API Vintage Console 1969

For sale is a very rare vintage analog API Recording Console, estimated build year in 1969. These don't show up for sale very often, so don't pass this chance up to grab a historic original vintage API console. We believe this was originally commissioned for the military. It has 30 total input channels with 17 vintage API 550 analog 3-band equalizers and 1 vintage API 550a equalizer. The vintage 550/550a alone go for approximately $2500 each, so $45k in value for just the EQs. Loaded with 51x vintage API 325 line-amp cards and 19x vintage API 312 mic-preamp cards. A vintage API 325 amp card goes for approximately $300 - $500 per card and an API 312 vintage mic preamp card as much as $800 - $1200 per card. If you add up the individual value of the 550a, 325 and 312 modules you have approximately $75k in total value which makes this console priced at a great deal. The patchbays / cabling work is extensive and would cost approximately $10k new if not more. The console includes loads of cabling (we have not verified or tested any cabling), spare PSU and pictured spare parts.

The console just got back from servicing and check-up by Mark Richardson, local well known recording console technician in the Nashville area. A list of remaining issues found by Mark are listed below. All other features are working and were tested by Mark. Included for the winning buyer is a console-tech-doc assembled by Mark including some schematics / wiring pinout. Please note that our in-house technicians have not tested the console and Retro Gear Shop is not offering any warranty or functional guarantee on the console. As far as we can tell, there is no phantom power on the mic pres. We can have our techs go through the desk for additional cost if interested.

Some features of the desk as described by Mark Richardson:
- This is a custom frame built by API.
- It has a detachable base which houses the power supplies.
- The top part of the frame houses the audio circuitry.
- It can be turned on its side to move through a 30 inch door.

The Console Modification
- The owner wanted the console inputs expanded and new patch bays installed.
- The old Master Section was removed and five frames holding the 325 amp cards
were stripped of wires and cleaned.
- The Master section got a new custom made Master Panel which has all the Console Masters and Monitors on the top half and an additional 12 channels of audio channels on the lower half.
- The 12 new input channels are designated 19-30. New wiring to the EQ frame was made and attached to a new patchbay. The EQ’s got input transformers and are wired to match CH 1-18.
- All 30 Channels got a transistor buffer to isolate the Buss A-D sends and a Mute Relay on a small PCB. New wiring to the Line amp racks and Faders were installed.
- CUT, MUTE, Pan, and Aux controls are above used old stock faders. These cables were wired to a patchbay along with CH 1-18. This now is set up as: 30 channel with EQ , Stereo Buss pan and 4 Auxes labeled A - D. CH 1-18 also have another set of Busses labeled 1 – 4.
- Three 325 card frames were wired as Channel fader buffers. New wires were installed between the frames, faders and new patch bay.
- The last frames was rewired for Summing Amps for Buss 1 - 4 and A - D, Line Amps for Busses 1 - 4 and A - D, Meter Feeds , Monitor System drive amps, Talk back preamp and amp. These were connected to the new Master Panel and to a new patchbay.
- A new Stereo Buss with Summing Amps. Master Fader, Line amps and Transformers were added using the CAPI Stereo ACA PCB, 2520 opamps and Transformers. This Stereo Buss is connected to a new patch bay.
- An oscillator module was installed in the Master panel and wire to a patchpoint.
- The Master section has the Monitoring controls:
-- A relay controlled switching system is provided for Monitor inputs from The Stereo Buss, a CUE patch point, Four Stereo pairs labeled 2 TRK 1 – 2 TRK -4 .
-- A relay controlled switching system is provided for Selecting Main. Mini, ALT Mini, Sub Bass speakers via a rotary 3 position Switch. Each Speaker has a Level Control. There is a Monitor System Mute, Dim and Dim Level, Sub Bass Mute, Sub Bass Level.
- Patching for 18 channels In / Out to an API 312 rack, I/O for 32 channels of ProTools convertors, 3 sets of 24 channel I/O to hook up to Outboard Gear.
- A new back panel was installed to mount the DL connectors and XLR connectors for all the Inputs and Outputs.

The console belonged to the late Keith Gattis - iconic producer, musician, artist and songwriter. Gattis' song "El Cerrito Place" from his critically acclaimed album Big City Blues is a Texas standard and became a national hit when Kenny Chesney released it. Gattis was a troubadour of many talents and toured as Johnny Paycheck’s guitar player and Dwight Yoakam's band leader and producer. He's had songs released by George Jones, Willie Nelson, George Strait, Gary Allan and many more and his production credits include Waylon Payne, Kendall Marvel, Wade Bowen, Randy Houser, Mickey and the Motorcars and many more.

Prior to Gattis the console was owned by Grammy Nominated songwriter/producer Jeff Trott, who has used this desk for recordings including:
- Sheryl Crow "Soak Up The Sun"
- Griffin House "Flying Upside Down"
- Liz Phair "Fun Style"
- Jeff's Solo record "Dig Up The Astroturf"
- Adrienne Pierce "Faultline"
- Pete Francis album "The Movie We Are In"
- Max Gomez album "Rule The World"
- Sheryl Crow "Kiss That Girl for Bridget Jones Diary

Current API faults:
- AUX Buss A meter sticks
- AUX Buss B Meter feed shorted somewhere
- CH 6 missing pan knob
- Solo lamps 5 dead
- Cut Lamps 18 (all) lamps dead
- No TB mic. TB system not tested
- All pots / switches dirty from sitting and age

Approximate dimensions:
Depth: 33"
Width: 50"
Height: 43.75"