Up for sale is a legendary API 560 Discrete 10-Band Graphic Equalizer for 500-Series racks. Known for its aggressive American punch, tight low end, and iconic "Proportional Q" circuitry, this unit is an absolute secret weapon on kick drums, snare top, bass, electric guitars, and bus duty.

Gently used in a smoke-free studio, fully tested, and working 100% perfectly. Smooth faders with center detents for easy recalls.

Technical Specifications

- Format: Standard 500-Series Single-Slot Module

- Op-Amps: Discrete API 2520 Operational Amplifier & 2510 Op-Amp

- Bands: 10 Bands on 1-Octave Centers (31Hz, 63Hz, 125Hz, 250Hz, 500Hz, 1kHz, 2kHz, 4kHz, 8kHz, 16kHz)

- Boost / Cut Range: +/- 12 dB per band

- Filter Q: Proprietary API "Proportional Q" (narrows bandwidth at higher boost/cut levels to avoid phase smearing)

- Clipping Level: +/- 28 dBu high headroom

- Controls: Smooth fader operation with zero-center detents + hardwire silent In/Out bypass switch

- Frequency Response: + 0, -0.25 dB (30 Hz to 20 kHz)

What the Top Engineers & Producers Say About the API 560

1. Vance Powell (Grammy-winning engineer/producer – Chris Stapleton, Jack White)

"The API 560 is my absolute go-to for snare drum and electric guitars. The Proportional Q lets you carve out space or slap massive energy onto a track without making things sound phasey or unnatural."

2. Chris Lord-Alge (Grammy-winning mix engineer – Green Day, Muse, Bruce Springsteen)

"When you need instant mid-range bite or punch on a vocal or bass line, nothing cuts through a dense mix faster than pushing a fader on a 560."

3. Andrew Scheps (Grammy-winning mix engineer – Red Hot Chili Peppers, Adele, Metallica)

"Graphic EQs get a bad rap in studio recording, but the 560 is a completely different beast. You can boost 12 dB}$ at 63 Hz} on a kick drum, and instead of mud, you just get massive, controlled punch."

4. Sylvia Massy (Producer/Engineer – Tool, System of a Down, Prince)

"The API 560 is pure rock 'n' roll. It's fast, immediate, and extremely forgiving. You see the visual curve right in front of you, and the 2520 op-amp gives you that unmistakable American low-end clout."

5. Jacquire King (Grammy-winning producer – Kings of Leon, Tom Waits, James Bay)

"The 560s are indispensable in my tracking signal chains. They provide a weight and clarity that digital EQ plugins still struggle to match when driving hot analog signals into the converter."

📌 Condition & Terms

- Condition: Excellent functional and cosmetic condition. Clean, scratch-free pots and switches.

- Tested: Fully tested, low noise floor, and 100% operational in a smoke-free studio environment.

- Price: $1,000CAD/$700USD

- Location: Local pickup/drop off near Kitchener/Guelph, drop off in the Greater Toronto Area also available; and willing to ship insured at buyer’s expense anywhere in the world if required.

Check out my other 500-series units!