The iconic color of API's flagship analog console, with expanded EQ.
From Stevie Wonder's Innervisions to Radiohead's In Rainbows, API desks have shaped hit albums with unmistakable punch, presence, and color for over 50 years.
In 2013, Universal Audio released the API Vision Channel Strip plug-in, artfully capturing API's flagship analog console. Today, the updated API Vision Channel Strip Collection gives you more authentic API tone, now with switchable EQ modules and expertly modeled output section, plus all the critical recording and mixing functions of API's iconic compression, gating, and filter modules.
- Track and mix through a stunning emulation of API's flagship analog console
- Sculpt sources with new 560L series 10-band graphic EQ module and beloved 550L parametric EQs
- Punch up signals through the API 212L preamp with famed 2520 API op-amp and custom API transformers, with added features from API's flagship Vision console
- Reshape ambience and create dynamic effects with the 235L Gate/Expander
- Tame transients and craft bold new textures with API's legendary 225L compression circuit
- Mix with artist presets from Joe Chiccarelli, Neil Dorfsman, David Isaac, and more
Sculpt with Parametric and New Graphic EQs
With a click of the new EQ Type button, the API Vision Channel Strip Collection lets you choose between the revered 550L 4-band parametric EQ and API's famous 560L series 10-band graphic EQ. The new 560L EQ emulation captures the complex band interactions, clip points, and musical filter amp distortions of API's coveted hardware, letting you quickly sweeten and shape guitars, add aggression to drums, and push vocals forward with analog punch, low-end transparency, and ultra-tight imaging.
Shape Dynamics with the 225L Compressor
A versatile compressor teaming with character, the 225L thrives on any instrument, in any genre — from a single track to an entire mix. Plus, use selectable "New" and "Old" functions for two delicious brands of compression, from mild to severe.
Get Creative with API Gate/Expander and Filters
The ultra-fast 235L Noise Gate/Expander lets you easily shape ambience and attack on individual sources like kick drums or bass synth, and also clamp down on noisy drum kit rattles and gnarly guitar amp noise. Plus, the passive, fully sweepable 215L's Hi and Lo pass filters are perfect for broad stroke EQ sculpting, letting you expertly craft your source material, while preserving its original tone.
API Vision Channel Strip
Operational Overview
Modular Design
As with the original hardware, the API Vision Channel Strip has a modular design. Each module controls a different signal processing function, and associated controls are grouped within each module. The following modules are contained in the API Vision Channel Strip:
- 212L Microphone Preamplifier
- 215L High/Low Sweep Filters
- 235L Gate/Expander
- 225L Compressor/Limiter
- 550L Four-Band Equalizer
- 560L Ten-Band Graphic Equalizer
Selectable EQ
The EQ module can be switched between the 550L and 560L equalizers with the TYPE button in the EQ module. In these operating instructions, "EQ" represents the 550L/560L EQ module in API Vision Channel Strip.
The plug-in stores the current settings in both EQ modules, allowing for convenient comparisons of both EQ types or other creative uses.
Signal Flows
A simplified view of the default signal flow routing within the plug-in is illustrated in the diagram below. The audio path is shown with solid lines, and the side chain control keys for the 235L and 225L dynamics modules are shown with dashed lines.
Simplified default API Vision signal flow
Signal flows can be re-routed via options in the plug-in. The EQ module can be placed before the dynamics modules via the PREDYN (pre-dynamics) button, and the sweep filters and/or EQ can be moved out of the audio path and into the dynamics side chain path via the SC (side chain) buttons in those modules.
Note that the side chains for the dynamics modules are in series by default (as in the diagram above). However, when the sweep filters and/or EQ are moved into the side chain via their SC buttons, the side chain inputs for the dynamics modules are in parallel, as shown in the diagram below with 215L SC enabled.
Simplified signal flow illustrating parallel side chain inputs with 215L SC enabled
215L Side Chain (SC)
The SC button in the 215L module routes the sweep filters into the dynamics processing side chain. Click the SC button or its LED to toggle the setting.The default value is Off.
When the 215L side chain is active, signal output from the 215L module is removed from the audio path, and is instead routed to control the 235L and 225L dynamics modules in parallel as shown in the diagram below. To listen to the 215L side chain key, simply disengage 215L SC to hear the equalized signal.
Note: The 215L module must be enabled for the 215L side chain to function.
