API 512c Microphone Preamplifier

Can't beat the API sound !

"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."