{"product_id":"api-audio-312-mic-pre-396529","title":"312 Mic Pre","description":"\u003ch3\u003eA 1970s Classic at the Heart of API's DNA\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eIntroduced in the 1970s, the \u003cstrong\u003eAPI 312\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of the brand's most sought-after mic preamps and, more broadly, a landmark in the history of modern recording. Designed from the original schematics attributed to API co-founder \u003cstrong\u003eSaul Walker\u003c\/strong\u003e, it established itself as a reference for its ability to capture fast transients while maintaining a sense of weight and depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 312 is also known as the cornerstone of the \"312\" spirit found in more recent products in the range, notably multi-channel rack units. The major innovation here is not a reinvention, but \u003cstrong\u003edirect access to this historic signature in a 500 series module\u003c\/strong\u003e, easier to integrate, multiply, and configure according to your needs (one channel for vocals, multiple channels for drums, etc.).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat Recording Applications Is the API 312 Made For?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eAPI 312\u003c\/strong\u003e targets studios and home studios seeking a \u003cstrong\u003emic preamp\u003c\/strong\u003e with character without sacrificing precision. Its personality is particularly suited to sources where impact and presence are desired: snare, toms, overheads, electric guitars, basses via amp mic, brass, percussion, and also vocals when a \"forward\" feel and natural articulation are wanted.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThanks to its gain range and discrete design, it performs well in high-quality recording chains: dynamic and condenser microphones, analog processing in insert via your rack (depending on your chassis), or direct conversion to your audio interface. The 500 series format makes it an excellent choice if you want to \u003cstrong\u003ebuild a custom rack\u003c\/strong\u003e (preamps, EQs, compressors) while maintaining sonic coherence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eDesign and Features: The \"312 Feel\" in 500 Series\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch4\u003eDiscrete Stage, 2520 and Transformers: The API Signature\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt the heart of the module is a \u003cstrong\u003efully discrete circuit design\u003c\/strong\u003e combined with the \u003cstrong\u003e2520\u003c\/strong\u003e op-amp, an iconic element of the API sound. This topology is prized for its dynamic handling: fast response, clear attack definition, and a stable feel when pushing levels. The input relies on the \u003cstrong\u003epatented AP2516 transformer\u003c\/strong\u003e, contributing to the analog texture and the way the preamp \"holds\" energetic sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eGain, Headroom, and Control: Ready for Tracking\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eWith \u003cstrong\u003e69 dB maximum gain\u003c\/strong\u003e, the 312 covers a very wide range of uses, from delicate sources to very dynamic ones. To maintain control in all situations, you have a \u003cstrong\u003e-20 dB attenuator pad\u003c\/strong\u003e: essential to avoid saturating the input with high-output microphones or very loud sources (snare, close brass, guitar amp close-miked).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eswitchable 48V phantom power\u003c\/strong\u003e allows easy use of condenser microphones. For monitoring, the module includes a \u003cstrong\u003eVU meter\u003c\/strong\u003e to visualize average levels and a \u003cstrong\u003epeak LED\u003c\/strong\u003e to immediately spot peaks, very useful when seeking the right balance between level, headroom, and color.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eWhat's Different Compared to Larger Formats\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf you're familiar with the spirit of API rack units, this module emphasizes a simple idea: \u003cstrong\u003ethe same sonic philosophy in a 500 format\u003c\/strong\u003e, more flexible and scalable. This is a tangible advantage for building a modern hybrid setup: you can pair the 312 with your favorite processors, gradually multiply channels, and adapt your rack to sessions (vocals, live music, multitrack recording) without giving up the API character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e@media(max-width:632px){table[data-wb-spec]{display:grid;grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1fr) minmax(0,1fr)}table[data-wb-spec] colgroup{display:none}table[data-wb-spec] tbody,table[data-wb-spec] tr{display:contents}table[data-wb-spec] td{display:block;overflow-wrap:anywhere;grid-row:var(--wb-l);background-color:var(--wb-lb)}table[data-wb-spec] td[data-r]{grid-row:var(--wb-r);background-color:var(--wb-rb)}table[data-wb-spec] td[colspan=\"2\"]{grid-column:1\/-1}table[data-wb-spec] td:empty{display:none}}\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003ctable data-wb-spec style=\"width:100%;table-layout:fixed\"\u003e\n\u003ccolgroup\u003e\u003ccol style=\"width:25%\"\u003e\u003ccol style=\"width:25%\"\u003e\u003ccol style=\"width:25%\"\u003e\u003ccol style=\"width:25%\"\u003e\u003c\/colgroup\u003e\n  \u003ctr style=\"background-color:var(--wb-neutral-50);--wb-l:1;--wb-r:2;--wb-lb:var(--wb-neutral-50);--wb-rb:transparent\"\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCategory\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left;font-weight:var(--font-body-weight-bolder)\"\u003emicrophone preamp\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd data-r colspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ctable data-wb-spec style=\"width:100%;table-layout:fixed\"\u003e\n\u003ccolgroup\u003e\u003ccol style=\"width:25%\"\u003e\u003ccol style=\"width:25%\"\u003e\u003ccol style=\"width:25%\"\u003e\u003ccol style=\"width:25%\"\u003e\u003c\/colgroup\u003e\n  \u003ctr style=\"background-color:transparent;--wb-l:1;--wb-r:2;--wb-lb:transparent;--wb-rb:var(--wb-neutral-50)\"\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDesign\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left;font-weight:var(--font-body-weight-bolder)\"\u003e500 series module\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd data-r style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMax Gain\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd data-r style=\"text-align:left;font-weight:var(--font-body-weight-bolder)\"\u003e69 dB\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Api Audio","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54361526731027,"sku":"396529","price":899.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0984\/0872\/6803\/files\/c635c125fcbeb7bad576019abab07ce0a5dc761b_API_312.jpg?v=1792647832","url":"https:\/\/woodbrass.shop\/products\/api-audio-312-mic-pre-396529","provider":"Woodbrass.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}