API Audio 505-DI Direct Input in Lunchbox format

General

The API Audio 505-DI Direct Input is specially designed to form an input for the signal of a guitar, bass guitar or keyboards. With its dedicated Hi-Z input, you can also be sure that the input signal of an instrument with Hi-Z elements will not overload. This creates a safe signal for any recording situation. This 505-DI comes in the so-called API-500 or lunchbox format.

The API Audio 505-DI

This direct input features a gain control so you can normalise the signal from any audio source. The control gives you a possible boost of the signal up to + 4dBu. The Tone control prevents the bass from sounding muddy. In fact, it allows you to make the sound thicker or thinner. You also have access to a Bright switch. Switching this on adds brightness to the signal. With a combination of both switches, you can make an infinite number of settings that optimise your signal for recording. For example, in many cases you don't even need EQ anymore so your signal path can remain short and pure. The 100K/400K switch slightly adjusts the signal of your elements by colouring the high frequencies brighter or darker. If you want to input the signal from a sampler or keyboard, you can enable the -20 dB PAD switch. This preserves the integrity of the signal.

Advantage of the API-500 or Lunchbox format

API Audio has introduced the Lunchbox format. This is a modular system where a choice of high-quality peripherals can be easily combined into a single rack. This format is therefore known as the API-500 format. A major advantage is that not every component has to be supplied with a separate power supply, which saves costs. Moreover, you put together your own rack that meets your recording requirements. This modular system lends itself perfectly to mobile use, so you can simply take your favourite peripherals with you when you work in another studio.