With unique filter shapes, complex band interactions, and musical filter amp distortions, the 550a and 560 series eqs left an indelible. American class a features four bands with stepped gain controls, with switchable increments including 1x. Vst, vst3, au, rtas, aax nativedsp, tdm buy now via pluginboutique. With their vast range of tonal possibilities, the api 550a and 550b are a pair of versatile eqs with that oneofakind api sound. Studio a has everything youd expect in a worldclass facility. The 550a s and 550s are cool but not as versatile as the 550b. Q american series digitally recreates legendary api 550a, 550b and 560 vintage american console equalizers the equalizers allow you to chisel your signals with surgical precision.
Api 550a, api 550b, api 560, emi tg12412, emi tg12414, pultec eqp1a, pultec meq5, pultec hlf3c. Api 550a 3band equalizer api 550b 4band equalizer api 560 10band graphic eq api 2500 stereo compressor. Modeled vintage eq plugins developed in association with api api 550a. Big fish audio api 550 550a eq provides reciprocal and. My favorite general purpose api eq is the 560 10 band graphic, though the 550b is pretty fuckin cool too. Modeled on api s late 1960s legend, the api 550a eq delivers a sound that. Splineeq free, free eq plugin, download splineeq free plugin. At the 6db boost the analog api 550a is a nice punchy sounding eq that doesnt smear the transients and retains a nice vintage punch to the kick, it has a slightly different more open, lush or spacious top end than the uad or waves, this may be due to subtle differences between the two analog units component tolerances compared to the uad and waves plugins which would be. Offering their own 512c mic pre, 525 compressor and 550a, 550b and 560 equalizers as the kingpins of the format, these units are fully interchangeable within any 500 series compatible rack structure, supplying power and inputoutput connections directly. Modeled on the late 1960s legend, the api 550a eq delivers a sound that has been a hallmark of high end studios for decades. The original designs had unbalanced interfaces, since they were intended for inclusion within a console, whereas the current standalone versions have balanced interfaces, but other than that the designs remain the. Api 550a eq tips, tricks, and best practices gearslutz.
The best plugins for vocals waves api 550b equalizer. Modeled on the 1960s legend, the api 550a eq delivers a sound that has been a hallmark of high end studios for decade. Modeled on the late 1960s legend, the api 550a eq provides reciprocal and repeatable equalization at 15 points in 5 steps of. Track and mix through a stunning emulation of api s flagship analog console. Modeled on the late 1960s legend, the api 550a eq provides reciprocal and repeatable equalization at 15 points in 5 steps of boost, divided into three overlapping ranges. Head tracking with the camera is not working on macos 10. The 550a, with its low latency and dsp usage, is the perfect candidate for use all across your mixer as a main eq for vocals, guitars, keyboards or program. While every daw now comes equipped with at least one native eq plugin, there are thousands of external eq plugins on the market. Modeled on the late legends, the api 550 eq plugins include two uniquely powerful equalizer plugin components.
Support for visually impaired users, mac os sierra 10. Its high and low frequency ranges are individually selectable as either peaking or shelving, and a bandpass filter can be inserted independently of all other settings. Api 550a eq tips, tricks, and best practices hey dudes and lady dudes, i just got 4 channels of api 550a eq, and i have to say wow i knew i would like them, but i was not expecting to dial in an amazing sound so quickly. You can also select whether or not to use a shelf or bell curve on the low and high frequencies with the selector buttons. The low gain control works as a shelving equalizer, with a stepped or fully variable frequency. The api 500 series eq plug in collection for uad2 hardware and apollo interfaces faithfully captures the punch, lowfrequency transparency, and ultratight imaging of api s iconic 550a and 560 series eqs. Ddmf iieq is a 10band parametric eq with surprising character, plus its very cpuefficient.
