API 1608-II is one of our most popular medium format analogue consoles. Offering the perfect balance of premium features in a compact design, we take a look into what makes it so successful...

API 1608-II (1608 MkII) is a premium all-analogue, medium format console – designed to deliver the full-fat API sound for smaller studios that demand high-end quality but can't accomodate or justify a large format desk. 

Its heritage goes back to the early 1970s when API’s original 1604 console was first introduced and snapped up by studios including Sunset Sound in California. Despite only being manufactured in limited numbers, the 1604 garnered an enviable reputation with used examples still being highly sought after today.

Over the last few decades, the adoption of affordable, high performance DAW recording practices has seen the steady decline of large commercial recording studios and a corresponding growth in highly specified smaller facilities and personal project studios. API recognised an increasing demand for consoles that would work in this type of studio and released the updated API 1608 in 2008, followed a decade later by the current 1608 MkII model.

1608-II is a straightforward design with a single audio path used for both tracking and mixing. Each channel offers a mic preamp and equalizer, with eight Aux buses, eight multitrack buses, four stereo buses, one stereo master bus and a centre section with up to 5.1 surround monitoring. API also offers their optional Final Touch™ fader automation system, but this is the only digital nod to the DAW recording systems this console is most likely to be used with. Make no mistake, this desk is 100% pure analogue – and API have been masters of their craft in the 50+ years since Saul Walker developed his fabled 2520 discrete op amp.

SIGNAL FLOW

Each 1608-II channel strip comprises of:

• Channel VU meter
• Channel EQ 500 Series slot
• 548C Channel Module
• 444C Fader Module

The 548C Channel module is the core of each channel, providing a single audio path for bringing signals into the console via the preamp and routing to the Direct Outs, Auxes and Buses – along with insert, pan, solo and mute functions.

The simplified signal flow through each channel looks like this:

When recording, the channel path routes the signal from the microphone pre-amp, DI or other input source to the DAW multitrack recorder via the Direct Out or eight Summing Buses - with EQ, filter and inserts assigned as required. The stereo mix is created in the DAW and returned to the console’s Monitor section.

On mixing, the channels form the main mix paths with sixteen additional inputs available from the four stereo returns and eight Summing Bus Master external inputs – so a total of 32 inputs for the 16-channel frame size.

 

1608-II is fitted with API’s coveted 550A discrete 3-Band equalizer module on the first 12 channels. This is a 3-Band EQ with 7x switched frequencies per band, 12dB boost/cut and a “proportional Q” that narrows the filter Q at extremes. It’s a very musical, slightly forward sounding equalizer that along with API’s preamp and compressor circuits delivers the legendary "API sound".

API 560 10-Band graphic EQ modules are used to populate the remaining four channels. Originally designed for use in API consoles of the 1960s and 1970s, this 2520 op amp based design also offers 12dB boost/cut per band, “proportional Q” and increased resolution in the central ±4dB range. It’s extremely fast to set up.

In the standard configuration, API's 444C 100mm long-throw fader module completes the channel strip. This is replaced by the 944C module when the optional Final Touch™ fader automation is installed.

MASTER SECTION

1608-II has a comprehensive Master Section offering:

• Stereo Returns
• Auxillary Sends
• Summing Buses
• Solo Bus
• Oscillator
• Talkback
• Control Room monitoring functions

The four Stereo Returns can be automated with Final Touch™, each featuring:

• Balanced stereo insert (automatable)
• Pair of 500 Series module slots
• Mono input summing
• 100mm long-throw resistive fader
• Mute (automatable)
• Solo with “Solo Safe”
• Stereo balanced, low-impedance, line-level, rear-panel inputs
• Alternate input from the associated pair of Aux Masters
• Optional Final Touch™ automation

An additional eight 500 Series slots are normalled to the Stereo Returns in pairs by default, but are also available to be freely patched into individual input channels or the stereo master bus. Compressors are the most popular choice of course - these may include API’s own 525, 527 and 529 compressor modules, although any third party API VPR Alliance approved modules can be used.

FINAL TOUCH™ AUTOMATION

API’s optional Final Touch™ automation applies to the motorised faders, channel mutes and inserts for mix automation and recall. It can also behave as a HUI control surface for your DAW. A 7.5" touchscreen display is built into the console and is very easy to operate - the individual fader indicators also keep you well informed. All in all, a very nicely implemented analogue automation system. Of course, you won’t get the more comprehensive automation you expect in a fully digital desk including EQ settings and pans etc, but that’s not what this console is about.

METERING & CONNECTIVITY

Metering is provided by a comprehensive array of analogue backlit VU meters – the perfect choice for a desk of this type and calibre. Each channel meter can be fed from the direct output, microphone preamp, line input or associated summing bus output (1-8).

All connectivity is on the back of the console using discrete connectors apart from the Direct Outs, Aux Sends/Bus Mix Outs, Stereo Return Inputs and Alt Line Inputs which are on DB25 multipin connectors. As you would expect, build quality is fully modular and to a very high standard - no corners have been cut here.

It's also worth mentioning the silent 2U 19-inch rack power supply which is quiet enough to be placed in the control room - a boon for smaller studios that may not have the luxury of a separate machine room.

IS API 1608-II THE RIGHT CONSOLE FOR YOU?

If you’re looking for a high-end analogue console but simply don’t want or need the extra features of a large format desk, API 1608-II does an excellent job of providing a professional console experience without all the stuff you will likely never use - all in a tidy, compact footprint. As a tactile experience, it’s a joy to use and everything about it shouts quality, with the distinctive API metal control knobs still some of the best in the business.

The natural home for a desk like this is the smaller high-end DAW-based recording studio where it will be used for tracking and final mixing. Paired with a good DAW setup, you really do have the best of both analogue and digital worlds. Its main competitor is likely to be something like AMS Neve’s BCM10/2 but this is somewhat more expensive for the same channel count. However, when looking at desks at this level, it’s probably going to boil down to which sonics appeal to you the most and whether the flexibility of API’s 500 Series system is a big deal for you or not.

1608-II is available in 16-, 32- and 48-channel frame sizes. The beauty of this scalable design is that the 16ch version (our most popular size) can be considered a top-flight small-format console or side-car for bigger facilities that already have a large console centrepiece. Whereas the 32ch and 48ch sizes will appeal to users who still require premium quality and need the extra channels, but simply can't accomodate the extra space and expense of a full large-format console - especially if they don't need the extra features anyway.

In summary, it's easy to understand why API 1608-II works so well for a lot of users. It's a premier league product designed for users who demand the best quality while occupying the sweet spot between API's more diminutive The Box and larger 2448 consoles. 

KMR Audio is proud to have a 16-channel 1608-II with automation on demo in our North London store. Contact us to arrange a demo.

For more info, click HERE