API 2500+ Stereo Bus Compressor

The API 2500+ Stereo Bus Compressor is a high-quality rack-mountable audio processing unit designed to enhance the sonic qualities of stereo mixes. It offers a variety of features and options to shape the dynamics and tonal characteristics of audio signals. Here are some key features and functions of the API 2500+:

Dual-Channel Design:

The unit is designed with two channels that can function independently or be linked for stereo operation. This flexibility allows it to be used for stereo compression or as two separate compressors with the same settings.

THUST Circuit:

The API 2500+ incorporates API’s patented THRUST circuit, which is designed to provide a powerful and impactful low-end response, contributing to a strong and punchy bottom end in the audio signal.

Compression Modes:

The compressor offers a choice between “old” and “new” compression modes. The “old” mode employs a feedback-type compression similar to the API 525 compressor, while the “new” mode uses a feed-forward compression approach, where the sidechain is fed directly from the input.

Mix/Blend Circuit:

A notable addition to the API 2500+ is the Mix/Blend circuit. This circuit allows you to blend the compressed and uncompressed signals in various ways, offering settings for crossfading between the two signals or parallel mixing. This gives you flexibility in how the compressed and uncompressed signals are combined.

Variable Parameters:

The unit provides adjustable parameters including ratio, attack, and release times. The threshold can be varied between -20dBu and +20dBu, providing precise control over when compression is applied.

Thrust Filter:

The compressor is equipped with a patented Thrust filter with three selectable settings, allowing for frequency-dependent control over the sidechain. This helps tailor the compression behavior to specific frequency ranges.

Compressor Curves:

The unit offers three selectable compressor knee settings: Soft, Medium, and Hard. This allows you to choose the aggressiveness of the compression onset.

Left/Right Channel Linking:

The API 2500+ allows you to link the left and right channels for stereo operation. This ensures that both channels respond similarly to the compression settings.

Make-Up Gain:

The output stage features an auto-makeup gain button, which automatically adjusts the output level to maintain a consistent output level regardless of threshold or ratio adjustments.

VU Meters:

The front panel features stereo VU meters that display input, output, and gain reduction levels, allowing you to visually monitor the signal’s dynamics.

Balanced Design:

The unit features a fully balanced design for optimal audio fidelity and performance.

Warranty:

The API 2500+ comes with API’s industry-exclusive five-year parts warranty, reflecting the brand’s commitment to reliability and quality.

In summary, the API 2500+ Stereo Bus Compressor is a versatile audio processing tool that offers various compression modes, dynamic control options, and tonal shaping capabilities to enhance stereo mixes with the iconic API sound. Its mix/blend circuit and patented THRUST feature make it suitable for a wide range of audio applications, from music production to post-production.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

TUBE OR SOLID STATE:Solid State
CHANNELS:Dual-Channel
CHASSIS:19-inch Rack-mount
RACK SPACES:1u
INPUT CONNECTORS:Analog XLR
OUTPUT CONNECTORS:Analog XLR

Features

• Features API 2520 Op Amps for premium audio quality.
• Offers expanded variable threshold from -20 dBu to +20 dBu.
• Selectable ratio, attack, and release times for precise control.
• Patented THRUST filter with 3 settings for frequency-dependent sidechain control.
• Variable link between left and right channels for stereo operation.
• Supports both old “feed back” and new “feed forward” compression modes.