API AXS 32 Channel with DAW Center Section, Final Touch Automation, Right Hand Patchbay

The API AXS is a large format Class A Discrete inline mixing and tracking production analog recording console.  The API AXS has been enhanced to include Final Touch Automation that can be used in DAW mode or with machine control giving the user full access to ALL of the faders on a mix and not limited to 32 (in Hui).  This enables automated pre or post fader inserts on mix.  The new design accommodates 500 format EQ’s (the previous model Legacy used the narrower 550L and 560L) This AXS comes with a fully integrated right hand bantam tt patch-bay.  The 2 slots in the penthouse inline above the input module and EQ can be configured to your personal tastes.  The upper slot is generally configured to the 212L Mic pre and the lower dedicated to your choice of your choice of compressor, noise gate, or filter. 12 Aux’s and 24 multitrack bus allow enough routing flexibility and creativity to satisfy both old and new school music producers.  The console is solidly built and is backed by an unconditional 5 year warranty.  Purchase this API AXS from Sonic Circus and it includes an integrated patch-bay and onsite commissioning as well as training and support.

API Legacy AXS Features:

Mainframe:

• 32
• Channel Width: 1.5″
• Input Bucket Width: 24″

500 Series Equalizer Compatible:

• Dual 200 Rows above each channel
• 212 Mic Pre
• 225 Compressor
• 235 Noise Gate
• 215 Filter
• 205 Direct Input

Dual Input (100mm Main Fader, 45mm 2nd Fader):

• Motorized Fader as well as Mute Automation

Buses and Routing:

• 24 Main Bus
• 12 Aux Sends
• 3 Stereo Bus

Complete Center Section including 5.1 Surround Monitoring:

6 Stereo Echo Returns with Automated Faders provides Extensive Routing features for Parallel Compression and also Stem Mixing.

2500C Stereo Bus Compressor Standard:

On Board  Patchbay

DAW/Producer’s Desk:

For further customization, we invite you to contact Sonic Circus. As with all API products, The API Legacy AXS Console offers the same exacting craftsmanship featured on all API Large Format Consoles, and also a unique 5 year warranty on all parts.

Also watch the Sonic Circus interview below with Todd Humora, Director of Engineering at API, about the API Legacy AXS.
Read a text transcript of the interview here.

Custom Configurations Available

The AXS can be custom ordered to your specifications. With a flexible design, the console can be configured in multiple ways. In addition to frame size, you can configure the module compliment, as well as left or right hand patch, DAW Center section etc…

While workflow, capacity, and patching may vary by configuration, the basic operational premise of all Legacy AXS consoles is the same.

Mainframe and Channel Slots

Channel Bucket

•  Upper 200 slot (preamps)
•  Lower 200 slot (signal processing)
•  624 Bus Assignment Module slot
•  500 Series EQ slot
•  968 Input Module slot
•  948 Large Fader bay

The Legacy AXS console mainframe can also be configured in a variety of frame sizes consisting of a master bucket and two or more 16-channel channel buckets. The smallest frame size is 32 channels and the largest accommodates 80. The patch bay for consoles with frames for 32 thru 64 channels can be mounted onboard the console or externally. The patch bay for console frames over 64 channels must be externally mounted.

Configuration of the upper 200 slot, lower 200 slot, the 500 EQ slot allows the user to customize the console to your desired workflow and use. The upper 200 slot may be configured with one of two preamp options, while the lower 200 slot may be fitted with one of three dynamic processors or filters. The 500 EQ slot can be fitted with one of four API EQ and filter options or any VPR Alliance approved 500 Series module (except preamps). Any or all of the slots may be left open for future expansion.

Configuration options are specified by the user in consultation with API engineering staff before the console is built at API.

Upper 200 Slot

The upper 200 slot is designed to house the channel preamp. The upper 200 slot is typically fitted with the API 212 Microphone Preamplifier module. Alternately the upper 200 slot can be fitted with an API 205 Direct Input. Most consoles are fitted primarily with 212 Mic Preamps, but usually include at least two 205 Direct Inputs to increase versatility and tonal variance when recording electric instruments.

The output of the preamp installed in the upper 200 slot is internally routed to the Small Fader path input by default. The preamp output can be routed to the Large Fader path input on individual channels by engaging the FLIP button on the 968 Input Module or globally by engaging the FLIP button in the Master Section. The input to the Small Fader path will switch to the channel LINE IN (multitrack return) when FLIP is engaged. The output of the upper 200 slot preamp cannot be directly routed to both fader paths simultaneously.

The microphone input to the upper 200 slot preamp is available on patch as MIC PREAMP INPUT. These patch points are fed from the MIC TIE-LINE patch points via a full-normal connection.

