Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .
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Price
Average Price: $971
High-end/Boutique
$100
$501+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "API 560". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Elevate your studio's sound with the API 560, a 10-band graphic EQ that seamlessly combines classic tone shaping with modern precision. Ideal for producers and engineers who crave the legendary API punch, this EQ unit offers unparalleled control and sonic quality. Whether sculpting electric guitars or fine-tuning drum tracks, the API 560's intuitive design and smooth frequency curves make it a versatile tool for any mixing situation. Experience the best of both worlds - vintage vibe and contemporary clarity with this studio essential.
Key Features:
- 10 bands of API's proprietary equalization, offering a wide range of tonal shaping possibilities.
- Unique "Proportional-Q" feature intuitively adjusts the filter bandwidth for precise control over your sounds.
- Provides up to ±12dB of boost/cut per band, allowing for significant adjustments without losing musicality.
- Features API's legendary 2520 op-amp, ensuring high headroom and classic sound characteristics.
- Designed to fit any API 500 Series chassis, making it a flexible addition to your studio setup.
- Silent bypass button for quick A/B comparisons without affecting the signal path.
- A faithful reissue of the iconic 1969 API 560 EQ, combining historical sound with modern reliability.
Product specs
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Number of Bands | 10-band |
| Boost/Cut Range | ±12 |
| Q Type | Proportional Q |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz-20kHz |
| Depth | 6.75" |
| Weight | 2.03 lbs. |
FAQs
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What is the API 560 500 Series Graphic Equalizer used for?
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The API 560 is a 10-band graphic equalizer designed for precise tonal shaping in studio environments, making it ideal for adjusting the frequency balance of audio tracks during mixing and mastering.
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What is the frequency range of the API 560 Graphic EQ?
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The API 560 covers a frequency range from 30Hz to 20kHz, allowing for comprehensive control over both low and high frequencies to enhance audio clarity and presence.
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How does the proportional Q feature of the API 560 affect its performance?
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The proportional Q design of the API 560 means that the bandwidth of each frequency band narrows as the gain is increased, allowing for more precise and musical adjustments to the audio signal.
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Is the API 560 500 Series EQ suitable for live sound applications?
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While primarily designed for studio use, the API 560 can also be effectively used in live sound settings, offering robust frequency control to tailor the sound to different acoustic environments.
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Can the API 560 be integrated into a 500 Series rack?
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Yes, the API 560 is specifically designed to fit into standard 500 Series racks, making it easy to incorporate into existing modular setups for both studio and live sound applications.
Videos
Green Light Sound
The Best Kick Drum EQ | The API 560
The Best Kick Drum EQ | The API 560
Green Light Sound
API 560 10-Band Graphic EQ | VintageKing.com
Vintage King
Reviews
PROS
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Excels on vocals, providing consistently great results
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Versatile use across drums, bass, guitars, and vocals
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High-quality build and sound signature
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Offers unique presets enhancing drums, bass, and guitars
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Classic sound that's recognizable and sought after
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Particularly effective on all shell-related drums
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Enables fine-tuning of snare body with 200hz boost
CONS
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New models may lack the 'mojo' of the originals
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about API 560.
Features and functionality
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The API 560 EQ's fixed frequencies encourage decision-making with broad strokes, enhancing workflow speed, especially valuable for users with ADHD.
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The fixed frequency design of the API 560 is chosen for its musicality, making it suitable for most mixing tasks despite limited frequency options.
Source -
Sly-Fi's Axis, inspired by the 550A, features multiple frequency modes and a drive function, enhancing its versatility beyond standard emulations.
Source
Comparisons
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The API 550's 2dB increment feature mimics the original hardware, providing a fast workflow similar to vintage analog consoles.
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The UA plugins closely replicate the API 550A and 560's character, especially at low boost levels, but lack the hardware's bite and euphoria.
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Softube's emulation is noted for its cleaner sound compared to others, while Sly-Fi's Axis offers additional modes and a drive function for added color.
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Users highlight that UAD's emulation of the API 560 is closer to the hardware than their 550 version, despite both being highly regarded.
Source
Use cases and applications
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API EQs' limitations can help develop a unique sound style, distinguishing mixes in a digital-heavy music production environment.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Listed on the Syro album packaging as being used at some point on the recording.
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Verse lead vocal: Antares Auto–Tune EFX, FabFilter Pro–DS, Pro–Q2, Pro–MB & Timeless 2, Waves Vocal Rider, H–Delay & Doubler, UAD API 560, 1176 & EP34, SoundToys Little Radiator & MicroShift, Audio Ease Altiverb.
This API 560 500 Series 10-Band Graphic Equalizer Module owned by Deryck Whibley Of Sum 41.
Used in my studio for recording Avril Lavigne Goodbye Lullabye and Sum 41 Screaming Bloody Murder, 13 Voices, Order In Decline, Heaven & Hell records
In a video titled "How Patrick Carney Gets His Drum Sound | Reverb Interview," Patrick Carney's engineer, Marc Whitmore, explicitly mentions at 2:39 the use of the API 560 500 Series graphic equalizer within the API 1604 mixing console.
In the video "EPIC HOME STUDIO Setup 2024 | John Osborne (studio tour)" by Andrew Masters, at timestamp 19:22, a pair of API 560 500-Series Graphic Equalizers can be seen integrated into John Osborne's API mixing console, confirming his use of this specific music gear.
In a video by Eventide Audio titled "Susan Rogers Engineer for Prince," Susan Rogers mentions at 1:54 that she managed an API 560 graphic equalizer while working with Prince from 1983 to 1988.
Neeraj Khajanchi uses the API 560, a 10-band graphic equalizer known for its distinctive API sound and precision filtering. Originally developed for API mixing consoles in the 1960s and 70s, the 560 is celebrated for its compact size, high headroom, and ease of use. The reissued version incorporates modern technology while faithfully reproducing the original's design and acoustic characteristics. This unit's "proportional Q" design allows for precise audio adjustments, making it valuable for both studio and live settings. Neeraj shared his acquisition on Twitter, highlighting the unit’s unique blend of traditional and contemporary engineering.
"API 560 (8)" - Listed on Atomic Garden website
Album Usage
The API 560 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 560, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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