Signal flow with 215L Sweep Filters SC enabled
EQ Pre-Dynamics (PREDYN)
The Pre-Dynamics button (PREDYN) in the EQ module re-routes the EQ. By default, the audio signal is routed into the EQ after dynamics processing. When PREDYN is enabled, this routing is swapped, and the EQ precedes the dynamics modules instead.
When PREDYN is active, the dynamics side chain is always tapped after the EQ module, regardless of the state of the 215L module's SC function. The effect of the PREDYN button is shown in the diagrams below.
Note: PREDYN has no effect when the EQ's DYN SC button is active.
PREDYN routes the EQ before the dynamics modules
EQ always precedes the side chain tap when PREDYN is active
EQ Dynamics Side Chain (DYN SC)
The DYN SC button in the EQ module routes EQ into the dynamics processing side chain. When the EQ side chain is active (when the DYN SC LED is lit), signal output from the EQ module is removed from the audio path, and is instead routed to control the 235L and 225L dynamics modules.
Signal flow with EQ SC enabled
Note that both the EQ and 215L modules can both be routed simultaneously to the dynamics side chain. In this case, the 215L precedes the EQ in the side chain path, as shown below.
Signal flow with SC enabled in both 215L and EQ modules
Displayed Values
Knob settings, when compared to the interface silkscreen numbers, may not match the actual parameter values. For example, in the 215L Sweep Filters module, the highest value shown in the interface is 20 kHz. However, the actual value when the knob is at maximum is 40 kHz.
This behavior is identical to the original hardware, which is modeled exactly. When the plug-ins are viewed in parameter list mode (controls and/or automation views), the actual parameter values are displayed.
Artist Presets
The API Vision Console Channel Strip plug-ins include presets voiced by prominent Universal Audio artists.
|
Ann Mincieli |
Jeff Balding |
Nathan Feler |
|
Brendan Morawski |
John Paterno |
Sage Skolfield |
|
Butch Walker |
Kez Khou |
Sean Solymar |
|
Dave Isaac |
Michael Ilbert |
Tommy Rush |
|
Ian Boxill |
Mike Dean |
Tony Platt |
Artists who provided presets for API Vision Channel Strip Collection
212L Microphone Preamplifier
212L Input Select
The INPUT button switches between the mic and line input gain knobs. Press the button to toggle the active selection.
Tip: Click an input selection LED (at left of the MIC/LINE gain knobs) to select the input.
The active setting is indicated by an LED next to the input's gain knob. When the mic input is active, the red LED at left of the MIC gain knob is lit. When the line input is active, the green LED at left of the LINE gain knob is lit.
212L Mic Gain
This knob adjusts the amount of gain applied to the mic input signal. The available range is 30 dB to 65 dB. The default value is 40.5 dB (unity gain).
Tip: Click the API logo atop the 212L module to return mic gain to its default value.
212L Line Gain
This knob adjusts the amount of gain applied to the line input signal. The available range is 0 dB to 12 dB. The default value is 0 dB (unity gain).
The available Line Gain range is adopted from API VIsion Console's dedicated Line input functions and is not present on the original 212L hardware module.
212L Pad
PAD can be engaged to reduce signal levels when undesirable overload distortion is present at low preamp gain levels. PAD is engaged when its red LED is lit. Click the PAD button or its LED to toggle the setting.
Mic Pad
When PAD is enabled with mic input, the input signal level is attenuated (lowered) by -20 dB.
Line Pad
When PAD is enabled with line input, the input signal level is attenuated by -6 dB. The Line Pad is adopted from API VIsion Console's dedicated Line input functions and is not present on the original 212L hardware module.
212L Phase
The Phase (ø) button inverts the polarity of the signal. The polarity is inverted when the button's green indicator is lit. Leave the button off (unlit) for normal polarity.
212L Cut Filter
This button activates a 50 Hz low cut filter that has a slope of 6 dB per octave. This rumble filter is adopted from the API Vision console's dedicated Line input functions and is not present on the original 212L hardware module.
212L Meter
The LED ladder VU Meter indicates the signal level at the output of the 212L preamp module.
215L High/Low Sweep Filters
The 215L offers two sweepable cut filters, one each for low and high frequencies. The original hardware is transformer coupled and uses a passive filter circuit design for smooth tone.
215L Lo-Pass
The Lo-Pass (high cut) filter has a continuous range of 643 Hz to 40.8 kHz. The slope of this filter is 6 dB per octave. The default value is 40 kHz.
215L Hi-Pass
The Hi-Pass (low cut) filter has a continuous range of 12 Hz to 596 Hz. The slope of this filter is 12 dB per octave. The default value is 12 Hz.
