The API 550 EQ played a major part in the
history of music recording in the USA during the 60's and 70's. Originally
conceived for use in API's consoles, this latest 550 "B" version is a
continuation of the original 1967 550 through the 550A with one additional
filter band and several new frequencies. Incorporating API's exclusive
circuitry and proprietary components (such as the legendary API 2520 op-amp),
the 550B artfully blends the past with the present. So many hit records still
depend on the unique 550 sound, that the 550B will be an invaluable tool you
will turn to again and again. The API 550B—unlike any other you will ever use.
Many EQ's today offer a huge assortment of
complex features, but the API 550B provides exactly the right number of
controls to the professional engineer. Deceptively simple at first glance, the
550B's four EQ bands are overlapped significantly to aid in dual roles as
problem solver and sweetening device. Each band offers 7 switchable filter
frequencies spanning 4 to 5 octaves, selected through experience by a
"who's who" list of the industry's most proficient engineers. This
re-issue design has been taken from the original blue prints and spec control
drawings from the API archives.
Making use of "API Proportional-Q", a
design introduced by API in the 60's, the 550B intuitively widens the filter
bandwidth at minimal settings and narrows it at higher settings—without the
need for additional bandwidth controls. This feature minimizes the
"phase-shift" sound found in many equalizers. The reciprocal nature
of the 550B enables the user to "undo" what has been done previously.
The benefits of the API 550B are most obvious
to those who work with EQ on a continuous basis. The 550B's ability to affect
or reverse tonal modifications is perhaps the most important feature. If major
tonal restructuring is required, the extraordinary headroom made possible with
API's 2520 op-amp offers predictable and gentle "analog" performance
under duress. With a surprisingly wide range of tonal variations, you can do no
better than the API 550B.
Features
- 4 bands of our famous sounding equalization
- Each band offers 7 API selected frequency
centers
- Reciprocal and repeatable filtering
- 12 dB of boost/cut per band
- EQ Band 1 and 4 offer shelf/peak switching
- "Proportional Q" narrows filter Q at
extremes
- Traditional API fully discrete circuit design
- High headroom +30 dB clip level
- Re-issue of 1967 API 550 EQ with an extra band