Lower 200 Slot

The lower 200 slot is designed to house additional channel signal processing and is typically fitted with an API 225 Compressor-Limiter. However, API provides two additional 200 Series signal processing module options:

•  215 Sweep Filter
•  235 Noise Gate/Expander

In the standard configuration, the lower 200 slot signal processor (COMP) is located pre-EQ in the Small Fader path. The lower 200 slot (COMP) can be moved to the Large Fader path on individual channels by engaging the COMP LRG button on the 968 Input Module or globally by engaging the COMP LRG button in the Master Section. Engaging the COMP BYP button in the Master Section will bypass the lower 200 slot (COMP) on all channels.

An internal link inside each 968 Input Module can be programmed to place the lower 200 slot (COMP) post-EQ instead of pre-EQ in its assigned path.

The signal processor in the lower 200 slot may be accessed using the COMPRESSOR INPUT, SIDE CHAIN, and COMPRESSOR OUTPUT patch points.

See the 200 Series signal processor descriptions in the “Channel” section later in this manual.

624 Bus Assignment Module Slot

The channel bucket contains dedicated slots designed to support API 624 Bus Assignment Modules. The 624 module handles assignments to Multitrack and Program Buses from the channel Large and Small Fader paths. It also facilitates pan-pot activation in each path. The assignment module slots can only be fitted with API 624 Bus Assignment Modules.

Multitrack Bus outputs and access to the program bus signal flow are available in the System patch bay.

500 Series Equalizer Slot

The 500 Series slot on each channel strip is intended to house the channel equalizer (EQ). This 500 Series slot complies with VPR Alliance standards so it can accept any API or VPR approved 500 Series module except preamps. This slot is not designed to house a preamp and does not have a 48v power supply for phantom power.

The 500 Series EQ slot is typically fitted with one of four API equalizer or filter modules:

•  550A 3-Band EQ
•  550b 4-Band EQ
•  560 10-Band Graphic EQ
•  565 Filter Bank

The 500 Series EQ slot is assigned into the Large Fader path by design. The EQ can be routed to the Small Fader Path by engaging the EQ SM button on the 968 Input Module.

968 Input Module Slot

The channel bucket contains dedicated slots designed to support API 968 Input Modules. The 968 is the main channel module and contains the Large and Small fader paths, internal channel routing, and associated controls. The 968 modules also contain the channel auxiliary sends. The input module slots can only be fitted with API 968 Input Modules.

Access to the channel signal flow is available in the Channel patch bay.

948 Fader Bay

Bays for 948 Fader Modules are located at the bottom of the channel buckets. These bays contain two 8-channel fader modules that support the 16 channels in the bucket.

Master Bucket

The master bucket of the Legacy AXS contains routing and controls for buses, summing, outputs, monitoring and other central console controls. From top to bottom the sections include

• Program Meter Bridge
• 2500C Stereo Bus Compressor
• 624M Multitrack Masters
• 624SM Program Bus Masters
• 265 Auxiliary Bus/Cue Send Masters
• Six assignable Stereo Returns
• Master Section
• 946 Program and Group Master Faders and automation controller.

Patch Bay

Optional DAW Center Section-Producer’s Desk

All consoles include fully integrated, fully balanced TT (bantam) patch bays that provide access to the signal flow of various console and studio systems. In the standard configuration the “Channel Bay” contains 14 patch points in the channel signal flow. The “System Bay” contains patch points for program, multitrack, & auxiliary buses, stereo returns, 2500C Bus Compressor, monitoring, cues, effects, and external studio audio devices.

Patch bays for consoles with frames for 32 thru 64 channels can be mounted onboard the console or mounted externally. Patch bays for consoles frames larger that 64 channels must be externally mounted.

Channel Signal Path Architecture

From top to bottom, the following channel bucket components described above make up a complete Legacy AXS channel strip:

• Upper 200 slot: preamp
• Lower 200 slot: signal processing
• 624 Bus Assignment Module
• 500 Series Slot: EQ
• 968 Input Module
• 948 Fader Module

The Legacy AXS is a “dual-channel” or “in-line” console. Each channel strip provides two independent, discrete audio paths for multitrack recording. One path routes microphones to a multitrack recorder and the other path is for mixing the multitrack return. After recording, both audio paths can be routed to the program buses to provide additional inputs during mix-down. On the Legacy AXS these audio paths are referred to as the Small Fader path and the Large Fader path.

Channel Input Selection

There are two primary choices of input sources, Preamp output and Line In, and one Alternate Line In.

Preamp: This is the output of the preamp installed in the upper 200 slot. There are two modules available to serve as a preamp:

212 Mic Preamp
205 Direct Input
Feeds the Small Fader Path by default

Line In: This is the output from the multitrack recorder interfaced with the console. A -6 dB TAPE PAD can be engaged at the Line In, and feeds the Large Fader Path by default

Alt Line In: This is an alternate line input for the Small Fader path, replacing the Preamp output. Feeds the Small Fader path input when the ALT button is engaged

The default input for the Large Fader path is Line In and the default input for the Small Fader path is the Preamp output. Each input source cannot feed both paths simultaneously, so the Preamp, Line In, or Alt Line In can only feed one path at a time.

