In the early 1970's Saul Walker, founder of API, designed his first microphone preamp and named it the 312. It became the first of several successful API mic pres, and quickly gained a reputation for outstanding reliability and sonic superiority. Now nearly 50 years later, API proudly introduces a recreation of this highly sought after classic.
The 312 was originally used as the front end of the first API recording consoles. The circuitry of the unit was housed in card cages under the front "kneespace" of these early consoles, with only the gain pot mounted to the control surface. In contrast, the new 312 is designed to fit into API's various rack configurations, and offers one of API's most famous mic preamps in the 500 Series format. Still based on Saul Walker's original designs, the 312 circuitry is the building block of API's best-selling 3124V, the 3124MV and the A2D. Utilizing API's 2520 op-amps and proprietary transformers, the 312 delivers the analog warmth and unmistakable sound for which API is known.
API President Larry Droppa noted, "During our 50th Anniversary year, we released a limited run of serialized 312's that were exact replicas of the original Saul Walker design. The response was overwhelming. This year, I'm pleased and excited to release the new 312 Mic Pre as a cost-effective option to capture exceptional audio with the sound of API. I'm happy to report that many orders for the new 312 have already been placed throughout API's international distribution network, and units are now shipping."
Like all API products, the 312 is backed by API's unique Five Year Warranty. For more information, please visit the 312 Mic Pre page.