Best API Audio 500 Series Components 2026
Premium API Audio 500 series components - legendary tone and craftsmanship
Last updated: January 7, 2026 • Next update: January 14, 2026
#1
⭐
4.6/5
(17 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
API Audio 500VPR
by
API Audio
Flexible Workflows
Modular Processing
High-End Recording
Key Feature:
• Expandable rack system
✓ PROS
- • Modular system flexibility
- • Professional studio standard
✗ CONS
- • Very expensive professional gear
- • Requires 500-series rack chassis
API Audio 500VPR, 10-Slot Rack, 10 Module slots for standard module 500 from different vendors, Inputs and outputs via...
⭐
4.6/5
(17 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 255204
$1,484
#2
⭐
4.7/5
(23 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
API Audio 525 Discrete Compressor
by
API Audio
Flexible Workflows
Professional Studio
Modular Processing
Key Feature:
• Mix and match different manufacturers
✓ PROS
- • High-quality analog processing
- • Modular system flexibility
✗ CONS
- • High learning curve
- • Very expensive professional gear
API Audio 525 Discrete CompressorDiscrete compressorExact reissue of the original API 525 compressor from the 70sPeak...
⭐
4.7/5
(23 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 246902
$1,627
#3
⭐
4.6/5
(41 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
API Audio Select SV14 4-Band EQ
by
API Audio
Modular Processing
Professional Studio
Flexible Workflows
Key Feature:
• High-quality analog processing
✓ PROS
- • Mix and match different manufacturers
- • Modular system flexibility
✗ CONS
- • Requires 500-series rack chassis
- • Very expensive professional gear
API Audio Select SV14 4-Band EQ4-Band Equaliser in 500 Rack FormatBased on the classic APSI 562 EQContinuous control of...
⭐
4.6/5
(41 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 553230
$824
#4
⭐
4.9/5
(47 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
API Audio 500-8P Lunchbox
by
API Audio
High-End Recording
Professional Studio
Modular Processing
Key Feature:
• Professional studio standard
✓ PROS
- • High-quality analog processing
- • Mix and match different manufacturers
✗ CONS
- • Requires 500-series rack chassis
- • Limited to professional applications
API Audio 500-8P LunchboxHousing for 500 Series ModulesAccepts up to max. 8 x 500 standard modules250 mA per...
⭐
4.9/5
(47 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 343763
$879
#5
⭐
4.8/5
(14 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
API Audio 312 Mic Pre
by
API Audio
Flexible Workflows
Professional Studio
High-End Recording
Key Feature:
• Mix and match different manufacturers
✓ PROS
- • High-quality analog processing
- • Mix and match different manufacturers
✗ CONS
- • Limited to professional applications
- • Requires 500-series rack chassis
API Audio 312 Mic PreMicrophone Preamplifier for the 500 SeriesMax. 69 dB gainTotally discrete circuit design with 2520...
⭐
4.8/5
(14 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 502020
$1,099
#6
⭐
5.0/5
(53 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
API Audio 565 Filter Bank
by
API Audio
High-End Recording
Modular Processing
Flexible Workflows
Key Feature:
• Expandable rack system
✓ PROS
- • Mix and match different manufacturers
- • High-quality analog processing
✗ CONS
- • Requires 500-series rack chassis
- • Limited to professional applications
API Audio 565 Filter BankFilter BankLow-pass filter: 500 to 20000 Hz (-6 or -12 dB slope)High-pass filter: 20 to 400 Hz...
⭐
5.0/5
(53 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 338694
$879
#7
⭐
4.6/5
(51 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
API Audio 512v Preamp
by
API Audio
Flexible Workflows
High-End Recording
Modular Processing
Key Feature:
• Expandable rack system
✓ PROS
- • Mix and match different manufacturers
- • Professional studio standard
✗ CONS
- • Requires 500-series rack chassis
- • High learning curve
API Audio 512v PreampMicrophone / Instrument / Line PreampMicrophone preamp with 65 dB gainLine and instrument...
