# API A2D

- Site: Analog Industries
- Author: Chris Randall
- Date: 2006-05-01
- URL: https://analogindustries.com/2006/05/api-a2d/

![API A2D](https://analogindustries.com/images/blog/apia2d.jpg)

Oh, you pretty thing. API can do no wrong in my book, and the A2D, finally unveiled today, is no exception. Obviously following in the footsteps of the Neve-AMS 1073 DPD, this is a pair of API 312 mic pres and a high-quality A/D convertor, with AES/EBU and SPDIF outputs, for under $2K. There's an insert between the mic pre and the A/D as well. Obviously, no one has one yet. I don't think I won the contest, because I haven't received a call from API congratulating me. If the winner is an AI reader, congratulations. If you're not an AI reader, I hate you with an unbridled passion.

Well, no matter. This box is absolutely definitely on my List. [Here's the site.](http://www.apiaudio.com/a2d.html) The only downer is that it is white, instead of sexy API crackle-finish black. Well, no matter. Doesn't affect how it sounds, which is, I assume, stellar.

## Comments (9)

**meeglosh** (2006-05-01):

You sure it's not silver?

**Chris Randall** (2006-05-01):

It is silver. Time to redact.

Even better, though. It can go on my Silver Stuff I'd Like To Have list.

-CR

**benji** (2006-05-01):

ok, that thing is awesome. the problem i didn't mention before is that they didn't have a master level before the D/A but they fixed that. i want one.

**AdamJay** (2006-05-01):

i'm guessing somewhere around $1500-$2k

**AdamJay** (2006-05-01):

and i just read that you said its under $2k

where'd you get an idea on the price, Chris?

**Chris Randall** (2006-05-02):

The page for the contest said "Under $2000" on the image.

So I assume that means $1999 MSRP, and normally API products street for about 2.5% to 5% under MSRP, so figure somewhere in the $1850 to $1925 ballpark from Vintage King or Mercenary.

But figure that two API 512 carts plus a rack would be $2314, so this is cheaper than that. A 3124+ goes for $3695, so half of that would be $1850 or so. In that regard, it's almost like getting the A/D conversion for free. Long story short, no matter how you slice it this is a hell of a deal, A/D or no.

-CR

**AdamJay** (2006-05-02):

looks like $1695 street (hot damn)
http://www.odysseyprosound.com/api.html

sure you still want your brent averills?
bwahahha.

**Chris Randall** (2006-05-02):

Fuck an Averil. I'm officially putting in print that, in my opinion, this is the Best Deal Going for a mic pre or A/D. I already know what a 312C sounds like, so no complaints there. This is, in short, the Whipped Bisquit.

Right now, I'm trying to think of a reason not to cancel my Chandler Germanium order and get this instead.

-CR

**AdamJay** (2006-05-02):

the fact that you have 2 channels of quality A/D in your Rosetta 200 is a good reason not to cancel your Chandler order, isn't it?

i'd ask yourself how much A/D do you need? and how many other preamps do you need/have?

for some folks, the A2D is a perfect solution. I'm personally up to my ears in converters and if i wanted another pair of API's i'd buy a pair of 512C's for the 500 series rack. Then again, the A2D is $100 cheaper than a pair of 512C's and a lunchbox!
Man they really hit a homerun with this product.
I think i just talked myself into buying one.