Sound Pure's Take

I love using API mic pres because I always know what I’m going to get. Top quality, military grade build and a distinct, aggressive sound that, when the situation calls for it, is nothing short of amazing. This is my top choice when miking a drum kit and want a contemporary sound. It delivers a level of punchy, dynamic tones with an incredible overall forwardness that I just can’t seem to get out of another preamp model. 
The API preamp (3124 and 512c) also performs incredibly well on electric guitars, especially within heavier genres. It’s unparalleled responsiveness and bold overall sound does an excellent job in capturing and showcasing the aggressive playing in metal and hard rock in a very clear and powerful way. I’ve found it to perform at its best when pushing harder on the gain to the point of saturating the fully discrete electronics, resulting in more mid-focused saturation that brings out even more information in the guitar. In these scenarios, I’ll often have to engage the pad to control the signal level and prevent clipping my converter’s input, however it’s a small price to pay to get such an incredible result.
For some projects or instruments, fast and punchy may not be ideal. I almost always want to retain high levels of detail, but would prefer additional smoothness and warmth instead of additional punch. In these cases, I reach for the Phoenix DRS-1R for additional analog saturation to push the material back in the mix just a bit. 
In situations where unparalleled punch, detail, and responsiveness are desired regardless of genre, the API preamp delivers stronger than anything else - Period. For hard rock or metal engineers, it’s pretty safe to say your preamp arsenal isn’t complete without at least 4 channels to cover your drums, guitars, and bass.

Watch & listen

API Audio 3124+ 4-Channel Microphone Preamp - Quick n’ Dirty

  The API 3124+ is a high quality, compact, 4-channel mic preamp. Top quality, military grade build and a distinct, aggressive sound that, when the situation calls for it, is nothing short of amazing. For hard rock or m... Read more

  The API 3124+ is a high quality, compact, 4-channel mic preamp. Top quality, military grade build and a distinct, aggressive sound that, when the situation calls for it, is nothing short of amazing. For hard rock or metal engineers, it’s pretty safe to say your preamp arsenal isn’t complete without at least 4 channels to cover your drums, guitars, and bass. This preamp is available for SoundPure’s Try-Before-You-Buy Program, so if you want to hear how it sounds in your studio with your gear, shoot us an email at ProAudio@SoundPure.com, or give us a call anytime at 919.682.5552. Thanks for watching!

Moog MF-105M MIDI MuRF Pedal Demo

Also in this recording Victoria Amps Victorilux 45W 2x12 Combo Amp Victoria Amps Victoriette 20W 1x12 Combo Amp Peluso R14 Ribbon Microphone Royer Labs R-121 Ribbon Microphone Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Microphone Shure SM57 Instrument Microphone Great River Electronics MP-2NV Stereo Preamp

Soundpure Electric Guitar Expert Ross Gruet demonstrates the MIDI Murf, a revolutionary effects pedal from Moog. With 8 channels for a wide variety of tones and qualities, its warm, resonant, 100% analog Mid and Bass fil... Read more

Soundpure Electric Guitar Expert Ross Gruet demonstrates the MIDI Murf, a revolutionary effects pedal from Moog. With 8 channels for a wide variety of tones and qualities, its warm, resonant, 100% analog Mid and Bass filter bands bring you everything from shimmering timbral morphing and rhythmic stuttering to deep bass grooves, and its durability and size make it the perfect piece of equipment for touring and studio use.    Gear List: Suhr Classic Antique Vintage White Electric Guitar Moog MF-105M MIDI MuRF Pedal Victoria Victorilux 2x12 Amp Victoria Victoriette 1x12 Amp Peluso R14 Ribbon Mic Royer R-121 Ribbon Mic Sennheiser MD 421 II Mic Shure SM57 Instrument Mic Great River Electronics MP-2NV Stereo Preamp API Audio 3124+ 4-Channel Microphone Preamp   If you like what you hear, check this pedal out at SoundPure.com or give us a call anytime at (919)-682-5552.

