API 312 Shop all API Audio

The API 312 was designed in the 1970s and soon became one the most desired microphone preamps ever. In this 500 series adaptation based on the original designs and included API's 2520 op-amp and the AP2516 transformer.

The API 312 Mic pre offers the unmistakable punch and brightness associated with the API sound with massive headroom and analogue warmth. It provides up to 69dB and can withstand high SPL making it the preamp of choice for drummers and other loud sources.

Controls on the 312 mic pre are very simple, comprising of a gain knob and four switches. These switches include the usual Polarity reversal and 48V phantom power as well as a -20dB Pad.  The 3:1 switch is designed to drop the overall level and allowing you to push the input and get more of the transformer’s flavour into the sound before clipping.

A large vintage-style analogue VU metre is also included providing clear visual indications of level.

At the heart of the 312 module lies API’s legendary 2520 Op-amps which is found in every analogue equipment API makes. A low noise, low distortion, high gain and wideband, this opamp uses a direct-coupled amplifier with a differential input. The 2520’s characteristics play a huge role in API’s sound as these characteristics offer uniquely fast response capable of accommodating sharp transients unaltered.