Pricing and availability

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Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "API 500 Rack". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Elevate your studio with the API 500 Rack, a versatile powerhouse designed for the modern musician and producer. This ten-slot frame is your blank canvas, ready to host a custom assembly of 500 Series modules. With its robust L200PS power supply, it ensures each slot is energized with ample current, making it a reliable foundation for your sonic experiments. The rear XLR connectors offer streamlined I/O options, simplifying your setup while maintaining pristine audio quality. Whether you're crafting dense mixes or capturing raw vocals, the API 500 Rack is a testament to flexibility and performance in studio recording gear.

Key Features:

  • Ten-slot frame compatible with VPR-approved 500 Series modules
  • Robust L200PS power supply providing +/16V and +48V for phantom power
  • Streamlined connectivity with rear XLR input/output
  • Tri-polar power supply design for enhanced reliability

Product specs

Brand API
Model 500VPR 10-Slot 500 Series Rack with L200 PSU
Year 2019 - 2025
Made In United States
Categories 500 Series Modules and Frames

FAQs

How many modules can the API 500VPR 10-Slot 500 Series Rack hold?

The API 500VPR 10-Slot Rack can accommodate up to ten 500 Series modules, making it ideal for building a versatile modular studio setup.

Does the API 500VPR Rack come with a power supply?

Yes, the API 500VPR Rack includes an L200 power supply, which provides reliable power to all installed modules.

Is the API 500VPR Rack compatible with all 500 Series modules?

The API 500VPR Rack is designed to be compatible with most 500 Series modules that adhere to the standard size and power requirements.

Can the API 500VPR Rack be mounted in a standard 19” rack?

Yes, the API 500VPR Rack is designed for standard 19” rack mounting, making it easy to integrate into existing studio setups.

What are the dimensions of the API 500VPR 10-Slot Rack?

The API 500VPR 10-Slot Rack is designed to fit standard 500 Series module dimensions, which are typically 5.25” x 1.5” per module.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about API 500 Rack.

Mods and upgrades

  • DIYRE Colour modules with Royal Blues, Mass Drvrs, and Hitmakers are used as a budget-friendly alternative to the Silver Bullet 2 for mixbus processing.

    Source
  • The Hairball Audio Lola offers a DIY kit, but it requires a strong technical background to assemble.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The 500 series format appeals to users looking for portable rigs, like combining an Antelope Zen with 8 500 series pres for easy transport.

    Source
  • The Singular Audio Tubedrve is noted for its versatility, particularly effective on bass, some synths, and 2-bus applications.

    Source
  • API 525 compressor is highly recommended for vocals and acoustic guitars, providing a distinct vibe.

    Source
  • The Avedis MA5 excels on vocals and kick drums, potentially becoming a future classic akin to the 1073.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the versatility of 500 series racks, allowing multiple preamps, EQs, and compressors in a compact setup, similar to a full API console experience.

    Source
  • An owner finds the GAP Premier 573 a cost-effective alternative to LTL Chromas, appreciating its sound quality without the extra expense and hassle.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Initial cost savings with 500 series can diminish when factoring in the price of housing and power, though they remain more portable than 19" racks.

    Source
  • Some users view 500 series units as less special compared to 19" units and recommend investing in fewer high-quality 19" units if space and budget allow.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Compatibility issues may arise with non-API 500 series racks, as some modules are specifically designed for API racks.

    Source

Comparisons

  • 500 series gear, while compact, cannot replicate the classic sound of larger units due to differences in power supply quality and design components.

    Source
  • The CAPI VP28 with red dots is highly praised, preferred by some over Neve preamps in the 500 format due to compatibility and design intentions.

    Source
  • The Avedis MA5 is frequently praised compared to other preamps, often highlighted for its exceptional performance on vocals.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The 500 series requires a single power supply for all units, unlike 19" gear, which often needs an individual PSU for each device.

    Source
  • The Wes Audio Dione is seen as a solid SSL bus comp clone, although some users are considering replacing it with a new saturation processor from Wes Audio.

    Source
  • The Elysia Xpressor 500 offers a unique release option between linear and curved, enhancing its versatility for bus compression and drum tones.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how The Crystal Method uses API 500 Rack

The Crystal Method

Music Producer

The Crystal Method & Bubba Sparxxx

...
Verified via YouTube

(@3:15) "we wanted to be able to record drums and whole bands if we needed to so we got an API 500 series rack"

See how Peter Gabriel uses API 500 Rack

Peter Gabriel

Singer, Keyboardist

Genesis

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:05 in the video titled "Inside Real World Studios, Peter Gabriel's recording sanctuary," an API 500 Rack, equipped with API 512c or 512v microphone preamplifier modules, is visible. This confirms that Peter Gabriel utilizes this specific piece of music gear in his recording setup, as documented by The Vinyl Factory on YouTube.

See how Rhett Shull uses API 500 Rack

Rhett Shull

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 3:02 in this home studio tour, Rhett Shull says

And then over here on the sidecar I have a 500 series rack with some mic pres...

See how Patrick Carney uses API 500 Rack

Patrick Carney

Drummer, Music Producer

The Black Keys

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video interview titled "How Patrick Carney Gets His Drum Sound" by Reverb on YouTube, an API 500 Series rack can be seen at the 3:54 mark in Patrick Carney’s mixing room, containing a set of EQ modules.

See how Celldweller uses API 500 Rack

Celldweller

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

At 10:15 in the video in which Celldweller shows off his studio to Future Music Magazine, he says "Below that [The Nord Rack 2] I've got my 500 series rack, which I've got filled with API stuff . . .".

See how Fjaak uses API 500 Rack

Fjaak

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

They are using the API 500 rack as the VPR-Version as base for their EQs and compressors in their desk rack. Visible in the main background in the linked video.

See how RAC uses API 500 Rack

RAC

Music Producer

RAC

...
Verified via Facebook

RAC in this video show his gears for everybody: 2:18

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 500 Rack, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Roland Juno-60
Roland Juno-60 Synthesizers
3
API 512c
API 512c Preamps & Channel Strips
3
Universal Audio 1176LN
Universal Audio 1176LN Effects Processors
2
Korg MicroKORG
Korg MicroKORG Synthesizers
2
Yamaha DX7
Yamaha DX7 Synthesizers
2
Avalon VT-747SP
Avalon VT-747SP Preamps & Channel Strips
1
ADAM Audio P33A
ADAM Audio P33A Active & Passive Monitors
1
Electro-Harmonix 8-Step Program
Electro-Harmonix 8-Step Program Effects Pedal Accessories
1

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