Engaging the FLIP button will swap the input sources between fader paths, so the Preamp will feed the Large Fader path and the Line In will feed the Small Fader. Engaging the ALT button will switch the Small Fader path input to the Alt Line In for recording or mixing additional line level sources. If the ALT and FLIP buttons are engaged, the Alt Line Input will feed the Large Fader path.

There is a FLIP button in the Master Section to reverse the inputs between the Small and Large Fader paths on a global basis. There is also a master SM ALT LINE button that routes the Alternate Line Input (ALT LINE INPUT) to the Small Fader input console wide. The master ALL CLR button clears all FLIP and ALT buttons globally and restores normal channel inputs.

Channel Output Routing

•  Direct Output
•  Multitrack Buses 1-24
•  Stereo Mix Bus A, B, and C Direct Output Only one path can be assigned to feed the Direct Output at a time
  The Large Fader will normally feed the Direct Output.
  The Small Fader will feed the Direct Output when the DIR SM switch is engaged. This will defeatthe Large Fader signal to the Direct Output.
  The pre-EQ and Insert signal of the selected fader path will feed the Direct Output when the DIR

The Small Fader and Large Fader paths have access to all output assignment possibilities. The output possible assignments are:

PRE switch is engaged.

Multitrack Buses

There are twenty-four (24) Multitrack Buses which feed the Active Combining Amplifiers (ACA). The Large Fader or Small Fader can be assigned to any of the 24 Multitrack Buses in the 624 Bus

Assignment Module.
Only one audio path, Small Fader or Large Fader, can be assigned to the Multitrack Buses at a time.
The default source for the Multitrack Buses is the Large Fader. The Small Fader can feed the Multitrack Buses by pressing the 24 button on the 968 module. This will defeat the Large Fader signal to the Multitrack Buses. There is a TRIM control and on/off switch for each ACA output.

Stereo Program Buses

•  Both paths, Small Fader and Large Fader, can be assigned to any and all stereo Program Buses, A, B, and C.
•  Program Bus assignments are made for both fader paths in the 624 Bus Assignment Module. There are two sets of STA, STB, and STC switches at the bottom of the 624 module. The left set of switches is for the Small Fader (as indicated by SM below the switches). The right set of switches is for the Large Fader (as indicated by LG below the switches).Panning
• Pan-pots are not engaged by default in the either fader path. Each path has its own pan-pot, which must be engaged to be active.
• Panning assignments are made for both fader paths in the 624 Bus Assignment Module by using the two PAN switches. The left PAN switch is for the Small Fader (as indicated by SM). The right PAN switch is for the Large Fader (as indicated by LG)Session Signal Flow

For those familiar with other in-line recording consoles, one fader path functions as an “mic” or “channel” path and the other fader path functions as a “monitor” or “mix” path. The fader used for each function depends on the selected signal functions. The operational controls allow for both paths to be used for either function.

Each path can provide a different function during the various types of recording sessions. The signal routing of input and output of each path is handled by the 968 Input Module and the 624 Bus Assignment Module.

Multitrack Recording and Overdubs: In a typical multitrack recording session, the channel strips function as follows:

•  Record Path (channel path, input path, mic path): One fader path carries the signals from the microphone preamp, DI, or other input source to the multitrack recorder (DAW).
•  Routed via Direct Outputs or the 24 Multitrack Buses.
  Signal processing is often recorded to the multitrack so filters, EQ, and dynamics are assigned to the record path as needed.
  The fader used for this function (Small or Large) is determined by the user.
•  Monitor Path (mix path, return path): The other fader path is used to mix signals from the multitrack recorder (DAW) to the stereo Program Buses for monitoring.

The fader used for this function (Small or Large) is determined by the user.

Stereo Mixing: In a typical mixing session, the channel strip functions as follows:

The Large Fader path is the main mix path.
The Small Fader path can also be used to route additional returns from multitrack recorders

(DAW) or other sources such as effect units to the mix.
Signal processing is often applied to channels contributing to the mix, so the compressor and
EQ are assigned to the Large or Small Fader paths as needed while mixing.
Stereo Returns are used to return mix stems and effects unit outputs.
The channels and stereo returns contributing to the mix are routed to one or more of the three stereo Program Buses, A, B, C.

The three stereo Program Buses, A, B, C can be summed in the Grand Master Program Bus. The 2500C Stereo Bus Compressor can be patched to any of the stereo Program Buses.

Default AXS Signal Flow: With no routing buttons engaged, the default channel signal flow is as follows:

Small Fader path:

Input: output of the preamp (upper 200 slot)
Signal Processing: Lower 200 slot (COMP)
Output: Assignable (Direct Output, Multitrack Buses, & Program Buses)

Large Fader path:

Input: INPUT (normalled to the MULTITRACK OUTPUT)
Signal Processing: 500 Series EQ slot
Output: Direct Out & by default and assignable (Multitrack Buses & Program Buses)

 

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