<h1>API 500-8B 8-slot 500-Series Lunchbox</h1>
<span style="font-size:16px; font-style:italic;">Eight-slot 500-series lunchbox® with universal power supply</span><br /><br />
From the inventors of the 500-series format, the API 500-8B lunchbox is an 8-slot, 500-series power rack designed to accept all API standard 5.25" X 1.5" modules, allowing you to configure a recording or mixing package to suit your specific needs. The big brother to the <a href="http://www.rspeaudio.com/API-500-6B-6-slot-Lunchbox-p/api-500-6b.htm" target="_blank" style="color:#000099; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline;">API 500-6B</a>, the API 500-8B lunchbox uses the included universal power supply with a rear-panel selected AC voltage switch and a removable power cord. The input/output jacks are DB-25 (D-Sub) connectors for easy I/O. The API 500-8B lunchbox comes standard with a +48 volt internal phantom power supply, bussed to pin 15 for interface with the API 512c Mic Preamplifier.<br /><br />
<h3>API 500-8B key features:</h3>
<ul>
	<li>Holds 8 API standard modules</li>
	<li>Rack-ears available for rack mounting</li>
	<li>215mA per slot</li>
	<li>DB-25 connectors for easy input and output connection</li>
	<li>Power rail LED indication</li>
	<li>Universal Power Supply, 100 to 250 volts switchable, 47 to 63Hz</li>
	<li>Rubber feet and carrying handle for portability</li>
	<li>Rugged steel chassis</li>
	<li>Perfect for remote recording of Vocalist and Instruments</li>
</ul>
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API makes several modules for the 500-8B, including the <a href="http://www.rspeaudio.com/API-512c-Discrete-Mic-Line-Pre-p/api-512c.htm" target="_blank" style="color:#000099; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline;">512c Mic Preamplifier</a>, the <a href="http://www.rspeaudio.com/API-525-Discrete-Compressor-Re-Issue-p/api-525.htm" target="_blank" style="color:#000099; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline;">525 Compressor</a>, the <a href="http://www.rspeaudio.com/API-527-Compressor-Limiter-Module-p/api-527.htm" target="_blank" style="color:#000099; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline;">527 Compressor</a>, the <a href="http://www.rspeaudio.com/API-550A-Discrete-3-Band-EQ-p/api-550a.htm" target="_blank" style="color:#000099; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline;">550A 3-band EQ</a>, the <a href="http://www.rspeaudio.com/API-550b-Discrete-4-Band-EQ-p/api-550b.htm" target="_blank" style="color:#000099; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline;">550b 4-band EQ</a>, and the <a href="http://www.rspeaudio.com/API-560-Discrete-10-Band-Graphic-EQ-p/api-560.htm" target="_blank" style="color:#000099; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:underline;">560 Graphic EQ</a>. Combinations of these modules make perfect stereo recording packages (two 512cs and two 550bs) or vocalist's box (one 512c, two EQs and one 527).<br />
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<h3>Other uses for the versatile API 500-8B lunchbox include:</h3>
<ul>
	<li>Multi-track recording of acoustic and electronic audio sources</li>
	<li>Sound reinforcement systems and recording to multi-track formats</li>
	<li>Multiple facility projects where portability is a plus</li>
	<li>Broadcast and audio for video production</li>
	<li>Custom channel input strips</li>
</ul>
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*NOTE: The older 560A equalizer may use pin 15 for a "direct output" and must be disabled on the 560A circuit board edge connector by cutting a trace. This will eliminate 48 volts from damaging the 560A series equalizers.<br /><br />
<h2>API 500-8B Outside The Box:</h2>
The rear panel of the 500-8B lunchbox has two 8-channel DB-25 connectors for input and output. There is also a power connector and AC power selector switch for international use.   
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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>Pack your API 500-8B lunchbox with goodies and go old school analog on the go. For more information, call or chat with an RSPE representative.</h3><br /><div><a href="http://rsperackrevolution.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.rspeaudio.com/v/vspfiles/assets/images/rackrevolution-small.png" alt="" align="" border="0px" /></a></div><p style="letter-spacing: normal;">Don’t forget to check out <a href="http://rsperackrevolution.com/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;">RSPE’s Rack Revolution</a>, a virtual 500-series rack builder that lets you custom-configure the perfect 500-series lunchbox for your studio, DAW, or mobile recording rig. RSPE carries every 500-series module imaginable, including mic preamps, compressor-limiters, equalizers, and 500 power racks.</p>