API 560 Special Edition Graphic Equaliser

The API 560 Special Edition is a ten-band graphic EQ with Proportional Q, zero-detent sliders, and the 2520 op-amp for high headroom and punchy analogue tone. Based on the original 1960s design, it’s ideal for shaping, tuning, and adding the signature API sound in any 500 Series setup.

API 560 Special Edition Graphic Equaliser

The API 560 Special Edition is a classic ten-band graphic equaliser originally developed for API consoles in the 1960s and 1970s. Designed for fast, intuitive operation with zero-detent sliders, the 560 excels in both precision tone shaping and broad tonal enhancement, making it an essential tool for tasks ranging from signal sweetening to room tuning.

Modern versions of the API 560 stay true to the original design while offering improved resolution in the ±4 dB range and updated circuitry built around API’s proprietary components, including the renowned 2520 op-amp. The result is high headroom, low distortion performance, even when applying aggressive EQ curves. With its ability to drive low-impedance loads through API’s custom output transformers, the API 560 Special Edition delivers rich, tight low end and focused imaging, giving users the unmistakable API sonic character.

At the heart of the API 560 Special Edition is API’s “Proportional Q” design, which adjusts filter bandwidth based on the amount of boost or cut: wider at subtle levels, narrower at extreme settings. This makes it both powerful and musical, and the symmetrical boost/cut response allows precise reversals of EQ moves without coloration. Compatible with all standard 500 Series formats, the API 560 Special Edition is built to API’s rigorous standards for durability, reliability, and long-term performance.

Features

  • 10 bands of API proprietary equalization
  • Familiar graphics operation on one octave centers
  • 12 dB of boost/cut per band
  • “Proportional Q” narrows filter Q at extremes
  • Additional resolution within the ±4 region
  • Center detent for reliable reset
  • Silent bypass button
  • Based on the original 1969 API 560 EQ

Specifications

  • Number of bands: 10
  • Filter type: Proportional Q, octave-centred, continuously adjustable level
  • Filter frequency centres: 31Hz, 63Hz, 125Hz, 250Hz, 500Hz, 1kHz, 2kHz, 4kHz, 8kHz, 16kHz
  • Filter boost/cut: ±12 dB
  • Filter slope: 12 dB per octave at full boost or cut
  • Input impedance: 20kΩ, resistive, balanced
  • Output impedance: Less than 85Ω
  • Nominal levels: −15 to +15 dBu
  • Clipping level: Better than +28 dBu
  • Frequency response: +0, −0.25 dB, 30Hz to 20kHz
  • Noise: −95 dBu (EQ out), −90 dBu (EQ in), unweighted 20Hz to 20kHz
  • Distortion: 0.05% max @ +20 dBu output
  • Connectors: 15-position .156″ edge connector
  • Power requirements: ±12/18 VDC @ 60 mA
  • Rack frame and power supply options:
    • 500V (10-slot rack, requires API 200PS power supply)
    • 500H (2-slot rack, internal power supply)
    • 500b “lunchbox®” (4-slot portable rack, internal power supply)
    • API Legacy Consoles and vintage API Classic Consoles
  • Dimensions: 38mm x 133mm x 171mm
  • Dimensions (boxed): 114mm x 165mm x 260mm
  • Weight: 0.73 kg
  • Shipping weight: 0.92 kg

Ordering

SKU API560SE Categories , , Tag

$1,998 Inc GST

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