IN 1969, AUTOMATED PROCESSES, INCORPORATED was formed by engineers and musicians who shared a common vision: to create the highest possible quality professional audio gear, and then back it up with excellent customer service. 50 years later, that vision is stronger than ever and remains an integral part of API’s extraordinary success.

Below are a series of landmarks representative of API’s contributions over the years to the audio community. We’re grateful for the inspired genius of API Founder Saul Walker, and we’re grateful for an ever-expanding number of users that recognize the unique value of API. That’s why from the largest recording console to the smallest internal components, API continues our tradition of manufacturing the world’s best analog recording equipment and offering the audio community our unmistakably warm analog sound.

1967	First API console sold to Apostolic Studios in New York City
1968	API co-founder Saul Walker creates the 2520 Discrete Circuit
1969	Saul Walker pioneers modular design with the introduction of the 500 Series modules
1969	API introduces the 500 EQ—one of the first 500 Series modules
1969	First commercial console shown at AES in the fall of 1969, sold to Sound Ideas
1969	API develops and manufactures first conductive plastic faders

1970	Les Paul purchases one of the first modular API consoles
1971	The 550A is added to the 500 Series
1973	The first computerized console automation systems for the control of fader levels
1974	API produces the first computer-programmable console with automation of EQ, sends, pans and faders. Far ahead of its time, the system was eventually called Total Recall
1974	Saul Walker invents the first Voltage Controlled Amplifier (VCA)
1974	The company develops one of the first tape synchronizer systems
1976	API console is built with red, white and blue knobs to celebrate the bicentennial
1977	Develops first micro-processor based crosspoint intercoms for use in broadcast and production, which become the basis for the discrete series bus assignment system

1983	The 2510 circuit is introduced in the Discrete Series console line
1985	API lunchbox® officially begins production

1991	First console manufactured utilizing touch-screen computer assignment for complete switch reset
1992	First full Legacy console is installed at Green Street
1997	The Legacy Plus console begins production
1999	Larry Droppa of Audio Toys, Inc. (ATI) acquires API

2000	Patented THRUST® circuit is adapted from ATI designs and introduced in the 2500 stereo bus compressor rackmount unit
2003	Large format Vision consoles are introduced, with Vision Automation
2004	Galaxy Studios adds 80 channel Vision console, the largest of its kind ever built to date
2006	API initiates the VPR Alliance, which encourages other companies to develop compatible modules for the 500 Series
2007	Blackbird Studio purchases the largest Legacy Plus console ever built, at 96 channels
2008	API adds the 1608, an updated version of the 1604 console from the 1970s, to the console collection
2008	API successfully trademarks the shape of the control knob on API products
2009	API celebrates during the New York AES with a 40th year anniversary party at the famed Roseland Ballroom

2010	Film and television composer William Anderson of Anderson Scores purchases the 100th 1608 console
2010	The lunchbox® receives official trademark registration
2011	API collaborates with Waves to introduce the first licensed versions of API-modeled software. API software plugins quickly become the best-selling collection in the Waves line.
2011	Automation is introduced for the 1608 console
2011	Universal Audio introduces API-authorized plug-ins
2013	API’s smallest footprint console THE BOX® is introduced at AES
2016	API debuts its new large format console, the Legacy AXS, at AES
2017	The 512 and 3124 mic pres are revamped to include the “V” variable output feature
2017	API introduces the groundbreaking TranZformer Series guitar and bass pedals
2018	The 529 Stereo Compressor, API’s first dual slot 500 series module, is released
2018	The 1608 console enters its tenth year of constant production
2018	API introduces the 1608-II Console
2018	API introduces the 2448 Console
2019	API celebrates its 50th anniversary
2019	THE BOX Console, with four additional input channels and four additional 500 series slots debuts at the NAMM Show in California
2019	API releases the 550A and 312 50th Anniversary Edition modules with a limited run and gold Faceplate celebrating API’s Golden Anniversary
2019	API releases the 862 Channel Strip and the 2500 50th Anniversary Edition modules with a limited run and gold Faceplate celebrating API’s Golden Anniversary
2019	API Releases Final Touch™ Automation
2019	API Celebrates Our 50th Anniversary at Sony Music Hall in New York City
2019	API co-founder Saul Walker receives posthumous Technical GRAMMY® Award

2020	550A 50th Anniversary Edition Module and 2448 Console received NAMM TEC Award
2020	API debuts the 2500+ Stereo Bus Compressor
2020	API introduces the 312 Mic Pre in 500 series format
2021	The 2500+ receives NAMM TEC Award
2021	API introduces the 527A Compressor/Limiter
2021	API announces the new API Select Range of products including the tube-based T12 mic pre and T25 Compressor, the SR22 and SR24, as well as the new TranZformer GTR and CMP guitar pedals.
2022	API introduces the MC531 Monitor Controller
2022	API introduces the 3122V 2 Channel Mic Pre