API 550A - Legendary 500 Series Discrete 3 Band E.Q

API 550A 500 Series 3-band Equalizer

Modular 3-band Equalizer, 500 Series, With 5 API-selected Frequency Centers, 12dB of Boost/Cut Per Band, and Proportional Q Control

Please allow 7-10 days delivery for this product.

A true classic, reintroduced in 2004 by popular demand

Few equalizers enjoy the respect and admiration of the coveted API 550A. Designed by the now legendary Saul Walker in the late 60s, the discrete 550A was first used as a modular OEM equalizer. As the industry rapidly embraced the sonic quality of the 550A, it quickly found its way into many custom console designs by Frank DeMedio and other leading engineers. Many of these consoles are still in use today. Forty years later, the 550A remains the standard against which countless EQs are measured, and it has played a major role in the recording industry for decades. Imitated but never duplicated, the 550A became API's standard channel module EQ when the company began manufacturing consoles in 1971. With virtually all existing units spoken for, popular demand for this EQ resulted in API finally resuming production of the API 550A in 2004.

Gives you an amazing level of control

The API 550A provides reciprocal equalization at 21 points in 5 steps of boost to a maximum of 12dB of gain at each point. The fifteen equalization points are divided into three overlapping ranges. The high- and low-frequency ranges are individually selectable as either peaking or shelving, and a band-pass filter may be inserted independently of all other selected equalization settings. Frequency ranges and boost/cut are selected by three dual-concentric switches, and a pushbutton "in" switch allows the EQ to be silently introduced to the signal path. A small toggle switch is used to insert the band-pass filter into the 550A.

API's 500 Series: Long-term flexibility, lasting value

The beauty of the entire API 500 Series is its long-term flexibility and lasting value — especially when you consider that needs change over time. With a range of mounting frame options, the API 550A will be a valuable asset to your ever-changing studio rigs. It's also ruggedly designed with sound you just won't outgrow — crafted to be your sonic partner for year after year after year.

Features

• 3 bands of classic API equalization
• Each band offers 7 API selected frequency centers
• Reciprocal and repeatable filtering
• Maximum 12 dB of boost/cut per band
• EQ Band 1 and 3 offer shelf/peak switching
• "Proportional Q" narrows filter Q at extremes
• Traditional API fully discrete circuit design
• High headroom +30 dB clip level

STL Pro Audio is an authorised reseller for API Audio.