API: 560 graphic EQ

You have all heard the "professionals" rave about them but even as a "project-studio" recordist I'm way down with the API. I mean, what other company do you know that has built shit almost exactly the same way for over 30 years, maintained the high-quality and excellent reputation that put them on the map, and still prices things reasonably? At around $700 these things are bargain number one if you desire high quality EQ. The 560 is a 10 band graphic equalizer with sliding pots at 32 Hz, 64 Hz, 125 Hz, 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1kHz, 2kHz, 4kHz, 8kHz and 16kHz - each capable of 12 dB of boost or cut. There are center detents so you can "start over" easily and a bypass switch so you can kick it in and out for easy comparison and mixing tricks. Give a slider a nudge and you hear it QUICK - it's very responsive so be careful. This makes it frightfully easy to mess with a tone, trying to bring out the best you didn't get while tracking at 4 am with too many beers down the gullet. [Not that Tape Op encourages you to drink while recording. -LC] The 560 is good anywhere you want an EQ for either tone shaping or just plain damage-control. After a year and a half of toying with a few my favorite place for this is on bass in the mix. I usually cut a band in one room and the 560 enables me to cut the bleed from the drums on top, boost the low-mids a bit for some "Duck Dunn-ness" and roll-off the way lows for mud control. Even with minimal EQ - it imparts a tone I like down there... solid. By the way, you'll have to get a rack and power supply. Get the biggest one you can afford cuz you'll be wanting more modules. These 560s will make getting sounds easier and there will be no wondering if you spent your money wisely. (www.apiaudio.com)