API Audio Products

An Abbreviated History of API

It all began with a dream. It was 1968. The company: Automated Processes Inc., formed by men with a vision. Best known for their now legendary "2520 amplifier", this unique amp has been and will continue to be the heart of all API discrete products. It continues to provide reliability and sonic purity unmatched by the competition. The resulting console met the needs of the music, commercial and broadcast industry.

API became the leading audio broadcast console manufacturer for radio and television networks and high profile stations. In addition, recording studios, large and small, began using API.....and receiving rave reviews from engineers and producers. There are over 700 API consoles across the nation and around the world, including the three major networks. Over thirty years later, many of these consoles are still in daily use in some of the most prestigious recording and broadcast facilities in the world because, to date, there are few, if any consoles of equal sound quality at a cost-effective price.

Technical contributions to the industry:
1969		Pioneered modular design
1969		Developed high technology in conductive plastic faders
1973		The first computerized console automation system for the control of fader levels
1974		Developed and manufactured the first computer programmable console with automation of EQ, Sends, Pans and Faders. Far ahead of its time, the system was eventually known as Total Recall
1974		The first voltage controlled amplifier (VCA)
1974		Developed one of the first tape synchronizer systems
1977		Developed first micro-processor based crosspoint intercoms for use in broadcast and production, which became the basis for the discrete series bus assignment system
1991		First console manufactured utilizing touch-screen computer assignment for complete switch reset

In May of 1999 API joined The ATI Group, a company that has defined the standard of quality and performance for live sound mixing since its beginning in 1988. ATI manufactures the Paragon live mixing console, and a range of mic preamps and audio processors based around its proprietary high voltage mic pre designs and a patented compressor circuit. The ATI Group also owns Uptown Automation Systems, which manufactures moving fader automation systems for studio, live theater and live touring performance consoles.

Letter from the President

Dear Audio Professional,

API has a history that extends back to the 1960s... a time when the search for preserving audio quality was at its most frantic. The now legendary recordings that were made during those years live today as historic landmarks for the music industry. I am proud to say that API was an integral part of that past and continues that tradition today.

I was thrilled with the opportunity to acquire API a few years ago, and it has been an exciting time to be producing such fabulous audio equipment. It's a rich heritage continuing with the "standard" API products like the 512c Mic Preamp, 525 Compressor, and 550b Equalizers still winning listening tests and technology awards. Combine those with the "newer" products like the 200 series, the 2500 Stereo Bus Compressor and the 7600 Channel Strip and it is easy to see why API gear is involved in so many of today's top recorded projects.

With our long standing tradition of providing a no hassle, 5 year parts warranty on every product we make, the demand for API products continues to expand. I invite you to make the investment in the API tradition. You'll be joining an enthusiastic club of dedicated audio professionals!

Best regards,

Larry Droppa
President, The ATI Group