API 1608-II 16-channel Recording and Mixing Console with Automation

$42,349.30

GTIN: API1608IIA SKU: API1608IIA Category: Tags: , , ,

Description

API launched their 1608 console in 2008 and proceeded to deliver over 600 consoles and expanders to audio professionals across the planet. Now, the 1608-II ups the ante. With its updated feature set and Final Touch fader automation system, the 1608-II continues API’s rich legacy of crafting the world’s high-quality professional analog recording consoles. Packed with valuable features for today’s engineers, producers, and musicians, the 1608-II provides the legendary reliability and incredible sound that has characterized API products for a half century.

API — The Legendary American Console Company

No American console company is more iconic than API. Launched in 1968 by Saul Walker, Automated Processes Inc. began building quality consoles for broadcast applications. Soon, the company’s products found favor with recording studios, and a string of industry-leading innovations (including the 500 Series module, the first VCA, computerized console automation, and more) followed. API produced the 2520 amplifier, one of the most famous op-amps in the recording industry, and their consoles and products found homes in such iconic studio facilities as The Hit Factory, Record Plant, Ocean Way, Sunset Sound, and many others. In fact, there are over 700 vintage API consoles around the globe — many of which are still in use. And the company certainly isn’t resting on its laurels; today’s API products give you the same unbeatable combination of utility, innovation, and great sound. That’s why at Sweetwater, the name API commands reverence.

Final Touch Automation System Features:

  • Reliable, self-contained fader automation system requiring no external computer
  • Individual Switch Control on each fader
  • Global Control Panel in the console Center Section
  • High-resolution 7.5″ Touch Screen Control
  • Files are easily saved to standard SD memory cards
  • Automated Mute and Solo switches on each channel
  • Unlimited Fader Groups with 2 dedicated Group master Faders
  • Motorized Stereo Program Fader
  • 4 Motorized Stereo Returns
  • DAW Control with unity gain audio bypass
  • Unlimited Mix Restore points
  • Comprehensive Operations Manual

API 1608-II 16-channel Analog Recording Console with Automation Features:

  • Includes API’s state-of-the-art Final Touch fader automation system
  • 16, 32, or 48 Input channel frame sizes
  • Each channel equipped with Mic Pre and EQ
  • Accepts API 500 Series EQs
  • 8 Multitrack Buses
  • 8 Aux Buses
  • 1 Stereo Bus
  • 4 Stereo Returns, 100mm faders (manual or automated)with Multitrack and Stereo Buss assign
  • Full Center Section Control
  • Surround 5.1 Center Section Monitoring
  • Classic Analog Metering
  • Global 0dB Fader Bypass
  • Comprehensive Rear Panel IO Connectivity

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Quick Comparison

SettingsAPI 1608-II 16-channel Recording and Mixing Console with Automation removeAvid S1 eight-fader EUCON control surface removeHeritage Audio MCM-8 II 500 Series Chassis and Summing Mixer removeSSL Six Mixer removeNeve 8816 Summing Mixer removeKorg Mw 2408 Mixer Mixer remove
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SKUAPI1608IIA724643121884MCM8MK2087807600137150608345300554959112191150
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Description
ContentAPI launched their 1608 console in 2008 and proceeded to deliver over 600 consoles and expanders to audio professionals across the planet. Now, the 1608-II ups the ante. With its updated feature set and Final Touch fader automation system, the 1608-II continues API's rich legacy of crafting the world's high-quality professional analog recording consoles. Packed with valuable features for today's engineers, producers, and musicians, the 1608-II provides the legendary reliability and incredible sound that has characterized API products for a half century.

API — The Legendary American Console Company

No American console company is more iconic than API. Launched in 1968 by Saul Walker, Automated Processes Inc. began building quality consoles for broadcast applications. Soon, the company's products found favor with recording studios, and a string of industry-leading innovations (including the 500 Series module, the first VCA, computerized console automation, and more) followed. API produced the 2520 amplifier, one of the most famous op-amps in the recording industry, and their consoles and products found homes in such iconic studio facilities as The Hit Factory, Record Plant, Ocean Way, Sunset Sound, and many others. In fact, there are over 700 vintage API consoles around the globe — many of which are still in use. And the company certainly isn't resting on its laurels; today's API products give you the same unbeatable combination of utility, innovation, and great sound. That's why at Sweetwater, the name API commands reverence.