215L SC (Dynamics Side Chain)
This button enables the 215L side chain filtering for the dynamic processors. Click the SC button or its LED to toggle the setting. The default value is Off. For related information, see "Signal Flows" earlier in this guide.
215L On
This button enables the 215L module. The filters module is active when the button's green indicator is lit. Click the ON button or its LED to toggle the setting.
Tip: Processor usage is reduced when this module is inactive.
235L Gate/Expander
The 235L Gate/Expander module operates in either gate or expansion mode. Two attack speeds and a continuously variable release time are available in both modes.
235L Threshold
Threshold defines the input level at which expansion or gating occurs. The available range is from +25 dB to -47 dB. The default value is -47 dB.
Signals below the threshold level are processed by the module. Signals above the threshold are unaffected. Rotate this control counterclockwise to increase the gate/expand effect.
Tip: Click the "0" label to return Threshold to 0 dB.
235L Depth
Depth controls the gate/expansion amount, or more technically, the difference in gain between the gated/expanded and non-gated/expanded signal. Higher values increase the attenuation of signals below the threshold. When set to zero, no gating or expansion occurs. The available range is 0 dB to -80 dB. The default value is -80dB.
Scaled Control
Although the Depth control has a full range of -80 dB, the scale is expanded in the first half of rotation so 0 to -9 dB is available for fine tuning of subtle, undetectable gating. The second half of rotation is from -10 to -80 dB for more drastic noise reduction.
235L Attack
This two-position switch determines how quickly the onset of gating/expansion occurs when the signal exceeds the threshold. Normal (25 milliseconds) and Fast (100 microseconds) settings are available. The default setting is Normal.
235L Release/Hold Knob
The function of Release/Hold knob (R/H) depends on the setting of the Release/Hold switch (Rel/Hld). With both switch settings, the available range of the knob is 50 milliseconds to 3 seconds. The default value is 0.5 seconds.
Note: Hold mode is only available when the 235L module is set to Gate mode with the Gate/Expander switch.
Release
When the input signal drops below the threshold level and the Release/Hold switch is set to Release, this knob sets the amount of time it takes for signals to decay to the Depth level.
Slower release times can smooth the transition that occurs when the signal dips below the threshold, which is especially useful for material with frequent peaks.
Fast release times are typically only suitable for certain types of percussion and other instruments with very fast decays. Using fast settings on other sources may produce undesirable results.
Hold
When the input signal drops below the threshold level and the Release/Hold switch is set to Hold, this knob sets the amount of time that signals are held at normal levels before signals return to the Depth level.
Note: When set to Hold, the release time is fixed at 100 milliseconds.
235L Release/Hold Switch
This two-position switch (REL/HLD) determines the behavior of the Release/Hold knob when the 235L module is set to Gate mode with the Gate/Expander switch. The default value is Release.
Note: This switch is locked in the Release position when the module is in Expander mode (Hold mode is unavailable in Expander mode).
235L Gate/Expander Switch
This switch (GTE/EXP) toggles the module between Gate and Expander modes. The default value is Expander.
GTE – When set to Gate mode, signals below the threshold are attenuated by the Depth amount.
EXP – When set to Expander mode, the gate applies downwards expansion at a fixed 1:2 ratio, with the amount of gain reduction determined by the Depth control. Expansion allows the signal to "sneak up" to the full signal level without any loss of "under threshold" nuances.
235L Meter
This meter displays, in dB, the amount of gain attenuation (downward expansion) occurring in the 235L module.
235L On
This button enables the 235L module. The module is active when the button's green indicator is lit. Click the ON button or its LED to toggle the setting.
Tip: Processor usage is reduced when this module is inactive.
225L Compressor/Limiter
The 225L Compressor/Limiter offers a continuously variable ratio between 1:1 (no compression) and infinity:1 (limiting). Three attack speeds and continuously variable release times are available. A hard/soft knee setting and a unique new/old setting are also available in the module.
225L Threshold
Threshold defines the input level at which compression begins. The available range is +13 dB to -18 dB. The default value is 13 dB.
Signals that exceed the threshold are processed by the Ratio value. Signals below the threshold are unaffected. Rotate this control clockwise to increase the compression effect.
Note: The 225L compressor automatically increases makeup gain to compensate for levels that are reduced during compression (aka reciprocal gain). However, as with the original hardware, the plug-in's compensated makeup gain levels are not perfectly linear.