The api 500 series eq plugin collection for uad and apollo api emulates the classic 550a 3band and api 560 graphic equalizers. To save you some time, we compiled 11 of the best eq plugins for windows andor mac, some free and some paid. The 550a s high and low frequency bands can be individually switched to be shelving eqs, and the b. Warm up signals through the api 212l preamp with famed 2520 api opamp. Modeled on apis late 1960s legend, the api 550a eq delivers a sound that has been a hallmark of high end studios for decades. Oct 03, 2012 diving into how to use the api 550b eq. If if you feel like your audio hardware headphones, speaker does not have enough bass low frequency punch, or vice versa, you can adjust that using eqmac. The high and low bands can be switched from shelf to bell shapes, and the hpf can be toggled in or out. Various bugs in cla mixhub, abbey road tg mastering chain and scheps omni channel including automation in vst3, parameter changes in au hosts, undoredo and solo button functions, and more.
Watch weezna demonstrate one of the best plugins for vocals in his option. Four modeled plugins based on renowned api modules. Im not sure if its available outside of this bundle, but i dont think it is. With virtually all existing units spoken for, popular demand for this eq resulted in api finally resuming production in 2004. Shop api 550a classic threeband equalizer from vintage king. Based on the api 550a this classic eq is a mainstay in professional studios worldwide. Track and mix through a stunning emulation of apis flagship analog console. Okay, im fine with that, but the most problem is that i cant see all the eq s ive bought. How to get a clearer mix with the api 560 eq plugin youtube. Modeled on the api s legendary 550a eq from the late 60s, waves api 550a plug in for native systems provides reciprocal equalization at 15 points in 5 steps of boost divided into three overlapping ranges. Audio plugins for all operating systems windows, mac os x, linux, ios and android, tagged as eq. Apr 25, 2019 available for mac and pc in pretty much every format ever. I would use a smoother sounding eq if i had to induce 12db of gain.
Its high and low frequency ranges are individually selectable as either peaking or shelving, and a bandpass filter can be inserted independently of all other. Sep 15, 2017 in this video i will show you what waves 550a eq plugin does and how to use it on vocals, snares, and other instruments. Still, this list should keep you mac users busy for a while. Modeled on the late 1960s legends, the api 550 eq plugins include two uniquely powerful equalizer plugin components. Free emt 140 plate reverb plugin soundtoys little plate.
Waves 10 full bundle mac cracked vst plugins, audio. For the first time, you can have a complete channel strip of classic api punch, presence, and color with the api vision channel strip plugin exclusively for uad2 and apollo. Waves api 550 bundle modeled on the late 1960s legends, the api 550 eq plugins include two uniquely powerful equalizer plugin components. These are greatsounding and versatile plugins to get the api sound on your tracks. The high and low frequency ranges are individually selectable as either peaking or shelving, and a bandpass. Featuring four overlapped eq bands, the 550b gives tracks that sweet analog sound that api is renowned for. From essentials like the q10, linear phase, and renaissance eqs, to analog models such as ssl, api, scheps 73 and redd and hybrid plugins such as heq, waves offers a wide range of equalizer plugins for every situation. For the sound of api in your daw, sweetwater can highly recommend the waves api collection. Vintage eq with api musicality and software versatility. Softubes american class a plugin is much more than a simple api 550 eq clone.
I started using the 550as as if engineering on a real api deskon everything. Jan, 2017 plugins are highquality emulation of analog equalizers. Dial in your sound in no time by finding the frequency you want, then boost or cut to taste. Nov 02, 2017 unfortunately, nobody has properly emulated the 512c yet, but slate has an api setting on their virtual console collection. The api 550a module is modeled on the legendary late 60s hardware and provides reciprocal and repeatable equalization at fifteen points in five steps of boost, divided into three overlapping ranges. The plugin version also includes the new level trim feature, which can be used to turn down the overall gain if needed.
