<h1>API 525 500 Series Discrete Compressor</h1>
<span style="font-size:16px; font-style:italic;">Authentic reissue of API's original 525 compressor from the early ’70s</span><br /><br />
The 500-series API 525 Discrete Compressor is a dead-on re-issue of the original modular 525 compressor/limiter. Remaining one of the most popular compressors of all time, the API 525 has a number of unique design innovations including its Ceiling control, which allows you to change compression ratio on the fly while maintaining a constant output—no gain-makeup required. Tweaking the Ceiling control brings out the body of guitars and the resonance of synthesizers. A workhorse compressor that can be linked for stereo bus operation, the API 525 particularly excels on vocals. If you’ve heard Steve Perry’s vocals with Journey, you’ve “heard” the API 525 compressor in action. The 500-series API 525 Discrete Compressor is also great for presence and thickening sounds.<br /><br />
<h3>API 525 unique features:</h3>
<ul>
	<li>Exact reissue of API's original 525 compressor</li>
	<li>Ceiling control combines key functions</li>
	<li>Traditional API fully discrete circuit design</li>
</ul>
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<h3>API 525 key features:</h3>
<ul>
	<li>Peak-detecting feedback compressor/limiter</li>
	<li>Variable threshold and output levels</li>
	<li>Analog VU meter for monitoring gain reduction</li>
	<li>4 switchable release modes</li>
	<li>De-ess function</li>
	<li>Active balanced input/output</li>
	<li>Hardwire bypass</li></ul>
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<h2>API 525 — Inside The Box</h2>
Originally released in the 70's, the API 525 re-issue was built using the original blueprints and spec-control drawings from the API archives. A re-issue doesn’t get any closer than this. The API 525 is ideal for reduction of distortion due to overload or over modulation of program peaks. Attack time is as fast as 15u/s. Four auto-release modes are offered: 0.1s, 0.5s, 1.5s, and 2.0s. A de-ess function inserts an inverse vocal energy curve filter in the detector for effective sibilance/pop reduction.
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The API 525’s unique Ceiling fine-tuning control offers extreme ease of operation by providing up to 20dB of compression or limiting in 2dB steps while maintaining a constant peak output level. The Ceiling control can increase gain reduction (lower threshold) while simultaneously raising output level to match, so you can adjust dynamics on the fly without level changes. <br /><br />
Full range of operation is achieved with signal input levels from -15dBm to +20dBm, and output capability is +24dBm through an integral output transformer. Release times vary with frequency, with high frequency/full bandwidth content released faster than lower frequencies for natural envelope tracking. Attack time is fixed, carefully chosen by API to catch the fastest peaks without pumping. Although the API 525 compressor is designed for single-channel use, two or more 525s can be linked for multi-channel compression.<br /><br />
The API 525 compressor employs a feedback design, which means that the input signal passes through the gain control element to the detector (or control voltage converter), which sends the control voltage back to the gain control element and on to the output. This is a self-correcting system, wherein Attack, Release, and Ratio cannot be strictly defined as they are with feed-forward designs, and will change with the operation of the feedback loop. While not as fast and accurate as a feed-forward system, the feedback design is more musical and pleasing to the ear. After all, math is our attempt to describe nature, but as renowned audio researcher Dr. Richard Heyser once said, “Nature does not solve equations.”<br /><br />
<h3>API 2520 Op-amp</h3>
API’s 2520 Op Amp found in the 525 is responsible for the API sound. Designed by API engineers, the 2520 op-amp is a high-gain, wide-band, direct-coupled amplifier built specifically for audio applications. The circuit mainly derives its characteristics from the performance of its passive elements connected into the feedback loop, which provides predictable, stable performance. The 10-discrete transistor amplifier is encapsulated in a thermally conductive epoxy, which protects against thermal shock, vibration, and humidity, assuring long life and reliable performance. 
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<h2>API 525 — Outside The Box</h2>
Looking over the front-panel real estate of the API 525, you’ll see two small rotary controls at the top that set the initial operating parameters: Input (threshold) and Output (make-up gain). Below these controls are a Gain-Reduction Meter; Release, which are two switches that select four release times: all out = 0.1s, 1 in = 0.5s, 2 in = 1s, and all out = 2.5s; Compression switch, which sets ratio at 2:1; Limit switch for 20:1 ratio; Off switch, which shuts off the gain reduction but keeps the unit inline (to add the character of the 2520 op amp and transformers); hardwire Bypass switch; De-ess switch, which removes sibilance; and the Ceiling knob, which works the same as turning the threshold and output controls up or down at the same time. The API 525 Discrete Compressor has a balanced input and a pin-out that is the same as all the other 500 series modules. 
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<h3>API Audio's VPR Alliance </h3>
The VPR Alliance is a program of standardization and consistency guidelines for approved manufacturers wishing to design products for API's 500-series rack format. The program provides complete design specifications for manufacturers interested in producing third-party modules that physically fit and electronically conform to API's rack specifications.
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The creation of the VPR Alliance was encouraged by the overwhelming popularity of API's 500-series racks, including the 10-space 500V and the six-space lunchbox®, which led to a proliferation of third party modules that fit the API format. Typically installed into API racks, these third party modules had raised issues of warranty and interaction with API-manufactured modules in the same rack.<br /><br />
Because of the variables related to those third party modules, API had previously been forced to declare that inserting any third-party modules into a 500V or lunchbox voided the warranty on that rack. Through the VPR Alliance, API is now able to eliminate confusion as to which third-party products definitively do and do not void the API warranty. The VPR Alliance is a straightforward resolution that saves the company time and money while promoting goodwill to API customers.<br /><br />
API’s customers benefit from the VPR Alliance with the knowledge of exactly which products are approved for placement in API racks; customers have a wider range of module choices for their racks that have been tested by API staff for specification compliance.<br /><br />
<h3>An Abbreviated History of API</h3>
It all began with a dream. It was 1968. The company: Automated Processes Inc., formed by men with a vision. Best known for their now legendary "2520 amplifier", this unique amp has been and will continue to be the heart of all API discrete products. It continues to provide reliability and sonic purity unmatched by the competition. The resulting console met the needs of the music, commercial and broadcast industry.
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API became the leading audio broadcast console manufacturer for radio and television networks and high profile stations. In addition, recording studios, large and small, began using API...and receiving rave reviews from engineers and producers. There are over 700 API consoles across the nation and around the world, including the three major networks. Over thirty years later, many of these consoles are still in daily use in some of the most prestigious recording and broadcast facilities in the world because, to date, there are few, if any consoles of equal sound quality at a cost-effective price.<br /><br />
<h3>Equally useful as a tracking, mixdown, or program compressor/limiter, the API 525 gives you vintage dynamics control and an easy-to-use, multi-function control set. For more information, call or chat with an RSPE representative today. </h3>
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