API reissues 312 Mic Pre

After nearly 50 years, API has introduced a recreation of the first microphone preamp designed by Saul Walker, API founder, in the 1970s. 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. Still based on Saul Walker's original designs, the 312 circuitry is the building block the manufacturer’s 3124V, 3124MV and A2D.

The 312 Mic Pre combines the manufacturer’s 2520 op-amps and proprietary transformers and has a maximum 69dB of gain and 20dB pad switch. Other features include a 3:1 output transformer tap selection, switchable 48V phantom power and peak LED.