Why so few API knockoffs?

[JES]

So there are a million and 1 Neve reproductions from the original copying himself (Portico) to Great River and Vintech and I don't know how many more. But when I think of API imitators, all I can come up with is Old School Audio. Given that APis are also a studio standard, why are there so many fewer imitators?

--JES

[AstroDan]

I would like to know this myself. I would kill a man for two channels of API for under a grand.

[TV Lenny]

Check out the A12 by Seventh Circle Audio. They come in kit form or prebuilt. They sound really nice! Even up against the real thing, they hold up nicely and in many instances sound cleaner. (due to modern components)

[Mane1234]

Doesn't Brent Avril make an API pre?

[Meriphew]

I think part of it is because API pres are not really that much money (compared to something like a 1073 or 1084).

[djimbe]

The 2520 is potted in epoxy and that makes it harder to reverse engineer. The uber DIY folks have versions of gain blocks similar to the 2520, but you gotta have yer geek firmly attached to make your own boards and stuff them with the requisite components.

I got 2 channels of real API for less than a grand by getting two 312 cards and doing the rack work myself. That may be the best, most cheapest route, but it requires some skill and equipment.

And yes, the SCA A12 is a very fine product that is similar and in some ways better than an old 312...

[chetatkinsdiet]

Also, API is still available, where the older Neve stuff is really not being produced, or has been produced in years. The only thing you have is used and knockoffs. API is obviously available used and new as well....and as is mentioned above, fairly inexpensive. A new 512 is around $600 or so, right? Even counting the price of the lunchbox, a channel of new API pre runs about $700-750...not too shabby.

m

[dokushoka]

Doesn't Brent Avril make an API pre?

He makes one of the BEST API flavors IMO.

[digitaldrummer]

www.oldschoolaudio.com makes an API'ish pre for the lunchbox also. I have a couple of the MP1c's and a couple MP1a's I'm using now. I don't have any real API (yet) but these sound pretty darn good to me. I know some of the every early models had 2520's, but mine are newer and have unmarked black cased opamps (not sure what they are?)

John Hardy and Purple Audio also make 2520 compatible opamps and pres.

[standup]

When I click on that link I get a message that Old school audio's page has been suspended, and I should contact the finance department.

Hm.

[kayagum]

Here's a good link for OSA stuff:

http://www.atlasproaudio.com/osa2.html

[i am monster face]

When I click on that link I get a message that Old school audio's page has been suspended, and I should contact the finance department.

Well, help them out.

[cactus]

Problem solved.

Try the Eisen Audio 500 kits.

I bought a 3124 a few yrs back and loved the tone but sold it because I couldn't use them on drums (when I engaged the PAD, the TOMS magically turned into oatmeal).

I bought some Eisen kits and modded the PAD to implement after the O/P tranny so they'd keep their punch.

Now I have 8 channels of SUPER 312s that I built to my own specs for $2300!
http://www.anicorettenightmare.com/diy/ea312b.jpg

If you can't locate 2520s on the bay, the SCA SC25 & Avedis 1122 (both abt $80) are really nice substitutes.

[digitaldrummer]

Cactus,

what did you choose for input/ouput transformers? and opamps? I see from the picture you have a couple different 2520 compatibles in there. I had been thinking about an Eisen to help fill my lunchbox...

[JohnDavisNYC]

we have 4 eisen 500 pres in our lunch box here... they rock. all with john hardy 990c opamps... 2 are cinemag in and out, 2 are lundahl in and cine out. they are amazing... some of the best pres we have.

john