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Based on price data from 3 merchants for "API 512c". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Step into the realm of timeless sound with the API 512c, a cornerstone of the legendary 500 Series that has been shaping music production since the 1960s. This modular microphone preamplifier, inspired by API's first-ever 512 model, offers the distinctive sonic character that has defined countless classic recordings. Whether you're capturing vocals or instruments, the 512c delivers the clarity and punch that only API's discrete circuit design can provide.
Designed to fit seamlessly into your evolving studio setup, the API 512c's famed 2520 Op-amp ensures a high headroom and versatility across various inputs. Its rugged build promises reliability and longevity, making it a steadfast partner in your recording journey. Explore the flexibility of the 500 Series with this compact powerhouse, and enrich your soundscape with a piece of audio history.
Key Features:
- Mic preamp with 65dB of gain
- Front and back panel mic input access
- Line/instrument preamp with 50dB of gain
- LED VU meter for monitoring output level
- 20dB pad switch, applicable to mic/line/instrument
- Switchable 48v phantom power
- Traditional API fully discrete circuit design
- Equipped with the famous API 2520 Op-amp
Product specs
| Preamp Type | Solid State |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz-20kHz |
| Phantom Power | Yes |
| Analog Inputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| Depth | 7" |
| Weight | 1.41 lbs. |
FAQs
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What type of preamp is the API 512c?
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The API 512c is a solid-state preamp, known for its high-quality sound and low noise, making it ideal for various audio applications.
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Does the API 512c provide phantom power?
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Yes, the API 512c includes phantom power, allowing it to be used with condenser microphones that require external power.
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What kind of inputs does the API 512c have?
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The API 512c features a 1/4" analog input, which is suitable for both mic and line-level signals.
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How many channels does the API 512c preamp offer?
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The API 512c is a single-channel preamp, designed for individual microphone or instrument inputs.
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Is the API 512c suitable for recording instruments?
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Yes, the API 512c is designed to handle both mic and instrument inputs, making it versatile for recording various sources.
Videos
Vintage King
Comparing The API 512c vs. 512v With Vintage King | Vintage King
Comparing The API 512c vs. 512v With Vintage King | Vintage King
Vintage King
API 512C Demo and Review
Alec Brits
API 512 Solid State Preamp API 512c Preamp API Lunchbox
Rockstar Rant
Ultimate Mic Pre Shootout!
Third Island Productions
Reviews
PROS
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Delivers a crisp, clear vocal sound
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Ideal for enhancing midrange frequencies without overpowering
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Exceptionally clean and bright, perfect for snare drums, bass, and guitars
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Offers a unique frequency curve that benefits bass guitars and tightens the bottom end
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Provides a focused, tight sound with a fast attack, especially on bass, guitar, and drums
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Great for achieving punchy midrange without the need for extensive EQ
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Compatible with stereo pair tracking for enriched sound quality
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Adds a distinctive character and grit when the gain is dialed up
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Ensures clarity and definition across the bass guitar's fingerboard
CONS
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Slightly different output levels in units from different production years
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Not as warm on the bottom or as open on the top compared to other preamps
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about API 512c.
Features and functionality
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The API 512c's output is exceptionally high, even with the pad engaged and gain at minimum, requiring additional attenuation for some users.
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The API 512c red light indicates +18dB VU, which can mislead users into thinking the signal is not as hot as it is.
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The 512v includes an output knob and transformer tap switch, offering more control compared to the 512c, which lacks these features.
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Phantom power issues can arise if the API 512c's rear input is connected, acting as a voltage divider and reducing output voltage significantly.
Source
Use cases and applications
Mods and upgrades
Comparisons
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API 512c is perceived to have more output gain than Neve 1073, despite similar impedance, due to differences in gain range and saturation qualities.
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Despite the API 512c having 65dB of gain, it can deliver a more powerful output than preamps rated for higher gain, attributed to its transformers and impedance characteristics.
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The 512v is essentially a 512c with additional output control, making it more versatile for those who desire flexibility in managing signal levels.
Source
Value and pricing
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Paying an extra $100 for the 512v is considered worth it by many for the added flexibility in output control.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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Disconnecting rear input cables or using the board jumper to disable rear phantom power resolves phantom power issues with the API 512c.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 16 Ratings
253
API 512C
"Bass guitars love this preamp and it makes the insturment tight in the bottom and punchy in the midrange with it's very unique frequency curve. The opamp and transformer topology of this design is what makes it such a unique sound. If you want deep but tight bass to punch through a mix, this is the piece of gear you want for both your DI and amp/mic signal. It will allow you to hear every single note across the bass guitar's fingerboard with clarity and definition. For me, bass guitar will only ever go through the API 512C. The 512 is even punchier than the earlier API312 preamp. I prefer the 512C on bass guitars and toms to make them punch through a mix but also fit into the mix with less time wasted playing with an equalizer to try to make things fit. The Neve is too mushy and loose in the botttom end for a bass guitar and it's too scooped out in the midrange for the most resonanat area of the bass notes to sing through the mix. Bass guitar tracking is one of the few times where there is a better choice than the mighty Neve."
Artist usage
Add artist
Used on the room mics for Icky Thump, as stated by recording and mixing engineer Joe Chiccarelli in this October 2007 Sound on Sound interview.
“The Trident at Blackbird Studio D was used for monitoring, and also some guitar microphones, plus most of the room microphones. Some room mics went through an API 512, and a few through a crazy old RCA OP6 tube preamp. Most of the other close mics went through various Neve 1073, Brent Averill API 312 and Chandler TG2 preamps. Jack loves the sound of ribbon microphones, so we used a lot of them, on guitar amps, vocals, and as room mics: Coles 4038, Royer 121, AEA R84. I would have six to 10 room mics up, and would chose a stereo pair from them."
In this video you can see two API 512 Mic Preamps to the right behind Kevin Parker inside the API Lunchbox
Taylor Swift used the API 512c preamp to record the guitars for her album "Speak Now," as confirmed by producer Nathan Chapman. Chapman stated, "For acoustic guitar I use a Neumann KM-54, going into an API 512 preamp, going into a [Empirical Labs] Distressor," as reported by Sound On Sound.
"Main Rack." Two 512cs can be seen on the top left.
2 API 512c's spotted in a 500 series Rack at 2:33
can be seen in the background throughout this video
Used on vocals for Sleep Through the Static, as stated by mix engineer Robert Carranza in this May 2008 Sound on Sound interview. An image of the item can be found here.
Regarding the signal chains, simplicity again ruled. "For vocals it was the U47 going into an API 512, into an LA2A with a dB compression at the most, straight to tape. I've learned in the past that you want to use no or very little EQ during recording, because if you later want to drop in a fix, you'll never match it. The drums were all cut through an API preamp. For bass we went through a Universal Audio 610, and guitar and piano went through the Neve 1073. That was pretty much the signal chain on everything."
In this YouTube video at 0:26 you can that Kenny has 4 of these in his 500 series lunchbox.
"When recording Arnarson, Arnalds put up two microphones: an AKG C12A and a Telefunken AK47 Mk II with an M9 capsule, both fed through API 512 preamps. "Then in the mix, depending on the song,” he explains, "I just chose which mic to use. I ended up using the Telefunken in three songs and the C12 on 'A Stutter'."
Album Usage
The API 512c has been featured on the following albums:
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 512c, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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