225L Ratio
Ratio defines the amount of gain reduction applied to signals above the threshold. For example, a value of 2 (expressed as a 2:1 ratio) reduces the signal level above the threshold by half, with an input signal level of 20 dB being reduced to 10 dB.
A value of 1 yields no gain reduction. When the control is at maximum (∞), the ratio is effectively infinity to one, yielding the limiting effect. The available range is 1:1 to infinity. The default value is 4:1.
225L Attack
This three-position switch defines the attack time of the compressor. Available values are Fast (2 milliseconds), Medium (18 milliseconds), and Slow (75 milliseconds). The default value is Medium.
225L Release
Release sets the amount of time it takes for processing to cease once the input signal drops below the threshold level. The available control range is 50 milliseconds to 3 seconds. The default value is 0.5 seconds.
Note: Actual release times are program dependent.
Slower release times can smooth the transition that occurs when the signal dips below the threshold, which is especially useful for material with frequent peaks. However, if the release is too long, compression for sections of audio with loud signals may extend to sections of audio with lower signals.
Fast release times are typically only suitable for certain types of percussion and other instruments with very fast decays. Using fast settings on other sources may produce undesirable results.
225L Knee
The knee (onset) characteristic of the compressor/limiter can be set to Soft (SFT) or Hard (HRD) with this two-position switch. The default value is Hard.
Soft provides a more subtle compression resulting in a very natural, less compressed sound. Hard results in a more typical, sharp knee type compression that has a more severe limiting effect.
225L Type
The Type control switches the 225L compressor's control side chain signal to use either a feed-back (OLD) or feed-forward (NEW) design, providing two types of gain reduction. The default value is Old.
Compressors typically have a side chain control signal based on either feed-back or feed-forward designs. NEW feed-forward gain reduction is typical of newer VCA type compressors that rely on RMS detectors for the side chain circuit. The OLD feed-back method is what most classic compressors use for the side chain circuit.
Note: Unlike the original hardware, side chain processing via the 215L and EQ modules can be performed with this switch in the OLD position (the hardware cannot use side chain filtering with feedback compression).
225L Meter
This meter displays, in dB, the amount of gain attenuation occurring in the 225L module.
225L On
This button enables the 225L module. The module is active when the button's green indicator is lit. Click the ON button or its LED to toggle the setting.
Tip: Processor usage is reduced when this module is inactive.
550L Four-Band Equalizer
The 550L EQ is divided into four frequency bands: High Frequency (HF), High Midrange Frequency (HMF), Low Midrange Frequency (LMF), and Low Frequency (LF).
The 550L features API's "Proportional Q" which continuously narrows the bandwidth of the filter as band gain is increased, providing (as stated by API) "an uncomplicated way to generate acoustically superior equalization." The boost and cut characteristics are identical, allowing previous actions to be undone if desired.
Band Controls
The four EQ bands (HF/HMF/LMF/LF) are controlled by dual-concentric rotary switches. The inner knob controls the band frequency (values in blue text) and the outer knob controls the band gain. Available values for these controls are listed in the table below.
550L Frequency and Gain Values
|
Band |
Frequency Values |
Gain (±dB) |
| High Frequency (HF) |
20, 15, 12.5, 10, 7, 5, 2.5 (kHz) |
0 |
|
High Mid Frequency |
12.5, 10, 8, 5, 3, 1.5 (kHz), 800 (Hz) |
|
|
Low Mid Frequency |
1000, 700, 500, 240, 180, 150, 75 (Hz) |
|
|
Low Frequency |
400, 300, 200, 100, 50, 40, 30 (Hz) |
|
|
Default Values are indicated in bold |
||
Frequency
Frequency determines the center frequency of the band when the band is in peak mode (all bands) and the cutoff frequency when the band is in shelf mode (available with HF/LF bands only). The frequency for the band can be set using any of these methods:
- Drag the inner concentric knob to the desired value
- Hover over the inner concentric knob then use the mouse scroll wheel
- Click directly on the frequency value label to switch to that value
- Click on the band label (HF/HMF/LMF/LF) to cycle through available values (shift+click to cycle in reverse)
Gain
The gain for each band can be set using any of these methods:
- Drag the outer concentric knob handle to the desired value
- Click the "+" or "-" text labels to increment/decrement values
- Hover over the outer concentric knob then use the mouse scroll wheel
Peak/Shelf Switches
The HF and LF bands are in shelf mode by default (switches in "down" position). When the Peak/Shelf switch is engaged for the band (in "up" position), the band is changed to peak mode.