Final Touch Automation System Features:

  • Reliable, self-contained fader automation system requiring no external computer
  • Individual Switch Control on each fader
  • Global Control Panel in the console Center Section
  • High-resolution 7.5" Touch Screen Control
  • Files are easily saved to standard SD memory cards
  • Automated Mute and Solo switches on each channel
  • Unlimited Fader Groups with 2 dedicated Group master Faders
  • Motorized Stereo Program Fader
  • 4 Motorized Stereo Returns
  • DAW Control with unity gain audio bypass
  • Unlimited Mix Restore points
  • Comprehensive Operations Manual

API 1608-II 16-channel Analog Recording Console with Automation Features:

  • Includes API's state-of-the-art Final Touch fader automation system
  • 16, 32, or 48 Input channel frame sizes
  • Each channel equipped with Mic Pre and EQ
  • Accepts API 500 Series EQs
  • 8 Multitrack Buses
  • 8 Aux Buses
  • 1 Stereo Bus
  • 4 Stereo Returns, 100mm faders (manual or automated)with Multitrack and Stereo Buss assign
  • Full Center Section Control
  • Surround 5.1 Center Section Monitoring
  • Classic Analog Metering
  • Global 0dB Fader Bypass
  • Comprehensive Rear Panel IO Connectivity
Avid S1 eight-fader EUCON control surface The Avid S1 is an eight-fader EUCON control surface with unparalleled speed, rich visual feedback, and software integration of Avid's high-end consoles in a slimline surface that's an easy fit for any space or budget. Avid S1 gives you deep hands-on control of your favorite audio and video software and, together with the free Pro Tools | Control app for iPad (iPad not included), provides great ergonomic efficiency, easy touch workflows, and S6-style metering and processing views, so you can navigate large sessions quickly, mix more intuitively, and turn around better sounding mixes fast. Mix big on a smaller scale While Avid S1 fits easily between your display and keyboard, it packs a lot of mixing power into its small surface. From motorized faders and knobs that respond to your touch, to fast-access touchscreen workflows and Soft Keys that enable you to perform complex tasks with a single press, S1 provides the speed and versatility to accelerate any music, audio post, or video project. Get unmatched software integration S1 is powered by EUCON, Avid’s high-speed Ethernet control protocol that delivers deep hardware/software integration, giving you full touch and tactile access to a host of Avid and third-party software functions and controls. You can even switch between multiple applications—and workstations—at the touch of a button, providing the most fluid editing and mixing experience. Specifications:
  • Faders: Eight motorized, touch-sensitive, 100 mm long-throw faders
  • Knobs: Eight push-top, touch-sensitive rotary encoders
  • Additional controls: Assorted hardware buttons/keys for various functions and mode selections, including Mute, Solo, Record-enable, Bank, Nudge, and more
  • Software interface: Supports the free Pro Tools | Control app running on iPad (iPad not included), providing touchscreen control, project navigation, macro triggers, and more
  • Displays: Eight high-resolution OLED displays, plus multiple status LEDs and multicolor track buttons; channel metering, monitoring, processing, track status, automation modes, and other views provided by Pro Tools | Control on iPad
  • Height (front, rear): 1.2 inches, 3.8 inches (29 mm, 97 mm)
  • Width: 12.3 inches (312 mm)
  • Depth: 14.9 inches (377 mm)
Heritage Audio's MCM-8 MK2 is an 8-slot 500 Series chassis with an integrated 10-channel summing mixer. The top-of-the-line MCM-8 MK2 features On Slot Technology that leverages next-generation power electronics to handle power supply on a per slot basis. Each slot has its own power supply linear regulation stages, isolating each module from the rest. Your modules simply share the metal enclosure. Each slot even has test LEDs for checking correct power operation. Dual-concentric potentiometers handle Volume and Pan for each slot, with pan pots being center detented for precise center positioning. Each channel is equipped with an On switch to assign it to the mix bus. MK2 improvements include a lower noise floor and the addition of a bypass switch for each slot that still lets you use the summing mixer functions. Heritage Audio has earned the respect of Sweetwater engineers, and the MCM-8 MK2 lives up to that sterling reputation.

Superb build and feature set

From its RAF blue-gray enclosure to the solid tactile feedback from its knobs and switches, the Heritage Audio MCM-8 MK2 unabashedly rocks vintage British Class A vibe. And just like the classic gear that inspires all Heritage Audio equipment, the MCM-8 MK2 boasts superb build quality and a very smart feature set. There's an additional stereo input on the back panel, which allows several MCM-8 MK2 units to be daisy-chained — or signals not needing further 500 Series processing to be mixed together. The central section sports analog VU meters and a Stereo Master fader. Gold-plated XLRs and DSUB25s handle the I/O.

Smart technology, superior sound

Thanks to Heritage Audio's On Slot Technology (OST), the MCM-8 MK2's power capability is a maximum of 400mA per rail, per slot — with an overall of 1.4A (1.6A non-continuous) per rail, whichever is reached first. Total available phantom power is 140mA. The mix bus has a passive voltage summing topology, similar to that found in Rupert Neve's 80 Series consoles of the 1970s. The gain loss is restored by the same Class A, 2n3055 driven, transformer-based output stage used in the Heritage Audio's modern-day version of the classic 1073. If you're not into specs, what this all means is that the MCM-8 MK2 is built right to give you many years of authoritative sonic performance and trouble-free use in your studio or on the road.

