Published 25/6/08
R24, V14 & R20
Arsenal Audio is a new brand from API, who have been making top-spec analogue hardware for over 40 years now. API are keen to state that Arsenal Audio isn't a 'B-brand', just one that allows them to manufacture equipment using technology that doesn't fit it to the heritage of API.
There were three Arsenal Audio products launched at the Summer NAMM show: the R20 twin-channel microphone and instrument preamplifier, the R24 two-channel, four-band EQ, and the V14, a single-channel version of the R24 for the API 500-series modular systems. As you can see from the pictures, they all have a distinct, rugged look.
The R20 is a 2U rackmountable unit that has two identical channels. Microphone inputs are on the rear panel, while instruments can be plugged into the front of the device, using quarter-inch jack sockets. The controls are very simple: there's a single gain knob, with a peak-indicator LED, and four toggle switches enable the user to engage phantom power, a pad and a phase-reverse circuit, and switch between the mic and instrument inputs. Rear-panel connections are equally simple, with XLR and TRS jack outputs alongside the mic inputs.
The R20 is designed to be low-noise and clean-sounding, and will suit those that want to get a transparent sound with no bells and whistles. It's due to cost $1195, and should be shipping by July.
The R24 two-channel EQ is also a 2U rackmountable device. Interestingly, it's modelled on the APSI 562 EQ from the ’70s, which some people consider superior to API's consoles — and they're not to be sniffed at! Each channel of EQ has an in/out button, and four bands of semi-parametric filtering, which means they have no bandwidth control. Each band has nine switchable centre frequencies, which are selected by the small knobs, with large knobs controlling the gain, which can boost or cut by up to 12dB. Inputs and outputs are on XLR and balanced quarter-inch jack. As with the R20, the R24 will cost $1195.
The final new Arsenal Audio product is the V14, a single-channel version of the R24 that fits into the 500-series systems such as API's Lunchbox or 500 VPR rack. The only difference between the two, apart from the single-channel limitation and the physical shape and size, is that the V14 uses dual-concentric knobs to control the filter frequency and gain. The V14 costs $695.
More information can be found at www.apiaudio.com
In the UK, the Arsenal Audio range will be distributed by KMR Audio.
KMR Audio +44 (0)208 445 2446
www.kmraudio.com
There were three Arsenal Audio products launched at the Summer NAMM show: the R20 twin-channel microphone and instrument preamplifier, the R24 two-channel, four-band EQ, and the V14, a single-channel version of the R24 for the API 500-series modular systems. As you can see from the pictures, they all have a distinct, rugged look.
The R20 is a 2U rackmountable unit that has two identical channels. Microphone inputs are on the rear panel, while instruments can be plugged into the front of the device, using quarter-inch jack sockets. The controls are very simple: there's a single gain knob, with a peak-indicator LED, and four toggle switches enable the user to engage phantom power, a pad and a phase-reverse circuit, and switch between the mic and instrument inputs. Rear-panel connections are equally simple, with XLR and TRS jack outputs alongside the mic inputs.
The R20 is designed to be low-noise and clean-sounding, and will suit those that want to get a transparent sound with no bells and whistles. It's due to cost $1195, and should be shipping by July.
The R24 two-channel EQ is also a 2U rackmountable device. Interestingly, it's modelled on the APSI 562 EQ from the ’70s, which some people consider superior to API's consoles — and they're not to be sniffed at! Each channel of EQ has an in/out button, and four bands of semi-parametric filtering, which means they have no bandwidth control. Each band has nine switchable centre frequencies, which are selected by the small knobs, with large knobs controlling the gain, which can boost or cut by up to 12dB. Inputs and outputs are on XLR and balanced quarter-inch jack. As with the R20, the R24 will cost $1195.
The final new Arsenal Audio product is the V14, a single-channel version of the R24 that fits into the 500-series systems such as API's Lunchbox or 500 VPR rack. The only difference between the two, apart from the single-channel limitation and the physical shape and size, is that the V14 uses dual-concentric knobs to control the filter frequency and gain. The V14 costs $695. More information can be found at www.apiaudio.com
In the UK, the Arsenal Audio range will be distributed by KMR Audio.
KMR Audio +44 (0)208 445 2446
www.kmraudio.com