PREDYN (EQ Pre-Dynamics)
By default, the audio signal is routed into the EQ after dynamics processing. When PREDYN is enabled (when its green LED is lit), this routing is swapped, and the EQ precedes the dynamics modules instead. For related information, see "Signal Flows" earlier in this guide.
Note: PREDYN has no effect when the EQ's DYN SC button is active.
DYN SC (Dynamics Sidechain)
When DYN SC is active (when its green LED is lit), signal output from the EQ module is removed from the audio path, and is instead routed to control the 235L and 225L dynamics modules. For related information, see "Signal Flows" earlier in this guide.
EQ Type
The 550L EQ module is active when the TYPE button's green LED is unlit. Click the TYPE button or its LED to switch to the 560L EQ module.
Tip: The plug-in stores the current settings in both EQ modules, allowing for convenient comparisons of both EQ types or other creative uses.
EQ On
This button enables the EQ module. The module is active when the button's green indicator is lit. Click the ON button or its LED to toggle the setting.
Tip: UAD DSP load is reduced when this module is inactive (unless DSP LoadLock is enabled in the UAD Meter & Control Panel application).
560L Ten-Band Equalizer
With ten bands of graphic EQ, the 560L EQ is ideal for shaping your mix with surgical precision. API's proprietary "Proportional Q" intuitively widens bandwidth at lower boost/cut levels and narrows it at higher levels, giving you more musical control over precise bands of your mix.
Note: As with the original 560L hardware, the signal is boosted by approximately 0.4 dB even when all gain sliders are set to 0 dB.
Gain Sliders
Each of the 10 sliders controls the gain for one frequency band. Each band can be adjusted to boost or cut the frequency by up to ±12 dB. The band center frequencies are listed below.
560L Frequencies
|
31 Hz |
1 kHz |
|
63 Hz |
2 kHz |
|
125 Hz |
4 kHz |
|
250 Hz |
8 kHz |
|
500 Hz |
16 kHz |
Tip: To return a slider to the 0 dB position, click the slider's frequency text label. To reset all sliders to 0 dB, click the "0" text label above the sliders.
PREDYN (EQ Pre-Dynamics)
By default, the audio signal is routed into the EQ after dynamics processing. When PREDYN is enabled (when its green LED is lit), this routing is swapped, and the EQ precedes the dynamics modules instead. For related information, see "Signal Flows" earlier in this guide.
Note: PREDYN has no effect when the EQ's DYN SC button is active.
DYN SC (Dynamics Sidechain)
When DYN SC is active (when its green LED is lit), signal output from the EQ module is removed from the audio path, and is instead routed to control the 235L and 225L dynamics modules. For related information, see "Signal Flows".
EQ Type
The 560L EQ module is active when the TYPE button's green LED is lit. Click the TYPE button or its LED to switch to the 560L EQ module.
Tip: The plug-in stores the current settings in both EQ modules, allowing for convenient comparisons of both EQ types or other creative uses.
EQ On
This button enables the EQ module. The module is active when the button's green indicator is lit. Click the ON button or its LED to toggle the setting.
Note: Processor usage is reduced when this module is inactive.
Global Module
Output Meter
The vertical LED ladder-style metering provides a visual indication of relative signal peak levels at the output of the plug-in.
Output Fader
This control accurately models the sound and linear behavior of the original API console fader. Up to +9 dB of gain is available. The default value is 0 dB.
Tip: Click the "0" text label to return Output to the 0 dB position.
Note that because the output buffer amplifier precedes the fader in signal flow, the Output Fader cannot control the modeled output buffer amp's clipping behaviors.
SC Link (Side Chain Link)
When the plug-in is used on a stereo signal, this button links the side chains of the left and right channels of the 225L and 235L dynamics modules so both channels are compressed by the same amounts. SC Link is active when the button's green indicator is lit. The default value is ON.
Linking the side chains prevents signals which appear on only one channel from shifting the stereo image of the output. For example, any large transient on either channel will cause both channels to compress, and the amount of compression will be similar to the amount of compression for a transient which appears on both channels at the same time.
Note: The SC Link button cannot be engaged when the plug-in is used in a monophonic configuration.
Power
The plug-in is active when one or more LEDs are lit. When power is off, all LEDs are unlit, all plug-in processing is disabled, and processor usage is reduced.
API Vision Console
All visual and aural references to the API Vision Console and all use of API's trademarks are being made with written permission from Automated Processes, Inc. Special thanks to Paul Wolff, Larry Droppa, Todd Humora, Jeffrey Richards, and Paul Wolff.