API® Preamp
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Get the hit-making color and tone of API's iconic 212L preamp.
From Fleetwood Mac’s classic, Rumours to Radiohead's In Rainbows, API preamps have shaped hit albums with stunning punch, presence, and color for over 50 years.
Now, you can easily add that same clarity, character, and musically complex tone of this proven, hit‑making mic preamplifier in a simple Unison‑equipped plug‑in, perfect for Apollo owners.Get the world’s only authentic plug-in emulation of the legendary Class-A, API 212L mic preamp, with added features from API’s flagship Vision console
Record "through" the legendary API preamp in real time using Apollo interfaces, with low DSP use
Easily color your tracks with musical punch, clarity, and character with an unequaled emulation of complex, nonlinear circuit behaviors
Control Apollo mic preamp gain staging and impedance directly from the API Preamp plug-in via Unison™ technology
Capturing a Legend with Unison
The classic API 212L preamp's forward attitude, low‑end punch, and detailed‑yet‑warm high end is famous for giving vocals, drums, and more a satisfying tone with rich character. Harnessing UA's groundbreaking Unison technology, the API Preamp plug‑in is the only complete emulation of API's hallowed preamp circuit, giving you the vintage hardware’s gain staging “sweet spots,” and nonlinear circuit behaviors. The secret is Unison’s bi‑directional control and communication from the API Preamp plug‑in to the mic preamps in Apollo interfaces.
Give Your Tracks the Sound of Legendary Albums
Like the original sought-after hardware, the API Preamp plug‑in adds characteristic punch and musical definition. Plus, you get the same features found in API's flagship Vision Console, including a Mic/Line switch, dedicated cut filter, and ‑6 dB Line pad. Simply drop the API Preamp into the Unison slot of Apollo's Console software or LUNA channel strip to add instant character to vocals, acoustic guitars, drums, and more with the hit‑making tone that can only come from API.
Add Punch and Character to Any Source
Of course, the API Preamp plug‑in isn’t just for Apollo interface owners. UAD hardware owners can harness the color of the API Preamp plug‑in for mixing and tone shaping — without ever leaving the box. Thanks to its lower DSP usage, you can easily place the API Preamp plug‑in instances across multiple channels, turning your favorite DAW into a classic API analog desk.
“The accuracy of the UAD API plug‑ins is incredible. I'll turn up the preamp gain to drive a guitar, or simply add some clean gain if I’m tracking Alicia Keys' piano. So versatile!”
– Ann Mincieli (Alicia Keys, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey)Customer Reviews
V. Radomskyi
December 4, 2023
Vlad95
Wonderfull, clear, it’s what you need to do something great
Read MoreE. Zorgman
November 29, 2023
Open up the harmonics
This little beast is so transparent. Its great and doesn't change anything about the sound. Open up with a nice bright addition of harmonics and adds a great amount of detail to your sound....
Read Morek. čonkova
October 18, 2023
Api pre amp
great plugin sound is completely in front. best sound
Read MoreC. Jaramillo
October 6, 2023
Love to Push it !
I have used API preamps for tracking for ages and this plugin gets you that sizzle ! Love it !
Read MoreF. Antonio
September 30, 2023
Use and Abuse this bad boy!
A lot of weight and fun with this bad boy. Drive it hard without fear!
Read More -
Features
The first authentic emulation of API analog summing
Adds power, clarity, and mid-forward punch to your mixes
Per-bus Headroom and Trim controls for professional tone sculpting over your entire mix
Sum individual channels or your entire mix through API's hallowed bus or master summing modules
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Customer Reviews
API Preamp
V. Radomskyi
Vlad95
Wonderfull, clear, it’s what you need to do something great
E. Zorgman
Open up the harmonics
This little beast is so transparent. Its great and doesn't change anything about the sound. Open up with a nice bright addition of harmonics and adds a great amount of detail to your sound. Using this as a export from soft synths, basses and leads. Love the character this gives.
k. čonkova
Api pre amp
great plugin sound is completely in front. best sound
C. Jaramillo
Love to Push it !
I have used API preamps for tracking for ages and this plugin gets you that sizzle !
Love it !F. Antonio
Use and Abuse this bad boy!
A lot of weight and fun with this bad boy.
Drive it hard without fear!V. Cung
most versatility preamp (uad) imo
good for any sort of sounds
S. Lontano
Punch for days
If you want the classic “in front of face” sound this is exactly what you need.
V. Rauhala
API pre
Really nice punchy preamp for snares!
M. Obuchowicz
Doesn't run natively
Very disappointed by the whole UAD native/apollo mess. If you buy "API bundle", it contains native version of the preamp (as well as legacy UAD-2 plugin). But if you buy this plugin alone, it runs only on the old DSP platform and native version is not included.
O. H.
Good product, but...
...in my opinion: not for universal use.
This plug-in is quite agressive und up-front (probably like the original hardware). If you produce Rock, Metal or similar styles or for use on single channels like drums or e-guitars this plug could become your favorite preamp.
For me it is second choice only - do yourself a favor: test before you buy.J. purser
Makes a difference!
I tried the API preamp on my previous vocal track and it stood out from the mix without too much tweaking!!
J. Mateo
great little tool
Super light on the DSP and it has a great clean gain with just enough color to give you a API style tone
j. danielsen
Great
Works perfekt unison
N. Cooksey
DO NOT BUY FROM UA
DO NOT BUY FROM UA. THEY OVER CHARGE THEY ARE OVER PRICED AND DO NOT OFFER ANY REAL TECHNICAL SUPPORT. I KNOW FROM EXPERIENCE. THEY WILL ONLY TALK TO YOU THROUGH AN EMAIL CHAIN WHICH IS BEYOD DISBELIEF CONSIDERING HOW MUCH THEY CHARGE. OVER A MONTH NOW AND THEY STILL CANT FIGURE OUT WHY MY CONSOLE ISNT WORKING. PATHETIC IF YOU ASK ME.
C. Williams
Amazing
Happy I purchased this channel strip and will be purchasing more
P. Farber
Keep it simple
The API pre has been great as a unison pre. Personally I prefer to add eq and compression after I record . This pre is super quiet and allows me to get a good level for acoustic guitar
M. Le Borgne
Indispensable
Avec le Neve Preamp ce sont les deux plugins indispensables, notamment avec le Sphere DLX.
Placés dans l'insert Unisson de l'Apollo, ils fonctionnent parfaitement bien avec tous les types de micros ou les émulations Sphère. Ces deux préamp avec chacun des caractéristiques différentes, valorisent et restituent fidèlement la personnalité de chaque micro.
Un régal.J. Browne
API Preamp
Adds a layer of fluidity and transparency to recordings. Fantastic product
A. Rosario
Thumbs up
Good preamp with low DSP usage.
c. rosario
Love Pre-amps
Great preamp for different applications