Heritage Audio MCM-8 MK2 Features:

  • 8-slot 500 Series chassis with integrated 10-channel summing mixer
  • NEW lower noise floor
  • NEW bypass switch for each slot that leaves summing mixer functions enabled
  • Mix bus with vintage Neve-style passive voltage summing topology
  • Additional stereo input on the back panel allows several MCM-8s to be daisy-chained
  • Central section sports analog VU meters and a Stereo Master fader
  • Handles power supply on a per slots basis, isolating each module from the rest
  • Gold-plated XLRs and DSUB25s handle your I/O
  • 140mA total available phantom power
  • Class A transformer-based output stage
  • Solid build quality for many years of trouble-free use
SSL Six Mixer The SSL Six Mixer is a condensed professional console for use in the studio, in post-production, on stage, and for podcasting, SiX offers big console sound and an impressive set of utility features in a format that is small enough to stick in a bag. SiX is stunning value; it offers two recording channels with SuperAnalogueTM mic pres, an essential one knob version of the classic SSL Channel Compressor, a new two-band Channel EQ, inserts and 100mm faders. There is a two-knob version of the legendary G-Series Bus Compressor on the main mix bus and the unique Listen Mic Compressor on the Talkback. In mixdown mode it is a very capable twelve channel summing system that offers analogue detail, depth and width to your mixes. The Six Mixer carries the DNA of 40 years of true expertise in creative studio workflow. Listen to SiX and you will experience the impeccable sonic performance that is the hallmark of every SSL console. It is powerful, intuitive, inspired and rewarding. SSL Six Mixer Features
  • Benchmark SuperAnalogueTM audio performance
  • Stunning Recording Path
  • Classic SSL Channel Processing
  • The unique Listen Mic Compressor
  • Professional routing & Monitoring
  • 12 Input summing at Mixdown
  • Legendary Master Bus Compressor
  • Completely balanced signal path
  • Auto switching Power supply (100 - 240V)
If you're seeking to take your projects to a level on par with world-class analog consoles, the AMS Neve 8816 will lead you to new sonic frontiers and beyond. The 8816's handbuilt, handwired 16-channel mixer employs the same transformer-balanced mix bus circuitry as a '70s-era Neve 80-series console, infusing every signal that flows through it with increased headroom, punch, and dimensionality. The 8816 does more than mere analog summing, however. This feature-laden box also includes cue mixing, metering, per-channel solo/mute, and talkback functionality. Its capable monitoring section includes a volume knob, an auxiliary input, dual headphone outputs, and alternate speaker outputs. Beyond that, the 8816 includes a main stereo insert send/return for strapping a compressor, EQ, or other processing across your entire mix, while its unique Width knob gives you a level of control over your mix’s stereo field that’s generally reserved for top-level mastering facilities. Craving tactile, hands-on control over your mix? Add an 8804 Fader Pack (sold separately). The 8816 also includes a USB port for saving and recalling settings to and from your computer, plus a digital I/O option, which provides you with A/D conversion (option card sold separately).

Inject your projects with the unmistakable Neve sound

Vintage Neve 80-series consoles are simply legendary. Watch Dave Grohl’s Sound City documentary for definitive proof, or listen to any of the countless chart-topping recordings that were made with one. Elton John, Steely Dan, Nirvana, Pink Floyd, Dire Straits, George Clinton, Chick Corea, Grateful Dead, REO Speedwagon, Cheap Trick, Foreigner, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Pat Benatar, Santana, Ratt, Rage Against the Machine, Tool, Slayer, Kings of Leon, Slipknot, Elvis Costello, Everclear, Mastodon, and many other artists were recorded or mixed on a Neve 80-series console. The AMS Neve 8816 contains genuine 80-series topology, boasting two custom Neve Marinair specification transformers on its stereo mix bus. Whether you use it for tracking and overdubbing, submixing and summing, or mastering, the 8816 will infuse your projects with the authoritative sound of a classic Neve console. All the sonic hallmarks are present: the heft, the muscle, the three-dimensional non-linearities — enabling you to add color and vibrancy to every project.

