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Everything In Music Since 1958
Everything In Music Since 1958

API 512c Discrete Mic / Line Preamp

Original price $895.00
Original price $895.00 - Original price $895.00
Original price $895.00
Current price $850.25
$850.25 - $850.25
Current price $850.25
♫ In stock
About Inventory Status


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In stock: It is in stock and available to ship or pickup. Apparel must be shipped from another location and is not available for in-store pickup. We can usually ship or have these items available for pickup by the next business day if they don't require inspection, special handling, or setup. Our pickup location is 11151 Veirs Mill Rd. Silver Spring, MD 20902.

📆 Preorder: It is on the way to our warehouse. We can't predict when preorder items will arrive due to current supply chain issues. If you place an order for one of these items someone will contact you to estimate the delivery date.

Out of stock: We don't currently have it available but you're not out of luck yet. We still may be able to get it. If you order one of these items we will contact you with an estimated fulfillment date. You have the option to cancel the order if you change your mind.

Special order: The item is so special that it needs to be custom ordered for you. Some of these items are works of art and have to be made individually. Orders for special order items must be prepaid and we cannot accept cancellations or refunds.

█ Sold out: We don't think we can get this item because it was either discontinued by the manufacturer or was limited in quantity. If you want or need this item call or text us. Sometimes we can help you track down the item through other sources or help you find something similar.

About Item Conditions


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Call or text us at 301-946-8808.

New: The item is brand new as received from the manufacturer with a full manufacturer warranty. Instruments such as guitars, snare drums, drum kits, brass and woodwind instruments may be opened for photography and quality control inspection and may not be in a factory sealed box.

Mint or Open Box: The item may have been opened and tested but has been repackaged. The original packaging may have superficial issues but the item itself and any originally included accessories are in perfect, like new condition.

Display Model: These items are so cool that we put them on display in our legendary shop. The condition is brand new as received from the manufacturer with manufacturer warranty. Rest assured, these items undergo a very careful inspection before shipping.

Demo: These items have been on our sales floor for demo purposes and will likely show signs of use. The original packaging may no longer be included, but you can be assured that you are receiving an awesome item and an awesome price.

Used: The item is used. These item may have varying degrees of wear. Please read the description for information about the condition of the item. Used items do not carry a warranty.

B or C Stock: Factory refurbished. These items were purchased from the manufacturer in a refurbished condition. They will show some cosmetic issues, but nothing that would impact performance. Being that these are sealed from the manufacturer, we generally do not open these to photograph the cosmetic issues. They are guaranteed to work and may have a limited warranty or you may purchase an extended warranty in some cases. Please see the listing description for item specific information.

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Get A Preamp For Various Recording Settings With The API 512C Discrete Mic/Line Preamp

The API 512c is a mic / line / instrument preamp, world famous for its ability to provide a low noise (-129 EIN) and unusually good sounding front end for all types of audio applications. Sonically, it delivers the distinct API sound at an affordable price, and in the scalable API 500 Series format. Offering an impressive 65 dB of gain, the 512c includes phantom power, switchable polarity, -20 dB pad and Mic or Instrument/Line selector. Front panel XLR and 1/4 inch connectors combined with rear panel mic access allows for additional flexibility when installed into an API lunchbox, API's 10 position 500V vertical rack, or an API console.

The API 512c remains faithful to the circuit designs of API's founder Saul Walker. Artfully combining those circuits with API's proprietary transformers and the incomparable 2520 op-amp, the 512c is a highly musical and rich-sounding analog mic pre, equally at home in commercial recording spaces as it is in smaller home studios. Fully featured and still hand assembled, the 512c exhibits the reliability, long life, and uniformity which are characteristic of all API products.


  • Mic Preamp with 65 dB of gain
  • Front and Back Panel Mic Input Access
  • Line/Instrument Preamp with 45 dB of gain
  • Front Panel Line/Instrument Input
  • LED VU meter for monitoring output level
  • 20 dB pad switch, applies to mic/line/instrument
  • 48v Phantom switchable power
  • Traditional API fully discrete circuit design with 2520 Op Amp
  • Features API's unique Five Year Warranty


SPECIFICATIONS

  • Rear Connector: Output on edge connector, MIC Input on edge connector, can be defeated
  • Front Connectors: XLR MIC Input, HI-Z 1/4-inch Unbal Input
  • Gain Range
    • MIC: 34 dB to 65 dB (14 dB to 45 dB with PAD)
    • HI-Z: 14 dB to 45 dB (-6 dB to 25 dB with PAD)
  • Maximum Input Levels: MIC, +8 dBu, Unbal HI-Z Input, +36 dBu
  • Input Impedance: MIC Input, 1500 Ohms (150 Ohm mic), HI-Z Unbal Input, 400 K Ohms (20 K Ohms with pad)
  • Output Impedance: Less than 75 Ohms, Transformer Balanced
  • Clipping Level: +30 dBu
  • Frequency Response: +0, -.3, 30 to 20 kHz
  • Noise: Equivalent Input Noise: -129, Mic In. -125, Un-Balanced In.
  • Actual Metered Noise: Mic, -95 dBu, Un-Bal., -90 dBu
  • Distortion: Less than .05% @ +4 Out, Less than .1% @ +28 Out
  • Power Consumption: ±12/18 Volts/DC, @40 ma.
  • Size: 1.5 x 5.25 x 7 inches / 38 x 133 x 178 mm
  • Size (Boxed for Shipping): 4.5 x 6.5 x 10.25 inches / 114 x 165 x 260 mm
  • Actual Weight: 1.41 lb / 0.64 kg
  • Shipping Weight: 1.94 lbs / 0.88 kg

Manufacturer: Automated Processes Inc
Model: 512C
SKU: I298081-N-1-WHXB


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Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC's legendary music shop. Family-owned and operated since 1958. Buy gear the way it was meant to be bought, from a store that's been there through it all and has the vibe to prove it. We're staffed with musicians and industry experts, people that live and breathe music gear. Our mission is to help you find the right gear for your project, that thing that will bring you the most joy out of what you do. We're an authorized dealer for almost every brand, we stock items the other stores don't, so you can try before you buy. Stop by our Wheaton, MD showroom and see for yourself.

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