About This Listing

API 5500 Stereo/Dual Mono 550 Equalizers with Range Switch

Typical of API products, the 5500 contains no integrated circuits in its signal path. The gain comes from two hand-built 2520 Operational Amplifiers in each channel. The balanced input is handled by a 2510 Discrete Operational Amplifier, which is similar to the 2520, but without the high-current output stage. A key component of the API sound, the 2520 coupled with the API 2503 output transformer, is capable of delivering +30dBm before clipping.

An extremely useful feature in the 5500 is the range control. The range of the amplitude controls can be reduced to 1/2 or 1/4 of their stated scale, providing a means to adjust the tonal balance with finer resolution in an even gentler manner. This is especially useful for complex program material as contained in stems or submixes and is ideally suited for mastering purposes.

API's 5500 also features a true hard-wire bypass which wires the output connector directly to the input. Shortly after the power is first applied, or immediately after it is lost, a special circuit enables "bypass mode" so that power thumps are never heard.

The 5500's input XLR is connected to an active balanced circuit. The unit's output XLR is driven from a transformer coupled output and can drive any load from 600 ohms or more to full output capability. There is no change from input to output in the unit's polarity, so it is suitable in studios using either pin 2 or pin 3 as the "hot" connection. Additionally, the 5500 has a 1/4 inch input connector that interrupts any present signal on the input XLR. It is balanced and can be driven from either balanced or unbalanced sources. A positive signal on the tip will deliver a positive signal on pin 2 of the output XLR. Using the 1/4 inch input does not bypass any internal circuitry and does not change the gain or operating levels.

The 5500 features API's industry exclusive five-year parts warranty and exhibits the reliability and long life characteristic of all API products.



  • Classic 550b Equalizer design
  • Two range switches to individually alter gain steps
  • Usable as a 550b, 550D or 550M
  • Peak/shelf switch on Hi and Lo bands
  • True hardwire bypass
  • Balanced In and Out on XLR
  • Unbalanced input on 1/4"
  • EQ In/Out switch

Condition
Brand
Model
  • 5500 Dual 4-Band Equalizer
Categories
Year
  • 5500
Made In
  • United States

About the Seller

Alto Music

Middletown, NY, United States
(122,278)
Joined Reverb:2014
Items Sold:214,999
Product Overview
The API 5500 discrete equalizer brings two channels of legendary console EQ to a convenient 1U rackmount box. Carve and sculpt your tracks on the way in with the classic proportional-Q curves of the 4-band 550B, long heralded as a killer EQ for guitars, drums, and vocals where mid-range control is crucial. When it comes time to print your mix, strap the 5500 over the stereo buss and make use of the "RANGE" switch to keep the tight bandwidth of huge boosts and cuts without having to do 8-12dB moves.
Shop 15 options from $2,200
Product Reviews
API 5500 Stereo/Dual Mono 550 Equalizers with Range Switch
API 5500 Stereo/Dual Mono 550 Equalizers with Range Switch
$3,130.25

About This Listing

API 5500 Stereo/Dual Mono 550 Equalizers with Range Switch

Typical of API products, the 5500 contains no integrated circuits in its signal path. The gain comes from two hand-built 2520 Operational Amplifiers in each channel. The balanced input is handled by a 2510 Discrete Operational Amplifier, which is similar to the 2520, but without the high-current output stage. A key component of the API sound, the 2520 coupled with the API 2503 output transformer, is capable of delivering +30dBm before clipping.

An extremely useful feature in the 5500 is the range control. The range of the amplitude controls can be reduced to 1/2 or 1/4 of their stated scale, providing a means to adjust the tonal balance with finer resolution in an even gentler manner. This is especially useful for complex program material as contained in stems or submixes and is ideally suited for mastering purposes.

API's 5500 also features a true hard-wire bypass which wires the output connector directly to the input. Shortly after the power is first applied, or immediately after it is lost, a special circuit enables "bypass mode" so that power thumps are never heard.

The 5500's input XLR is connected to an active balanced circuit. The unit's output XLR is driven from a transformer coupled output and can drive any load from 600 ohms or more to full output capability. There is no change from input to output in the unit's polarity, so it is suitable in studios using either pin 2 or pin 3 as the "hot" connection. Additionally, the 5500 has a 1/4 inch input connector that interrupts any present signal on the input XLR. It is balanced and can be driven from either balanced or unbalanced sources. A positive signal on the tip will deliver a positive signal on pin 2 of the output XLR. Using the 1/4 inch input does not bypass any internal circuitry and does not change the gain or operating levels.

The 5500 features API's industry exclusive five-year parts warranty and exhibits the reliability and long life characteristic of all API products.



  • Classic 550b Equalizer design
  • Two range switches to individually alter gain steps
  • Usable as a 550b, 550D or 550M
  • Peak/shelf switch on Hi and Lo bands
  • True hardwire bypass
  • Balanced In and Out on XLR
  • Unbalanced input on 1/4"
  • EQ In/Out switch

Condition
Brand
Model
  • 5500 Dual 4-Band Equalizer
Categories
Year
  • 5500
Made In
  • United States

About the Seller

Alto Music

Middletown, NY, United States
(122,278)
Joined Reverb:2014
Items Sold:214,999
Product Overview
The API 5500 discrete equalizer brings two channels of legendary console EQ to a convenient 1U rackmount box. Carve and sculpt your tracks on the way in with the classic proportional-Q curves of the 4-band 550B, long heralded as a killer EQ for guitars, drums, and vocals where mid-range control is crucial. When it comes time to print your mix, strap the 5500 over the stereo buss and make use of the "RANGE" switch to keep the tight bandwidth of huge boosts and cuts without having to do 8-12dB moves.
Shop 15 options from $2,200
Product Reviews

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