API® Preamp
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Get the hit-making color and tone of API's iconic 212L preamp.
From Fleetwood Mac’s classic, Rumours to Radiohead's In Rainbows, API preamps have shaped hit albums with stunning punch, presence, and color for over 50 years.
Now, you can easily add that same clarity, character, and musically complex tone of this proven, hit‑making mic preamplifier in a simple Unison‑equipped plug‑in, perfect for Apollo owners.Get the world’s only authentic plug-in emulation of the legendary Class-A, API 212L mic preamp, with added features from API’s flagship Vision console
Record "through" the legendary API preamp in real time using Apollo interfaces, with low DSP use
Easily color your tracks with musical punch, clarity, and character with an unequaled emulation of complex, nonlinear circuit behaviors
Control Apollo mic preamp gain staging and impedance directly from the API Preamp plug-in via Unison™ technology
Capturing a Legend with Unison
The classic API 212L preamp's forward attitude, low‑end punch, and detailed‑yet‑warm high end is famous for giving vocals, drums, and more a satisfying tone with rich character. Harnessing UA's groundbreaking Unison technology, the API Preamp plug‑in is the only complete emulation of API's hallowed preamp circuit, giving you the vintage hardware’s gain staging “sweet spots,” and nonlinear circuit behaviors. The secret is Unison’s bi‑directional control and communication from the API Preamp plug‑in to the mic preamps in Apollo interfaces.
Give Your Tracks the Sound of Legendary Albums
Like the original sought-after hardware, the API Preamp plug‑in adds characteristic punch and musical definition. Plus, you get the same features found in API's flagship Vision Console, including a Mic/Line switch, dedicated cut filter, and ‑6 dB Line pad. Simply drop the API Preamp into the Unison slot of Apollo's Console software or LUNA channel strip to add instant character to vocals, acoustic guitars, drums, and more with the hit‑making tone that can only come from API.
Add Punch and Character to Any Source
Of course, the API Preamp plug‑in isn’t just for Apollo interface owners. UAD hardware owners can harness the color of the API Preamp plug‑in for mixing and tone shaping — without ever leaving the box. Thanks to its lower DSP usage, you can easily place the API Preamp plug‑in instances across multiple channels, turning your favorite DAW into a classic API analog desk.
“The accuracy of the UAD API plug‑ins is incredible. I'll turn up the preamp gain to drive a guitar, or simply add some clean gain if I’m tracking Alicia Keys' piano. So versatile!”
– Ann Mincieli (Alicia Keys, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey)Customer Reviews
R. Miller II
February 2, 2024
API
VERY CLEAN , NICE SMOOTH AND WARM , A BIT BRIGHT IF PUSHED , BUT NOT HARSH SOUNDS BETTER THAN 500 SERIES
Read Morem. criscuolo
January 31, 2024
Api Preamp
Amazing , pity that the uadx cannot be inserted into the console with the unison preamps, I should buy the uadx preamp Neve 1073 to...
Read MoreR. Miller II
December 25, 2023
API
Low latency great headroom !! UA nailed this one 100%!!!
Read More -
Features
The first authentic emulation of API analog summing
Adds power, clarity, and mid-forward punch to your mixes
Per-bus Headroom and Trim controls for professional tone sculpting over your entire mix
Sum individual channels or your entire mix through API's hallowed bus or master summing modules
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Customer Reviews
API Preamp
R. Miller II
API
VERY CLEAN , NICE SMOOTH AND WARM , A BIT BRIGHT IF PUSHED , BUT NOT HARSH SOUNDS BETTER THAN 500 SERIES
m. criscuolo
Api Preamp
Amazing , pity that the uadx cannot be inserted into the console with the unison preamps, I should buy the uadx preamp Neve 1073 to be able to use it for monitoring in the console of my Apollo x8
R. Grabek
api
Is great
M. Martinez
Wonderful!
Amazing tool! I love it!
k. gregory
great :)
awesome!!!
R. Miller II
API
Low latency great headroom !! UA nailed this one 100%!!!
C. Chapman
Great products but a nightmare when you send me UAD Connect and it doesn't install correctly
I am presently trying to uninstall and reinstall the UAD Connect that came along with my recent plug-in purchases. UAD Connect has obviously not installed correctly and is preventing me from the Presets on ANY of plug ins. Your tech dept is sending instructions referring to options I do not see in my Finder menus. Why did you send UAD Connect, I didn't ask for it, now I am trying to carry out my work with ALL my plug-ins in manual mode. Very annoyed !!
V. Radomskyi
Vlad95
Wonderfull, clear, it’s what you need to do something great
E. Zorgman
Open up the harmonics
This little beast is so transparent. Its great and doesn't change anything about the sound. Open up with a nice bright addition of harmonics and adds a great amount of detail to your sound. Using this as a export from soft synths, basses and leads. Love the character this gives.
k. čonkova
Api pre amp
great plugin sound is completely in front. best sound
C. Jaramillo
Love to Push it !
I have used API preamps for tracking for ages and this plugin gets you that sizzle !
Love it !F. Antonio
Use and Abuse this bad boy!
A lot of weight and fun with this bad boy.
Drive it hard without fear!V. Cung
most versatility preamp (uad) imo
good for any sort of sounds
S. Lontano
Punch for days
If you want the classic “in front of face” sound this is exactly what you need.
V. Rauhala
API pre
Really nice punchy preamp for snares!
M. Obuchowicz
Doesn't run natively
Very disappointed by the whole UAD native/apollo mess. If you buy "API bundle", it contains native version of the preamp (as well as legacy UAD-2 plugin). But if you buy this plugin alone, it runs only on the old DSP platform and native version is not included.
O. H.
Good product, but...
...in my opinion: not for universal use.
This plug-in is quite agressive und up-front (probably like the original hardware). If you produce Rock, Metal or similar styles or for use on single channels like drums or e-guitars this plug could become your favorite preamp.
For me it is second choice only - do yourself a favor: test before you buy.J. purser
Makes a difference!
I tried the API preamp on my previous vocal track and it stood out from the mix without too much tweaking!!
J. Mateo
great little tool
Super light on the DSP and it has a great clean gain with just enough color to give you a API style tone
j. danielsen
Great
Works perfekt unison