16 feature-packed channels of classic Neve character

The AMS Neve 8816 is centered around a feature-rich 16-channel analog mixer. Each channel boasts a line-level input with a rotary Level control, a rotary Pan control, a Cue button, and a Cut/Solo button. The Level knob, which accommodates both +4dBu and -10dBV sources, ranges from ∞dB to +15dB with 0dB set at approximately 12 o’clock. The Pan knob offers smooth, progressive operation with -3dB center attenuation. The Cue button sends the channel’s input, pre-fader, and pre-pan to the 8816’s cue mix. Channels 1–14 are individually switchable to the cue mix, while Channels 15–16 are stereo linked. At Sweetwater, we’ve found channels 15–16 incredibly useful for playback of a rough 2-track artist mix while overdubbing. The Cut/Solo button enables you to mute or solo a track. Since the 8816’s solo system is latching, you can also build solo groups, then use the master Cut/Solo button to audition or mute a group — a must-have feature when comping or sorting out EQ or balance problems.

A full-blown Neve console in a 2U rackmount format

The sheer number of the 8816's mix send/return options is enough to make your head spin, in a good way. Place a stereo compressor, EQ, or other processing across your entire mix, or create a parallel return for New York-style compression. Access high-end, mastering-studio-level stereo image enhancement with the Width control. Route the 8816’s 2-track return to its cue mix, or replace your headphone cue mix with the main monitor mix. The insert return and 2-track return feature independent level controls, providing you with near-endless customization. You can also put the 8816’s sends/return in Mid-Side mode. There’s even a hidden talkback mic that you can engage with a push of the 8816’s headphone level knob. With all of this complexity, you may be concerned that you’ll lose your settings. Don't worry: the 8816’s USB port allows for easy recall of your settings via control software on your Mac or PC. And if you need more inputs, you can cascade up to 32 units for up to 512 channels.

Comprehensive monitoring section

The AMS Neve 8816’s comprehensive monitoring section puts it at the very heart of your studio. You get four monitoring sources: the 8816’s 2-track return, channels 1/2 (pre-fader), its auxiliary input, and your main monitor mix. A Mon Level knob allows you to calibrate your mixing levels (we recommend aiming for 85dB), while a Mix Level knob controls the output level to your DAW. Main/alternate speaker outputs enable you to reference your mixes on a second set of studio monitors. The 8816’s dual headphone outputs are wired in parallel, one on the front panel and the other on the rear, where there are also balanced line outputs for feeding a separate headphone amp. You also get two quasi-PPM VU meters fed from the 8816’s main outputs, along with analog and digital clip indicator LEDs.

The legend continues

At Sweetwater, the name Neve commands reverence. Rupert Neve started designing audio equipment in the tube console era but made his mark with solid-state designs. Setting up shop in Little Shelford in the ’60s, Mr. Neve faced many obstacles establishing his brand amid a new technological landscape. Transistors were new, expensive, and difficult to obtain in quantity in the UK. Reliable faders didn’t exist yet — a far cry from today’s world, where parts are affordable and readily available from multiple suppliers, all competing to win bids. Nevertheless, Rupert persisted. And by the early 1970s, the Neve company was humming along, taking orders and building custom transformer-balanced consoles for recording and broadcast studios the world over. Neve 80-series consoles had a huge, punchy, and authoritative sound that defined the sound of ’70s rock. From London to New York to Los Angeles and beyond, top studios were installing Neve desks as fast as they could. By 1978, with the introduction of the majestic 8078 — the pinnacle of handwired analog “production” consoles — and NECAM automation system, Neve boards were the main component of the success formula for any recording studio with world-class aspirations. In the decades since, AMS Neve has innovated with groundbreaking products such as the VR, VX, and 88R series consoles. And today, the company continues to advance the state of the art with cutting-edge pro audio gear that sounds incredible and intelligently addresses the challenges of the digital age.

AMS Neve 8816 Summing Mixer Features:

  • Packs the sound and functionality of a Neve console into a 2U rackmount unit
  • Contains genuine Neve 80-series topology, including 2 custom Marinair transformers
  • Ideal for tracking, overdubbing, submixing, summing, and mastering alike
  • 16 channels of analog summing add color and vibrancy to every project
  • Each channel boasts rotary Level and Pan controls, plus Cue and Cut/Solo buttons
  • Mix insert points for adding effects to individual channels
  • Comprehensive cue mixing for creating custom-tailored headphone mixes
  • Main stereo insert send/return for adding processing to your mix bus
  • Width knob supplies high-end-mastering-studio-level stereo image enhancement
  • Main/alternate speaker outputs enable referencing on a second set of studio monitors
  • 2-track return, auxiliary input, and dual headphone outputs
  • Sends/returns boast a Mid-Side mode for added flexibility
  • Hidden talkback mic is engaged with a push of the headphone level knob
  • 2 quasi-PPM VU meters for the main outputs, plus analog and digital clip indicator LEDs
  • USB port allows for recall of your settings via control software on your Mac or PC
  • Cascade up to 32 units for up to 512 channels
  • 8804 Fader Pack gives you tactile, hands-on control over your mix (sold separately)
  • Digital I/O option provides A/D conversion (option card sold separately)
KORG MW 2408 MIXER MIXER
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