Mic'ing a Leslie Speaker Cabinet for a Hammond B3 Organ with Ribbon Microphones

Also in this recording AEA R92 Ribbon Microphone AEA R84 Ribbon Microphone Lynx Aurora 16 I/O D/A and A/D Converter

An AEA R84 pair and an R92 were used by SoundPure's Jason Richmond to record an isolated Leslie speaker box during this jazz trio session. Equally spacing the R84's on either side of the Leslie and placing the R92 at its... Read more

An AEA R84 pair and an R92 were used by SoundPure's Jason Richmond to record an isolated Leslie speaker box during this jazz trio session. Equally spacing the R84's on either side of the Leslie and placing the R92 at its bottom, Jason was able to fully capture Mark Wells' fantastic performance on the Hammond Organ. Guitarist Jared Wofford and drummer Devin Fuller join to complete the sound. The AEA ribbon mics were run through an API 3124 preamplifier and converted with the Lynx Aurora AD converter. If you want to learn more about the gear used in this session, or if you have any questions concerning the techniques used, don't hesitate to call the recording engineers here at Sound Pure Studios. 919.682.5552. or 888.528.9703.

Vocal Reverb - Bricasti M7 Demo Video

Also in this recording Bricasti Design M7 Reverb Processor Lynx Aurora 16 I/O D/A and A/D Converter Neumann U87Ai Microphone

Bricasti M7 Reverb used to process vocals. They listen to some vocal tracks and demonstrate how amazing reverbs can be acheived easily through the use of several presets on the Bricasti M7. V1 and V2 presets are demonstr... Read more

Bricasti M7 Reverb used to process vocals. They listen to some vocal tracks and demonstrate how amazing reverbs can be acheived easily through the use of several presets on the Bricasti M7. V1 and V2 presets are demonstrated on tracks of singer/songwriter Cassie Taylor and Matt Douglass. The M7 has proven to be the go-to reverb processor of engineers all over the world. The results are astonishing. All of the detail and harmonic content is preserved while added natural reverbs to your track. Check out our series of discussion videos as well as processing videos on the Bricasti M7. If you have any questions about the Bricasti, please give us a call and we would be happy to answer any questions. Call toll free 888-528-9703.

Neumann TLM102 Microphones - Drum Overheads

Also in this recording Neumann TLM 102 NI Microphone Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Microphone Sennheiser E609 Silver Dynamic Microphone Lynx Aurora 16 I/O D/A and A/D Converter

Introducing the Brand New Neumann TLM102 Large Diaphragm Microphone, used here as a Stereo Pair on Drum Overheads. No processing, no EQ, no compression at all was used when making these simple but great sounding recordin... Read more

Introducing the Brand New Neumann TLM102 Large Diaphragm Microphone, used here as a Stereo Pair on Drum Overheads. No processing, no EQ, no compression at all was used when making these simple but great sounding recordings. Extraordinarily detailed and balanced sound on the full drum kit is achieved in an extremely easy-to-replicate microphone setup utilizing two TLM 102 Studio microphones. This is the first extensive test-drive ever done with the fabulous new, and well-priced Neumann microphone. The video was filmed and recorded entirely at Sound Pure, where their recording and pro audio sales experts are available to answer any questions that you might have. They can be reached by telephone, toll free at 888-528-9703, or email sales(at)soundpure(dot)com and will gladly answer any questions that you have about recording drums, mic selection, and their experiences with this brand new, and fabulous TLM 102 studio mic.

Buscarino Grand Cabaret Nylon String at Sound Pure

Also in this recording Buscarino Cabaret Model German Spruce/Pomele Bubinga Nylon String Guitar Buscarino Chameleon Speaker 8" Cabinet Peluso CEMC6 Solid State Microphone Avalon AD-2022 Dual Mono Microphone Preamplifier Lynx Aurora 16 I/O D/A and A/D Converter

Chris Boerner and Craig Wagner demonstrate the amazing Buscarino Grand Cabaret nylon string guitar from luthier John Buscarino. Played in Sound Pure Studio's recording-capable lobby (nice live sound!)

Alvin Youngblood Hart playing a Dusenberg Starplayer TV+

Also in this recording Victoria Amps 20112 15W 1x12 Combo Amp Royer Labs R-121 Live Series Ribbon Microphone Lynx Aurora 16 I/O D/A and A/D Converter

Alvin Youngblood Hart plays a Duesenberg Starplayer TV+ electric guitar at Sound Pure Studios in Durham, NC. Part of Sound Pure's mission to document legendary musicians of all styles while putting our beautiful collect... Read more

Alvin Youngblood Hart plays a Duesenberg Starplayer TV+ electric guitar at Sound Pure Studios in Durham, NC. Part of Sound Pure's mission to document legendary musicians of all styles while putting our beautiful collection of rare guitars in the hands of real masters.

