API 550b Discrete 4 Band EQ
Rather than offer a huge assortment of complex features, the API 550b provides exactly the right number of controls. Its four EQ bands are overlapped significantly to aid in dual roles as problem solver and sweetening device with each band offering seven switchable filter frequencies that span four-to-five octaves. These frequencies, purposely selected to be musical rather than numeric, were selected by an experienced "who's who" list of the industry's most proficient engineers.
Making use of API's "Proportional Q," an innovation designed by Saul Walker in the '60s, the 550b intuitively widens the filter bandwidth at minimal settings and narrows it at higher settings without the need for additional bandwidth controls. This unique feature minimizes the "phase-shift" sound found in many equalizers. In addition, the reciprocal nature of the 550b enables the user to "undo" what has been done previously with exact precision.
The benefits of the API 550b are most obvious to those who work with EQ on a continuous basis. If major tonal restructuring is required, the extraordinary headroom made possible with API's 2520 Op Amp offers the predictable and warm analog performance, even under duress. With a surprisingly wide range of tonal variations, the 550b is an invaluable and professional audio tool with great flexibility and excellent sonic ability.
Features
• Four bands of the famous sounding equalization• Each band offers seven API selected frequency centers
• Reciprocal and repeatable filtering
• 12 dB of boost/cut per band
• EQ band 1 and 4 offer shelf/peak switching
• "Proportional Q" narrows filter Q at extremes
• Traditional API fully discrete circuit design
• High headroom +30 dB clip level
• Re-issue of 1967 API 550 EQ with an extra band
Specifications
Number of Bands: FourFilter Type: "Low" and "High" bands are Peak/Shelf switchable. Low-Mid and Mid-High are peaking type
Filter Boost/Cut: +12 dB
Filter Slope: 12 dB per Octave
Input Impedance: 18.5 K +4 in, 7.5 K -2 in
Output Impedance: Less than 75 Ohms
Nominal Levels: -15 to +15 dBu
Clipping Level: +30 dBu @ +16 V
Frequency Response: +0, -.3, 30 to 20 kHz
Noise: Actual, unw noise, -98 dBu, 20-20 kHz
Distortion: .07% max, @ +18 dBu Output
Connectors: 15 position .156sp edge connector
Power Consumption: +12/18 Volts/DC,@ 40 ma.
Size: 1.5" x 5.25" x 7.5" Deep
Actual Weight: 2.02 lbs.
Filter Frequency Centers
- Low: 30, 40, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400Hz
- Low-Mid: 75, 150, 180, 240, 500, 700, 1Khz
- Mid-High: 800, 1.5K, 3K, 5K, 8K, 10K, 12.5K
- High: 2.5K, 5K, 7K, 10K, 12.5K, 15K, 20K
Q & A
Reviews
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| Product | SKU | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| 550b Discrete 4 Band EQ | 156231 |
