This page about Universal Audio API 500 Series Collection is a stub. You can help improve it:

Pricing and availability

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Unlock the full potential of your mix with the Universal Audio API 500 Series Collection, a suite of plugins that faithfully captures the iconic sound of API's revered 500 Series hardware. Designed to elevate your audio productions, this collection provides musicians and audio engineers with precise control over their sound, offering the legendary API sound right from your DAW.

Renowned for their punchy, musical character, API EQs have been staples in top-tier studios worldwide. This collection includes meticulously modeled emulations of the API 550A, 550B, and 560 EQs, delivering the same analog warmth and clarity that have made the originals industry benchmarks. Whether you're sculpting individual tracks or mastering a complex mix, these plugins offer the flexibility and authenticity you need.

Experience minimal latency and unparalleled sound quality thanks to the advanced digital signal processing technology. These plugins are designed to work seamlessly with Universal Audio's UAD hardware, ensuring that your productions maintain the highest fidelity. With intuitive interfaces and a range of presets, getting the perfect sound has never been easier.

Key Features:

  • Faithful emulations of API’s 500 Series EQs: 550A, 550B, and 560
  • Enhanced digital signal processing for minimal latency
  • Compatible with Universal Audio’s UAD hardware
  • Provides the classic API sonic signature: punchy, clear, and warm
  • Intuitive user interface with easy-to-use controls
  • Ideal for both track sculpting and full mix processing
  • Includes a variety of presets for quick sound shaping

FAQs

What makes the Universal Audio API 500 Series Collection unique compared to other EQ plugins?

This collection emulates the classic API 500 Series EQs, known for their punchy, musical sound and precise control. It offers authentic analog warmth and character, making it ideal for adding depth and clarity to mixes.

Is the Universal Audio API 500 Series Collection compatible with all DAWs?

The plugin is compatible with any DAW that supports VST, AU, or AAX formats. However, it requires a UAD hardware device to run, as it is part of the Universal Audio ecosystem.

Can I use the Universal Audio API 500 Series Collection for mastering?

Yes, this plugin is suitable for mastering due to its precise EQ controls and ability to enhance the tonal quality of a mix. Its analog emulation offers a musical touch that can subtly enhance the final master.

Does the Universal Audio API 500 Series Collection require a lot of CPU power?

The plugin itself does not use your computer's CPU, as it runs on UAD hardware. This offloading allows you to use the plugin without impacting your system's performance significantly.

What are the standout features of the Universal Audio API 500 Series Collection?

The collection includes faithful emulations of the API 550A and 560 EQs, known for their proportional Q and unique filter shapes. It provides the classic API sound with digital precision and flexibility.

Universal Audio

Universal Audio

API® 500 Series EQ Plug-In Collection Trailer

Video thumbnail for API® 500 Series EQ Plug-In Collection Trailer by Universal Audio

API® 500 Series EQ Plug-In Collection Trailer

Universal Audio

Universal Audio

Video thumbnail for API 500 Series EQ Plug-In Collection 550A + 560 by Andreas Neubert

API 500 Series EQ Plug-In Collection 550A + 560

Andreas Neubert

Andreas Neubert

Video thumbnail for UAD - API 500 series EQ bundle explained (Complete walkthrough) by wickiemedia

UAD - API 500 series EQ bundle explained (Complete walkthrough)

wickiemedia

wickiemedia

Video thumbnail for The UAD API 500 Series Plugin Collection by Distinct Mastering

The UAD API 500 Series Plugin Collection

Distinct Mastering

Distinct Mastering

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

  • The UAD API 550A is noted for requiring a UAD interface, unlike the Waves API plugins which are standalone.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The 550A excels in boosting high shelf frequencies on dark drum overheads, enhancing articulation with ribbon mics.

    Source
  • The 1.5kHz bell boost on the 550A is particularly effective in adding crack to a lifeless wooden snare drum.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The proportional Q design of the API 550A allows for quick, broad tonal sculpting, making it easy to achieve a good sound efficiently.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Universal Audio: API 500-Series EQ Plug-In Collection | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

Universal Audio's API 500 Series EQ Plug-In Collection is a worthy emulation of classic hardware, capturing the original's euphonic lift and rich tonal character. The 560 EQ offers intuitive control, perfect for shaping electric guitars, while the 550A shines when its limited frequency points align with the mix's needs. Though hardware may have a slight edge in depth, the plug-ins offer nearly identical sound quality with modern conveniences like total recall and automation. However, the lack of Q control and limited frequency options on the 550A might frustrate users needing more precision. Overall, it's a commendable digital adaptation for vintage gear enthusiasts.

positive

Universal Audio API 500 Series EQ Collection review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Universal Audio's API 500 Series EQ Collection is celebrated for its impressively accurate analogue emulation, offering beautifully musical low- and mid-range EQ with a pristine top end. Users will appreciate its simplicity and the ability to add colorful edge while maintaining focus. However, it inherits some limitations from the original hardware, such as mildly annoying dual concentric knobs. Despite this, the plugins deliver the famed API power and punch, outshining competitors like Waves. Overall, it's a fantastic choice for those seeking authentic API sound in a digital format.

positive

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Illangelo uses Universal Audio API 500 Series Collection

Illangelo

Music Producer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

In this article Illangelo says he used the UAD API560 on The Weeknd's vocal for his song "The Hills"

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 Universal Audio API 500 Series Collection, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

More Universal Audio EQ Plugins

UAD Helios Type 69

$39.00 - $49.00

# 51

Rank

Rod Stewart Florian Meindl
2 artists using
FabFilter Pro-Q 3

$169.00 - $199.00

# 1

Rank

Mike Shinoda Jonny Buckland Skrillex
272 artists using
Sonnox Oxford EQ

$64.00 - $240.00

# 6

Rank

Adam Levine Omar Hakim Just Blaze
16 artists using
Waves API 550A

$33.00 - $34.99

# 13

Rank

Aphex Twin Beck Metrik
6 artists using

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides