
API 512V (API500 series)
Product Condition
Brand New | Unused, as sold. |
---|---|
Mint | Like new, no flaws. |
Excellent | Barely used, very minor wear. |
Very Good | Light wear, fully functional. |
Good | Visible wear, plays fine. |
Fair | Heavy wear, still playable. |
Couldn't load pickup availability
Description
Description
Discrete Mic/Line Preamp/DI (500 Series)
High gain up to 65dB Variable output level control 3:1 output transformer tap selection Front and rear panel mic inputs Line/instrument with up to 45dB gain Front panel combo XLR + 1/4 inch line/instrument input LED VU meter for output level monitoring 20dB pad switch for mic/line/instrument Built-in 48V phantom power (switchable)
-Traditional API discrete circuit design -Uses API's original 2520 op-amp
The API 512V is a mic/line/instrument preamp.
It is world-renowned for its low noise of -129 IEN and its ability to provide exceptional sound to any audio system.
The 512V offers the instantly recognizable API sound in a 500 series format at an affordable price.
It also has an impressively high gain of 65dB and features a variable output level control, switchable 3:1 output transformer selection, phantom power, switchable phase reverse switch, -20dB pad and mic/line/instrument selector on the front panel.
When inserted into an API Lunchbox, 500VPR or API console, you have the flexibility to use either the front panel combo XLR + 1/4 inch connector or the rear panel input.
An output level control is included to allow compatibility with any DAW or other level-sensitive devices.
Additionally, the 3:1 output transformer tap selection provides a 9.5dB output attenuator.
The circuit design faithfully follows that of API founder Saul Walker.
The 512V is an analog mic preamp with highly musical and rich sound, cleverly combined with API's original transformers and the incomparable 2520 op amp.
Hand-assembled, the 512V is fully functional and has the reliability, durability, and stability that are hallmarks of all API products.
Product Specifications
Front Connectors: XLR Mic Input, HI-Z 1/4 inch Unbalanced Input Mic Pre Gain Range: Mic / 34dB - 65dB (14dB - 45dB @ Pad Enabled), HI-Z / 14dB - 45dB (-6dB - 25dB @ Pad Enabled)
Maximum input level: Microphone / 8dB, Unbalanced HI-Z input / 36dB
Input impedance: Microphone input / 1500Ω, HI-Z unbalanced input / 400KΩ
Output Impedance: Less than 75 ohms, Transformer type floating balanced Clipping Level: +30dBu
Frequency response: +0, -0.3, 30 - 20 kHz
Noise: Microphone input / -95dBu, HI-Z unbalanced input / -90dBu
Distortion: Less than 0.05% @ +4dBu output, Less than 0.1% @ +28dBu output Power Consumption: ±12V / 18V / DC @ 40mA
Size: 1.5(W) x 5.25(H) x 7(D) inch
Shipping size: 4.5(W) x 6.5(H) x 10.25(D) inches
Weight: approx. 680g
Shipping weight: approx. 907g
Payment & Security
Payment methods
Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.
For orders exceeding Paypal’s transaction limit of 1 million yen, we will provide more details. For secure transactions, items will only be shipped to the address registered in your Paypal account.
Regarding detailed information and contact information to us, please check FAQ.
Please Note
The following information applies to international orders.
■ Condition
Items with “USED” in the product name are pre-owned and will be delivered as shown in the photos. Signs of wear may be present. All items are function-tested by our staff and rechecked before dispatch.
■ Stock
Many products are stocked across Ikebe stores in Japan. As a result, shipment may take several days. In-store sales may also cause items to sell out. If an item is unavailable, we will contact you promptly; in that case, the order will be canceled and any payment will be refunded.
■ Shipping
We ship via FedEx. Shipments are fully insured against damage or loss during transit.
- Asia: 10–20 days (estimated)
- North America & Oceania: 20–30 days (estimated)
Shipping costs are calculated based on the delivery address and confirmed at the time of dispatch.
■ Taxes & Duties
Import duties, taxes, and fees are the buyer’s responsibility and are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These fees are typically collected by the carrier upon delivery or at pickup. Please check with your country’s customs office for details before purchasing.
■ Other
We cannot declare a reduced item value or mark purchases as gifts.
* Warranty
Our product warranty is valid only within Japan.
* Voltage
All electrical products are intended for the Japanese market and are designed for 100 V operation.

About us
Founded in 1975, Ikebe Music is one of Japan's largest general music stores.Thanks to its long history and proven track record, it has earned the trust of musicians and music fans not only in Japan but around the world.
Ikebe Music ships not only within Japan, but also overseas.As a well-known retailer of used musical instruments in Japan, we have a wide selection of used and vintage instruments.
We have a wide variety of unusual and rare instruments, so please take a look.Please note that we do not list new products, as our contracts with our suppliers prohibit international shipping.
About our stores
In Japan, we have about 30 stores in Tokyo (Ikebukuro, Shibuya, Akihabara) and Osaka.
We have just opened our flagship store, IKESHIBU (IKEBE SHIBUYA), in Shibuya, Tokyo, which brings together numerous musical instrument specialty stores and serves as a hub for entertainment culture.
Please be sure to stop by if you are visiting Japan.


About Shipping





We carefully pack every item with protective materials to ensure it arrives safely.
The photos above show an example of how we securely pack a bass guitar for shipping.