Fulltone OCD Pedal Review

Also in this recording Victoria Amps Victorilux 45W 2x12 Combo Amp Royer Labs R-121 Live Series Ribbon Microphone Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Microphone Lynx Aurora 16 I/O D/A and A/D Converter

Fulltone OCD Distortion Guitar Pedal Demo at Sound Pure Studios. Resident guitar expert Chris Boerner shows off Fulltone Custom Effects Obsessive Compulsive Distortion pedal in one of Sound Pure Studios' recording rooms... Read more

Fulltone OCD Distortion Guitar Pedal Demo at Sound Pure Studios. Resident guitar expert Chris Boerner shows off Fulltone Custom Effects Obsessive Compulsive Distortion pedal in one of Sound Pure Studios' recording rooms. This video is part of SoundPure's on-going project to document the best in guitar effects, custom guitars, and pro audio equipment. For more information, check out www.soundpure.com

From API Audio

Features

  • Uses API 2520 Op Amps
  • Classic API console circuit
  • Four female XLR mic inputs
  • Four front panel 1/4" Hi Z instrument inputs
  • Front panel polarity switches
  • Front panel -20dB pad switches
  • Front panel mic/instrument switches
  • Front panel 48V power switches
  • Outputs clip at +28dBu

The API 3124+ is a high quality, compact, 4-channel mic preamp. It is equipped with the RE-115 K mic input transformer and the proprietary API output transformer found in the 512c single mic pre and throughout the API product line. The unit has an internal 48-volt phantom power supply, which is switchable for each channel, as well as -20dB pad switches that affect both the mic and Hi-Z instrument inputs, both located on the front panel.

Another feature of the 3124+ is that it can provide up to 65dB of gain to an output clip level of +28dBu. Additionally, the Hi-Z front panel inputs feed directly to the op amps, which allow a low level input such as a guitar or bass to be amplified without a matching transformer or direct box. These Hi-Z inputs can take input levels as high as +20dBu, making them perfect for keyboards and other high level devices. The mic preamp outputs are on rear panel male XLR connectors.

Specifications
Input Impedance: 1500 Ohms Mic, 470 K Ohms Un-Balanced, HI-Z in
Output Impedance: Less than 75 Ohms Channel Outputs
Nominal Levels: XLR Channel Output +4 dBu
Stereo Output Level: Unbalanced: nominal -2, Balanced: +4
Clipping Level: XLR Channel Output better than +28 dBm
Frequency Response: +0, -5, 10 Hz to 20 kHz (-.5 at 10 Hz)
Noise EIN: -129 Mic, -125 Un-Bal. Actual
Measured Noise: Better than -91 dBm / below Nominal +4.
Distortion: All Outputs at +4 out, .03%, at +22, .09% Max
Gain Range: 150 Ohms Input 10 dB Min., 65 dB Max (inc. PAD). Un-Bal. Input 14 dB Min., 50 dB Max
VU Meter: Calibrated for XLR Outputs, OVU=+4 dBu, (-12, -6, -3, 0, +3, +6, +18)
Controls: GAIN, PAD (20 dB), 48Volts, POL (polarity), MIC (mic/un-ba;), VU, AC
Power Consumption, Quiescent: .66 Watts
Size: 19" X 1.75" (1U) X 11" Deep
Size (Boxed for Shipping): 23.25" X 6.5" X 16.5"
Actual Weight: 10.38 lbs.
Shipping Weight: 14.06 lbs.

Manuals & documents

Free 3-Year Warranty

Sound Pure stands behind our products. Free three-year warranty on this item. Coverage exclusions live in Terms & Conditions, Section 27.

Level of support and expertise that simply isn't available at big-box megastores. Read the warranty →

Returns

Try Before You Buy: take it home, commit only when it's right. Program details →

Sound Pure Studios Control Room A — Durham, NC

Sound Pure Studios · Durham, NC

Come hear it in our control rooms.

Sound Pure is a working studio in Durham, NC — a 1,000 sq ft live room and two pro control rooms. Book a session to audition gear in a world-class acoustic space before you buy.