API Select SV14
- Based on the classic APSI 562 EQ
- Continuous control of frequency and gain
- 12 dB boost/cut per band
API Select SV14 Review
About the Developer
Automated Processes Inc. was founded by Saul Walker in 1968 and began by manufacturing broadcast consoles. Over time, the company’s products gained popularity with recording studios, leading to a series of industry-leading innovations, including the 500 Series module, the first VCA, and computerized console automation.
API Select SV14 Features
The SV14 EQ circuit design is a nod to API’s storied past. This unit offers parametric equalization at a budget-friendly price by faithfully reengineering the highly sought-after APSI 562 EQs, which API distributed during the 1970s and 1980s. Additionally, the SV14 features an EQ in/out switch, transformer-balanced output, and dual-concentric knobs that provide continuously variable boost/cut and frequency control.
This new release from API offers some impressive features that are both familiar and reliable. It includes four EQ bands based on the APSI 562 EQ, which has been used on numerous hit records. Each band can be boosted or cut within a 12dB range, and all four bands have peak and dip settings to precisely adjust the selected frequency. In simpler terms, this is a Bell type of EQ response characteristic.
Let’s start from the bottom of the unit. The knobs here control the lowest frequencies, ranging from 20Hz to 200Hz, with steps at 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, 120, and 150Hz. As is common with API equipment, the knobs are stacked, with the larger knob setting the gain and the smaller knob on top selecting the desired frequency.
The second set of knobs from the bottom adjusts frequencies at 100, 125, 200, 250, 330, 400, 500, 800, and 1kHz. The third knob can set frequencies from 500, 600, 1000, 1200, 1500, 1800, 2000, 4000, and 5000Hz.
The final, or fourth, set of knobs works on frequencies of 2200, 2500, 3000, 5000, 6000, 8000, 10000, 16000, and 20000Hz. Each of these four bands is crucial and functions as a fixed EQ, giving you complete control over these areas.
The last button on the unit is the In/Out switch, which can activate or bypass the unit in the chain. The unit has a high headroom with a +24dB clip level and is designed for a standard API 500 series chassis or lunchbox. This makes it a basic yet highly effective unit!
In terms of sound, you can expect the distinctive quality of an API unit. The SV14 works incredibly well on recorded signals and live bands, including electric and acoustic guitars, bass guitars, entire drum groups, and even vocals.
- Connectors: API 500 Edge Connector VPR Alliance Compliant
- Input Impedance: 15KOhms Balanced
- Output Impedance: 75 Ohms, Transformer Balanced
- Bandwidth: +/- 0.5dB, 20Hz – 50kHz
- THD+N @ 1kHz, +4dBu: <0.02%
- Maximum Level: +24dBu
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 115dB
- EQ Bands: 4 bands, all +/-12dB Peak/Dip type
- Maximum SPL: 134 dB SPL (2.5kΩ, 0.5% THD)
- Power Consumption: +/- 16 VDC @ 35 mA
- Unit Size: 1U 500 Module, 1.5″ X 5.25″ X 7.0″
- Shipping Weight: 2.0 lbs
Why You Need the API Select SV14
If you’re looking for a new unit with a vintage flair, this is the one for you. The API team has dedicated their careers to supporting and providing quality to their customers, and this unit is no exception.
When we talk about the brand API, it’s most commonly associated with live music genres and is less frequently used in electronic or computer-generated genres. Despite this primary perception, more and more electronic and hip-hop producers and engineers are choosing their units.
Conclusion
We briefly covered this unit and believe we touched on the essentials. We highly recommend trying this device if you’re in need of a new 500 series equalizer for your chassis. We also believe you won’t be surprised by its sound, as you should already expect the highest quality from this developer.
If you have any questions about the API EQ we reviewed in this article, please leave a comment below or reach out to the customer service page from API.
