API Audio is one of the most respected and iconic names in professional audio. Since 1968, Automated Processes Inc. (API) has set the bar for analog excellence, crafting gear that captures the essence of musicality, punch, and character. From legendary rock records to modern film scores and hit pop productions, the unmistakable API sound has left its mark on generations of music.
At the heart of the API legacy is a commitment to discrete analog design — especially the signature 2520 op-amp and custom transformers, which give API gear its tight low end, aggressive mids, open top end, and incredible headroom. This signature “API sound” is not just about tone — it’s about attitude. It’s about the feeling you get when a vocal cuts through the mix or a snare drum leaps out of the speakers with authority and clarity.
API’s influence reaches far beyond just standalone gear. Their classic 500 Series format, introduced in the 1970s, revolutionized the way engineers build modular setups — and it’s now the industry standard worldwide. Today, the API 500 Series includes studio staples like the 512c mic preamp, the 550A and 560 EQs, and the 527 compressor, all of which are beloved for their musicality, reliability, and analog warmth.
In the world of mixing and tracking, few consoles are as revered as the API 1608, 2448, and Vision series. These large-format analog desks offer an unparalleled tactile experience and sonic quality that digital workflows still strive to emulate. Many top-tier studios and Grammy-winning engineers rely on API consoles to shape their sound with boldness and precision.
But API isn’t just about tradition — it’s about evolution. Their modern innovations, such as the Box console, make the revered API sound more accessible to hybrid and project studios, while maintaining the same circuitry and component quality as their flagship products.
Built entirely in the USA, every API unit is hand-assembled with military-grade components and undergoes rigorous testing to ensure the highest standards. This dedication to craftsmanship ensures that API gear lasts a lifetime — and often becomes a lifelong favorite.
Whether you’re chasing punchy drums, rich vocals, or tight, musical mixes, API Audio is more than just a gear choice. It’s a commitment to authenticity, power, and timeless sound.
