンレコ 〜音楽制作と音響のすべてを届けるメディア

Toru Kitajima uses the API 3124+ in his Studio SAUNA, as confirmed in an interview with サンレコ 〜音楽制作と音響のすべてを届けるメディア, authored by matumo-i_rittor.

See how Logic uses API 3124+

Logic

Rapper

The RattPack

...
Verified via YouTube

You can see the Mic Pre behind Logic connected to his studio desk from 7:23 to 7:45

See how Benny Blanco uses API 3124+

Benny Blanco

Music Producer

Bangers and Cash

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "How ‘Eastside’ Accidentally Turned Benny Blanco Into a Superstar" by Daniel Wall, Benny Blanco's effect rack has a API Mic Pre, which is visible underneath the Chandler TG2.

See how Digitalism uses API 3124+

Digitalism

Music Producer

...
Verified via Facebook

can be seen in this post from February 28, 2014

See how Selena Gomez uses API 3124+

Selena Gomez

Singer

Selena Gomez & the Scene

...
Verified via YouTube

Selena Gomez is confirmed to use the API 3124+ preamp, as she is seen interacting with it at the 1:26 mark in the short film "I Said I Love You First... (Short Film)" produced by Vevo, available on the SelenaGomezVEVO YouTube channel.

See how Eric Cannata uses API 3124+

Eric Cannata

Guitarist

Young the Giant

...
Verified via Reverb

Sold on Reverb.com.

From YTG: This is one of my favorite pieces of gear! 4 amazing API pre-amps in a one rack slot chassis. These pre-amps add a really nice color to whatever you send through it. Selling it because I'm upgrading to the 3124V version.

See how Paul Epworth uses API 3124+

Paul Epworth

Keyboardist

Band Aid 30

...
Verified via Miloco

According to the "equipment list" found on Church Studios, owned by Epworth, one of the things listed is API 3124+ mic pres.

See how Rik Simpson uses API 3124+

Rik Simpson

Singer, Guitarist

The Darktones

...
Verified via Soundonsound

"I also have gear by Neve and Helios, UA-610 mic pres, API 3124s, the Vertigo VSM2, GML EQ, the Alan Smart C2, an old LA2A, Distressors, an Eventide H8000, and so on."

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use API 3124+, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Barefoot Sound MicroMain27 Gen1 Active & Passive Monitors
2
EMT 140 Plate
EMT 140 Plate Effects Processors
2
Sennheiser MD 441-U
Sennheiser MD 441-U Dynamic Microphones
2
Universal Audio 1176LN
Universal Audio 1176LN Effects Processors
2
Neumann U87
Neumann U87 Condenser Microphones
2
Knas Ekdahl Moisturizer
Knas Ekdahl Moisturizer Effects Processors
2

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See also: Preamps, API, API Preamps

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