Pack Your Lunchbox: 500 Series Favorites

Starting as a DIY approach to building API-style channel strips, the 500 series format has, over the past decade, become a veritable phenomenon in the recording world. The modular nature of API's consoles led many engineers of the '70s and '80s to begin swapping units around and creating custom devices for the smaller, channel-strip-sized racks. In 1978, API finally codified the format, releasing the first 10-space 500 series design. Dubbed a 'Lunchbox', the smaller racks had their adherents through the '80s and '90s. Now the 500 series is the fastest growing format in pro audio gear. Whether you want to craft a classic vocal chain, a sophisticated guitar DI and reamping rig, a complete analog mix summing solution, or to swap between all three - with the 500 series you're only limited by your imagination.