VPR Approved Modules Include: Manufacturer Module API 512C Mic Preamp 525 Compressor 550A Equalizer 550A Saul Walker Edition Equalizer 550B Equalizer 560 Equalizer A Designs EM-PEQ EM Blue Mic Preamp EM Red Mic Preamp Avedis Audio Electronics E27 3 Band Equalizer Buzz Audio Elixer Mic Preamp* Danfield MX20 Mic Preamp Empirical Labs DerrEsser Model EL-DS Great River Electronics MP-500NV Mic Preamp LaChapell Audio 583s Mic Preamp Mooktronics Research PDI 500 Speck Electronics ASC-V Equalizer * Maximum 2 units recommended per Lunchbox®

API Audio Initiates VPR Alliance

API Audio announces the VPR Alliance, a program of standardization and consistency guidelines for manufacturers wishing to make products designed to fit into API's 500 series rack format. The program provides complete design specifications for manufacturers interested in producing third party products that physically fit and electronically conform to API's rack specifications.

The creation of the VPR Alliance has been encouraged by the overwhelming popularity of API's 500 series racks, including the ten-space 500VPR and the six-space Lunchbox, which has led to a proliferation of third party modules to fit the API format. Typically installed into API racks, these third party modules have raised issues of warranty and interaction with API-manufactured modules in the same rack.

Because of the variables related to those third party modules, API has previously been forced to declare that including third-party modules into a 500VPR or Lunchbox simply voids the warranty of the API rack. Through the VPR Alliance, API is able to eliminate confusion as to which third party products void the API warranty and which do not. This straightforward resolution saves the company both time and money, and promotes goodwill to customers.

Customers benefit from the VPR Alliance through the elimination of any confusion as to which products are endorsed for placement in API racks. Customers also benefit from a wider range of module choices for their racks, safety in the knowledge that the specification of the third party unit is correct, and that there is no risk of damage occurring.

The Alliance's module design standardization helps manufacturers maximize sales by providing customers with a proven rack solution. VPR Alliance members are given the right to sell API racks and power supplies at dealer pricing to support sales of their products. Alliance membership additionally eliminates the R&D costs and production expenses associated with creating an alternate rack solution.

Members can further benefit from the exposure API plans to generate by promoting the VPR Alliance concept through the strength of the company's various advertising, marketing and PR channels, including the listing of all members on API's website. Members are also encouraged to reciprocate by using the VPR Alliance logo on product information, PR materials and websites.

Manufacturers wishing to join the VPR Alliance should contact API's Managing Director, Gordon Smart — gordon@apiaudio.com — for a copy of the 500 Module Series Specification and Manufacturer's Worksheet, together with instructions on the review process. Members will additionally receive recommendations regarding competitive issues and pricing guidelines.