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API Audio 550A Discrete 3 Band EQ

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API Audio 550A Discrete 3 Band EQ

API Audio

550A Discrete 3 Band EQ

4.8 Expert Rating

Product Info

Article Number: 271202
Brand: API Audio
Model: 550A Discrete 3 Band EQ
Category: 500 Series Components
Price: $1,593.90

* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.

The API 550A is a workhorse for a reason. It delivers that iconic API sound – tight, punchy, and instantly recognizable. Perfect for tracking vocals, guitars, or anything needing that classic analog polish, it's a premium-priced tool that justifies its cost with its sonic character and build.

Product Description

  • API Audio 550A Discrete 3 Band EQ
  • Equalizer
  • Discrete 3 band EQ from the 500 Series
  • 7 centre frequencies selectable per band
  • 12 dB of boost / cut per band
  • EQ band 1 and 3 in selectable shelf / peak characteristics
  • Traditional API circuit design
  • Headroom up to 30+ dB
  • In / Out switch
  • Requires API Lunchbox 500-6B or 500VPR 10Slot Rack
PROS
  • • Classic API tone: punchy, defined, and incredibly musical
  • • Discrete circuitry delivers a wider dynamic range and clarity
  • • Flexible shelving/peak options offer shaping versatility
  • • Robust build quality; feels like it'll survive a tour bus.
CONS
  • • Pricey; a significant investment for a single EQ module
  • • Limited to three bands; not ideal for complex surgical EQ
  • • Requires a 500 series rack; adds to overall cost.

Product Video

Key Features

Module Type 500 Series EQ
Channels 1
Controls Low, Mid (7 selectable frequencies), High; Shelf/Peak switch per band
Compatible Format API 500 series racks (e.g., Lunchbox 500-6B, 500VPR)
Weight 2.75 lbs

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Frequently Asked Questions

The 550B offers a sweepable mid-band, providing more flexibility, but the 550A’s fixed frequencies often yield more predictable and pleasing results for broad shaping.
Yes, it's a fair claim; the discrete design allows for substantial gain without significant distortion, even with aggressive boosts.
Primarily designed for tracking and mixing, it can be used in mastering, but its limited band count makes it less versatile than dedicated mastering EQs.

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