API Audio 550B Discrete 4-band EQ in Lunch Box Format

General

The PAI Audio 550B Discrete 4-Band Equalizer is a modular tone control for the API 500 system. This 550B is based on the original from the late sixties, but has received an extra band and new frequencies as well. You can edit your audio signal using four bands that consist of seven frequency centres each. These four bands overlap each other, which means you can use the equalizer to not only solve problems but to add some tasteful colour to your tone as well.

API Audio 550B

This 550B is also equipped with the familiar Proportional Q, an innovative design that narrows or widens the bandwidth depending on how much you boost or lessen the frequency. In other words, the higher the boost or cut, the more narrow the Q. This means you can make extremely accurate adjustments and it also minimises that phase-shift sound equalizers often produce. The frequency centres have been carefully hand-picked by some of the music industry's most competent professionals, making the 550B more of a musical device than a numerical one. Like many other API products, the 550B also features an operational amp known as the 2520 Op Amp, which offers enormous headroom and a predictable, warm analogue sound.

The benefits of the API-500 lunch box format

API Audio introduced the lunch box format, a modular system in which a choice of high-quality external devices can easily be combined into one rack. This format is also referred to as API-500. One of the main benefits of the API lunch box format is that you don't need to power each separate module individually, which saves you money. What's more, as you get to select each module yourself, you can create a setup that suits your needs perfectly. The modular system is ideal for mobile applications, so if you're working in a different studio, you can easily bring your favourite peripherals with you.