API 205L Discrete Direct Input DI Guitar/Bass Preamp – 200 Series Legacy Module API

The new API 205L Instrument Direct is specifically designed to accept a guitar or bass direct into it, without any loading on the pickups. With the use of the unique TONE control, the low end mud can be reduced. Turning on the BRIGHT switch adds clarity, like the bright switch on any amp. The combination of these two functions may eliminate the need for any EQ on the instrument when recording, keeping the signal pure.

Features:

• Wide range GAIN control
• Hi-Z input, like a Tube Amp
• Thin < > Fat TONE Control reduces low end mud
• BRIGHT Switch boosts the presence
• 20 dB PAD lowers the input level
• 100 K LOAD switch changes the tone of instruments
• 5 Segment LED Meter shows Output Level
• Transformer Coupled Output to +28 dBm
• All Discrete Design

The input is designed specifically to load a pickup the same way that a tube guitar amp would, retaining all of the tone, and minimizing the loading effect on the pickup. This minimal path eliminates the need to use a standard direct box, which more times than not, only converts the signal to a balanced mic level output, which still requires a mic input, equalizer, and fader to get the signal to a recordable level.

The 205L is capable of boosting any instrument to a hefty line level without additional amplifiers. With the 100 K LOAD switch, the tone of the pickup can be altered slightly, which tends to darken the high frequency content. The BRIGHT switch adds a treble boost in the same manner that most instrument amplifiers do, clarifying the instrument and adding presence to it without the need for outboard equalization. When inserting an instrument with an internal preamp or a line level instrument such as a sampler or a keyboard, the 205L has a 20 dB PAD switch to drop the level without loading, retaining the full range of the 205L and its features.

When used with other 200L series modules, a complete input strip can be built from input through dynamics, equalization, and final output. With the addition of the 201L fader module, the output level of the 205L can be adjusted so it is compatible with the input of any guitar amp. The artist can then be in the control room while the instrument amp is isolated in the studio.