Api Audio 500-8P 8-slot rack

A Logical Evolution of the Lunchbox: More Slots, More Flexibility

Designed in the spirit of the "Lunchbox" chassis that have become a standard in the 500 series, the 500-8B retains the fundamentals that made previous formats successful while offering an immediate increase in capacity. The move to 8 slots facilitates the creation of complete processing chains (preamp, EQ, compressor, saturation, de-esser) without multiplying enclosures, and the DB25 connectivity maintains a clean studio integration, ideal for patchbays or audio interfaces.

This version also emphasizes robustness and daily use, featuring a steel chassis built to withstand transport, and practical improvements such as toggle switches for channel linking, useful whenever working in stereo or paired dual mono.

Who It's For and Studio & Recording Uses

The API 500-8B is aimed at sound engineers, producers, post-production studios, and demanding home studios who want to build a coherent, scalable, and easy-to-maintain 500 series rack. It is also well suited for mobile setups thanks to its carrying handle and rubber feet, whether for live recordings, outdoor sessions, or recordings in various locations.

Its main advantage is to centralize your modules (preamps, equalizers, compressors, creative processors) in a reliable chassis with stable power distribution and rear connectivity adapted to professional environments. Compatibility with API 500 series and VPR-approved modules allows building a hybrid system mixing brands and sonic colors while maintaining a homogeneous integration.

Key Features and Strengths for a Modern Workflow

Rear DB25 Connectivity: Fast Wiring, Clean Installation

The choice of DB25 (D-Sub) on the rear panel facilitates multipair wiring to a patchbay, converter, or audio interface. The result: fewer cables on the front, a tidier installation in a studio rack, and easier daily maintenance, especially as your rack grows and processing chains multiply.

Universal Power Supply and Phantom Power: Ready for Any Session

With its universal power supply (100 or 250 V, 47 to 63 Hz), the 500-8B performs well both in the studio and on the road. The integrated phantom power meets the needs of modules that require it, avoiding workarounds and securing connections, especially when the rack serves as a front-end for microphones via 500 format preamps.

Channel Linking via Toggle Switches: More Intuitive Stereo

The new toggle switches dedicated to channel linking improve ergonomics whenever using two identical modules in stereo (bus compression, stereo EQ, parallel processing). This is a real comfort gain for quickly aligning your processing and maintaining a stable stereo image without tedious handling.

Robust and Portable Design

With its steel chassis, rubber feet, and carrying handle, this Lunchbox is designed to last and keep up with session demands. For fixed integration, optional rack ears allow rack mounting to neatly incorporate the 500-8B into a rack bay.

Technical specifications

Category

Chassis

Available current	250 mA per slot	Mains frequency	47 to 63 Hz
Universal power supply	100 or 250 V