Api vision channel strip uad audio plugins universal audio. The vintage console eq s highpass filter is a great way of keeping the lowend in check. This waves api 550b equalizer plugin shows up on every single vocal track at true sound studios. Sporting sleek inputoutput meters, master output knob, and per band bypasses, this is a great workhorse equalizer to aid in shaping sound with even more flexibility than the hardware. Modeled on the late 1960s legend, the api 550a eq provides reciprocal equalization at 15 points in 5 steps of boost divided into three overlapping ranges. Api 550a is a parametric equalizer plug in that is available within the waves api collection of plug in. Discrete, classic threeband eqfew equalizers enjoy the respect and admiration of the coveted api 550a. Api has also led the way in modular outboard technology with their vpr 500 series products. The results are sorted by most popular with kvr members data from mykvr favorites group. Featuring four overlapped eq bands, the api 550b is invaluable as both a problem solver and a sweetening device. Work with tdm, rtas, audiosuite, mas, vst, directx and au formats.
Well start with three of the best eq plugins exclusively for windows, all free. Filter switch inserts a 50hz to 15khz bandpass filter. Based on api s original 550 from the late 60s, the api 550b is a continuation of the eq that played a major role in the history of music recording, but with an additional filter band and several new frequencies. Waves api 550 equalizer plugin download n stuff music. Decades after the release of the original 550a eq, api redesigned this classic with an additional band, broken into the following. Also included in the channel strip is probably the most recognized and revered api eq of all time, the 550a threeband equalizer with its switchable frequencies and 12db of boost or cut. The waves api 550 collection gives you two amazing classic processors. Qa equalizer digitally recreates legendary api 550a vintage american console equalizer. I have a single 550a and im thinking about getting a 2nd for alot of reasons but one of them being using a pair for a mastering eq.
Dec 05, 2018 while some studios still implement analog eq, most utilize digital equalizers, which replicate the same process. Waves 550a and 550b are fantastic native emulations of the api eq. Still copied but never duplicated, the 550a became api s standard channel module eq when the company began manufacturing consoles in 1971. Forty years later, the 550a remains the standard against which other eqs are measured, and it has played a major role in the recording industry for decades. Api 500 series eq plugin collection arrives for universal. Waves api collection 550a 550b 560 eq 2500 plugins rtas vst. Any individual cla mixhub module input, eq, dynamics can now be added as an extra insert plugin inside the cla mixhub insert slot. When i uninstall the cla compressors and cla signature plugins, api plugins works normally with the real name, i can use both 550a and 550b eq s. Maximum 12 db of boostcut per band in 23 db steps api 550a.
Developed in association with api, the api collection features four precisionmodeled plugins based on renowned api equalizer and compressor modules. The api 550 from waves is a plugin developed in association with api that models two classic api equalization modules. This waves api 550b equalizer plugin shows up on every single vocal. The api 550a and 560 are now standard equipment in top recording facilities, humble project studios, and everything in between. Youll love its aggressive structure and proportional q feature. The 550a equalizer is known for adding its undeniable sweetness to a signal by just passing audio through its circuit and qa has captured this magic itb.
The api collection includes three eq plugins modelling the 550a, 550b and 560 hardware units. This equalizer allows you to chisel your signals with surgical precision. These are 25 of the best mac free plugins, and we havent even mentioned all the free instrument plugins for mac yet. I tested the api collection in a pro tools accel hd3 rig running on a mac quadcore.
The 550a is a uniquely powerful equalizer with that oneofakind api sound. Q american series american console equalizers vst au. From its beginnings in 1968, the api sound has been a favorite of audio engineers. The 550a is a parametric equalizer with three overlapping bands.
