API Audio 525 Discrete Compressor
Professional music gear - detailed information and where to buy
API Audio
525 Discrete Compressor
Product Info
Article Number:
246902
Brand:
API Audio
Model:
525 Discrete Compressor
Category:
500 Series Components
Price:
$1,626.90
* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.
The API 525 is a seriously cool piece of gear – it nails that classic API vibe, especially on drums and vocals. If you’re chasing that vintage, punchy sound and already have an API rack, this is a no-brainer. It’s a workhorse for rock, pop, and anything needing a bit of glue.
Product Description
- API Audio 525 Discrete Compressor
- Discrete compressor
- Exact reissue of the original API 525 compressor from the 70s
- Peak detecting feedback compressor / limiter
- adjustable threshold and output level
- Analog VU meter for gain reduction
- 4 release times
- De-esser function
- Traditional API fullly discrete circuit design
- Balanced inputs / outputs
- Hardware bypass
- Requires the API lunchbox 500-6B or 500VPR 10 slot rack
PROS
- • Authentic API 70s compression character, instantly recognizable and musical
- • Discrete circuit delivers punch and transient control, superb for drums
- • VU meter provides accurate gain reduction feedback for precise settings
- • Robust build quality with API’s signature discrete component design
CONS
- • Requires an API 500 series rack, adding to the overall investment
- • Can be a bit aggressive for subtle, transparent compression needs
- • Limited control compared to more modern, feature-rich compressors
Product Video
Key Features
Module Type
Discrete Compressor
Channels
2
Controls
Threshold, Output Level, Release Time (4 settings), De-esser
Compatible Format
API 500 Series
Weight
2.2 lbs
Similar Products
Erica Synths Echolocator
Multi Effect Processors
$626
Desktop Stereo Delay, 12 parameters: Time, Reverb, Feedback, Ping-Pong, Modulation Speed,...
Heritage Audio LANG P.LANE Type 436
Compressors, Gates and De-essers
$1,044
Tube Vari-Mu Compressor, One channel, Three integrated tubes: One NOS 6H5P, one JJ...
Manuel Rodriguez Superior Anniversario 120 J-SB
4/4 Size Classical Guitars
$1,099
Classical Guitar, Special model for the anniversary of Guitarras...
Dateq SPL-5 MKII
Limiters
$1,814
2-Channel Limiter with Measuring Microphone, Adjustable via threshold and output, For sealing, Input...
Harrison Audio D510r Mixer Module
500 Series Components
$824
*Note:* To be installed by the user and is only compatible with the Harrison Audio D510r chassis.
Frequently Asked Questions
The 254 is smoother and more transparent; the 525 has more aggressive, forward character, more akin to the original console compression.
It’s a surprisingly useful de-esser, though not as precise as a dedicated de-esser – it’s more of a subtle, musical taming tool.
It adds a subtle warmth and a slight mid-forwardness, characteristic of API's vintage EQ section – it 'glues' tracks together well.