⭐
4.6/5
(51 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 428460
$1,429
#8
⭐
4.7/5
(9 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
API Audio 527A Compressor Limiter
by
API Audio
Modular Processing
Professional Studio
Flexible Workflows
Key Feature:
• Mix and match different manufacturers
✓ PROS
- • Expandable rack system
- • Modular system flexibility
✗ CONS
- • Complex setup and routing
- • Limited to professional applications
API Audio 527 Compressor LimiterCompressor / Limiter in the 500 rack formatUses the discrete operational amplifiers...
⭐
4.7/5
(9 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 258297
$1,462
#9
⭐
4.8/5
(41 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
API Audio 550A Discrete 3 Band EQ
by
API Audio
Professional Studio
Flexible Workflows
Modular Processing
Key Feature:
• Modular system flexibility
✓ PROS
- • Professional studio standard
- • Expandable rack system
✗ CONS
- • Complex setup and routing
- • Requires 500-series rack chassis
API Audio 550A Discrete 3 Band EQEqualizerDiscrete 3 band EQ from the 500 Series7 centre frequencies selectable per...
⭐
4.8/5
(41 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 271202
$1,594
#10
⭐
4.7/5
(17 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
API Audio 505 Di Direct Input
by
API Audio
Flexible Workflows
Professional Studio
Modular Processing
Key Feature:
• Expandable rack system
✓ PROS
- • High-quality analog processing
- • Modular system flexibility
✗ CONS
- • Complex setup and routing
- • Very expensive professional gear
API Audio 505 Di Direct InputInstrument Preamp for Guitar / Bass / KeyboardFront-side Hi-Z input 6.3 mm jackThru...
⭐
4.7/5
(17 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 340577
$879
#11
⭐
4.4/5
(19 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
API Audio 512c Mic Pre
by
API Audio
Professional Studio
Flexible Workflows
High-End Recording
Key Feature:
• Professional studio standard
✓ PROS
- • Professional studio standard
- • High-quality analog processing
✗ CONS
- • Requires 500-series rack chassis
- • Very expensive professional gear
API Audio 512c Mic PreMic PreampThe 500 series65 dB gainMicrophone input on the front and backLine / instrument input...
⭐
4.4/5
(19 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 246899
$1,231
#12
⭐
4.5/5
(18 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
API Audio 550b Discrete 4 Band EQ
by
API Audio
Professional Studio
Flexible Workflows
Modular Processing
Key Feature:
• Modular system flexibility
✓ PROS
- • Professional studio standard
- • High-quality analog processing
✗ CONS
- • Requires 500-series rack chassis
- • High learning curve
API Audio 550b Discrete 4 Band EQDiscrete 4-band equalizerFrom the 500 series7 centre frequencies selectable per band12...
⭐
4.5/5
(18 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 246901
$1,572
#13
⭐
4.6/5
(30 reviews)
Sound:
6/10
Build:
6/10
Value:
10/10
API Audio Blank Panel 500er 5B1
by
API Audio
High-End Recording
Professional Studio
Modular Processing
Key Feature:
• Expandable rack system
✓ PROS
- • Expandable rack system
- • Professional studio standard
✗ CONS
- • Requires 500-series rack chassis
- • High learning curve
API Audio Blank Panel 500er 5B1, Blank panel, For 500 10slot, 6slot API Lunchbox and 1608
⭐
4.6/5
(30 reviews)
Sound:
6/10
Build:
6/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 257680
$24
How to Choose the Best 500 Series Components
Budget Planning
- • Under $200: Entry-level
- • $200-$500: Intermediate
- • $500-$1000: Advanced
- • $1000+: Professional
Quality Check
- • Sound clarity & tone
- • Build materials & finish
- • Hardware durability
- • Overall craftsmanship
Key Features
- • Your musical style
- • Skill level match
- • Intended use case
- • Brand reputation
Frequently Asked Questions
Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced 500 series components typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.
