One of the coolest trends in recording devices over the past decade or so has been the emergence of the API's 500-series "lunch box" format. Lunch boxes and other 500 Series racks provide power and enclosure 6-11 modules in a single 3RU chassis. These racks are perfect for DIY enthusiasts like me who like to build electronics, but don't have the time, skills or tools to build their own racks.
Of course, DIYers have found a way to get fun with the 500 series. Eisen Audio's DIY500 is the first module on site. It provides PCB, panel and other hardware required to build transformer input/output, based on DOA (API, Twin Servo, etc.) microphone preamplifier.
Next up is the classic API-style preamp of the ClassicAPI. Created by the 1976 API console owner, VP25/VP26 and VP312 are authentic and are an exact clone of the original API circuit. ClassicAPI also works with other manufacturers to replicate the original API iron and operational amplifiers. All of this makes VPxx the closest product to the real old-fashioned API preampl on the market, even closer than what is provided by today's API.
A few years ago, some DIY people began to discuss the creation of a modular system dedicated to DIY. The result is 51x, a format with a 500 series form factor but with a +/- 24v power rail. Last year, the 51x Alliance purchased the 51x Alliance 511 Rack, a DIY, 3RU, 11-space rack with a choice of 2RU power. Now, the DIY community has its own modular rack with a tall PSU and the right voltage to power the Neve preamplifier, John Hardy DOA, and more.
Since the announcement of the league, the community has erupted a new format module. Some VP312DI such as Don Classics Neve clone, Igor's SSL buss compressor and Classic API have been released. Others are on the road: (silence: art) posted photos of D-AOC-based optical components, and Igor plans to release a kit for the 1176 compressor. Classic API's Jeff Steiger has even begun to develop the 500 series / 51x console (!!!), the first phase of the "second stage" faders and filters have been announced. This is a good time to do it yourself!
Orignal From: API lunch box DIY project
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