Proportional q cutboost processing, reciprocal and repeatable filtering, 64bit processing, aax native, rtas, audiosuite, audio units, vst, soundgrid, mac os x, windows. Basically the 560 graphic circuit with the same frequency settings as an a. Designed by the now legendary saul walker in the late 60s, the discrete 550a was first used as a modular oem equalizer. This is basically a software version of the api 550a, which for those of you who dont know is a popular lunchbox series eq module. Everything i show you in this video also applies to the 550a eq. The 550a provides reciprocal equalization at 21 points in 5 steps of boost to a maximum of 12db of gain at each point. Add it to your vocal tracks to hear why top audio engineers who have access to every eq ever made demand the eq4 for vocals. Modeled on apis late 1960s legend, the api 550a eq delivers a sound that has been a. Free soft synth for mac based on korg ps3300 polyphonic synthesizer. Get the sound of classic api equalizers, with the api 550 plugin bundle. Most of my clients end up having me master their stuff and a pair of 550a s would be useful for many things. For the first time, you can have a complete channel strip of classic api punch, presence, and color with the api vision channel strip plug in exclusively for uad2 and apollo. The 550a features 3 bands with 7 selectable frequencies. The 15 best eq plugins to shape your mix landr blog.
The 10 best free vocal effects vst plugin 2020 music. Modeled on the late 1960s legend, the api 550a eq provides reciprocal equalization. Waves api collection 550a 550b 560 2500 plugins eq. Api 550 is an aggressive sounding eq to begin with. The collection includes the 550a 3band equalizer, the 550b 4band equalizer, the 560 graphic equalizer, and the 2500 stereo compressor. To save you some time, we compiled 11 of the best eq plugins for windows andor mac, some free and some.
Im not all that wild about 554s and find 553s right next to a complete waste of time. I go in depth so you can understand what it is doing when you move a knob. Lucky for us, these classic eqs have been meticulously modeled for the api 500 series eq plugin collection. The 560 is a 10band graphic equalizer, also with up to 12db of boost or cut on each band. Waves api collection the api collection features four precision processors based on renowned api modules. With 7 switchable filter frequencies spanning up to 5 octaves per band, the 550bs proportional q automatically widens the filter bandwidth at minimal. Waves api 550a native software download musicians friend. The maag audio eq4 is a musical eq, not a surgical eq, making it ideal for sweetening tracks. Api like classic eq based on the api 550a this classic eq is a mainstay in professional studios worldwide.
Watch how to use the waves api 560 equalizer on vocals and guitars in order to add clarity to your mix, with more presence and air. This eq is an api on steroids thats meant to exaggerate the analog colouration of the original. Its high and low frequency ranges are individually selectable as either peaking or shelving, and a bandpass filter can be inserted independently. For a free plugin, this stereo controller offers great versatility and functionality. The high and low frequency ranges are individually selectable as either peaking or shelving, and a bandpass filter can be inserted independently of all other settings. The middle button narrows the width of the mf band, giving you more precision controlling the. Datatronix inherited them and i discovered the difference when i worked there. Its high and low frequency ranges are individually selectable as either peaking or shelving, and a bandpass filter can be.
Api 550a modeled on the late 1960s legend, the api 550a eq provides reciprocal equalization at 15 points in 5 steps of boost divided into three overlapping ranges. Click on the outside to move in the original stepped increments or use the pot to sweep across the full range. Up there with the best free plugins of any type, and this ones available for pc and mac. Popular demand eventually forced api to put the 550 back into production in 2004, as the 550a, along with a fourband 550b version. Waves api 550 3band eq plugins vstauaax dale pro audio. The api 550a and the api 550b are two proquality eqs found in serious music production studios around the world.
Windows vst rtawindows directx aax mac vst mac rta audiounit aax linux vstlinux lv2 ladspa ios sort by popularity sort by date tdr nova. Proportional q, 3 bands on the top, 3 on the bottom and 5 in the middle, 2 transistor buffer amp x 4, a different than the a 2 pole filter for the highlow pass switch, a strange way of switching the eq out all filters tied together, then to gnd through a switch, 2 2520s and long frequency knobs. Based on the 1967 classic, the api 560 graphic equalizer plugin features precision filtering and high headroom, ideal for signal enhancement and room tuning. How to get a clearer mix with the api 560 eq plugin.
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