Manufacturer: API
Model: 525 500 Series Compressor
Retail: $1295 USD
Street: $1100.75 USD
Category: Analog Outboard
Our Description: The API 525 is a 500 series compressor capable of providing amazing punch and clarity from a small package. This compressor takes the API punch to a new level on drums and guitars. It increases the intensity of any source with ease. This unit is great for providing that classic Rock “N” Roll punch to any source. Best of all it’s s powerful huge compressor in a small package.
Level – Professional
Features – Just What You Need
Ease-of-Use – Average
Sound Quality – Sounds Amazing
Reliability – Works Every Time
Bang-For-The-Buck – You Get What You Pay For
Build Quality – Excellently Put Together
Manufacturer Description: Originally released in the 70’s, the API 525 is a “feedback” type compressor, such as the 1176 and 660, etc. An input (threshold) control and output (make-up gain) control are provided. An additional “Ceiling” fine tune function modifies threshold and make-up gain for precise changes in compression without changes in output. A compression/limit switch sets ratio at either 2:1 or 20:1. Attack time is as fast as 15u/s. Four auto release modes are offered via two switches, 0.1s, 0.5s, 1.5s, & 2.0s. A De-Ess function inserts an inverse vocal energy curve filter in the detector for effective sibilance/p-pop reduction. The 525 is an identical re-issue of one of the most popular API products ever.
* Reissue of API’s original 525 from the early 70’s
* Peak detecting “feedback” compressor/limiter
* Variable Threshold and Output levels
* Unique “Ceiling” control combines key functions
* VU meter for monitoring gain reduction
* 4 Switchable release modes
* De-Ess function
* Traditional API fully discrete circuit design
* Hardwire bypass
The API 525 is perhaps the most successful solid state feedback compressor in history. It delivers dynamics control behavior unlike VCA “feed forward” compressors so common today. A remarkable multi-function “ceiling” control can increase gain reduction (lower threshold) while simultaneously raising output level to match, so the user can alter dynamics “on the fly” without level changes. This re-issue design has been taken from the original blue prints and spec control drawings from the API archives.
