Skip to main content

Get next-day shipping for $20* -  
See details & shipping cut-off dates

Play Video
48-Month Financing*
API API

API 525 500 Series Discrete Compressor

Q&A SKU #L83785000000000
1295.0 $1,295.00
Or
26.98 $26.98/mo. with 48 months financing*
Limited time Learn more
More ways to pay:
Lease-to-own with Progressive Leasing. Learn more
Loyalty Points Icon
Loyalty Points Icon
Earn 10,360 reward points
($103.60 in credit)
Earn 10,360 reward pts.
($103.60 in credit)
Inventory Msg Check Mark Inventory Msg Exclamation In Checkout Promo Inventory Msg Download Icon
Order Now!
This item is backordered but is available to reserve now. You will not be charged until the item ships.
  • Free Shipping
  • Flexible Financing
  • Lowest Price
Product Warranties Icon Product Warranties Icon

Gold Coverage Protection

Protect your gear

Chevron Right Icon
Overview

Exact reissue of API's original 525 from the early 70's.

Originally released in the '70s, the API 525 500 Series Discrete Compressor is a "feedback" type compressor. An input (threshold) control and output (make-up gain) control are provided, along with an additional "Ceiling" fine-tune function which can increase gain reduction (lower threshold) while simultaneously raising output level to match, so the user can alter dynamics "on the fly" without level changes. A compression/limit switch sets ratio at either 2:1 or 20:1. Attack time is as fast as 15u/s. Four auto release modes are offered via two switches, 0.1s, 0.5s, 1.5s and 2.0s. A De-Ess function inserts an inverse vocal energy curve filter in the detector for effective sibilance/pop reduction. The 525 design has been taken from the original blue prints and spec control drawings from the API archives.

Release times vary with frequency, with high-frequency/full-bandwidth content released faster than lower frequencies for natural envelope tracking. Attack time is fixed, chosen to catch the fastest peaks, without "pumping". Equally useful as a tracking, mixdown or program compressor/limiter, the 525 utilizes "vintage" dynamics control and an easy-to-use multi-function control set. The 525 has a hardwire bypass switch, balanced input and a pinout that is the same as all the other 500 series modules. Two or more 525s can be linked for multi-channel compression.

The API 525 Compressor makes use of the 2510 and 2520 op-amps and exhibits the reliability, long life, and uniformity which are characteristic of all API products.

Features

  • Exact reissue of API's original 525 from the early '70s
  • Peak detecting "feedback" compressor/limiter
  • Variable Threshold and Output levels
  • Unique "Ceiling" control combines key functions
  • Analog VU meter for monitoring gain reduction
  • 4 Switchable release modes
  • De-Ess function
  • Traditional API fully discrete circuit design
  • Active Balanced Input/Output
  • Hardwire bypass

For more features and more range. Order today.

Specs

525 500 Series Discrete Compressor Specifications:

  • Connector: API 500 Edge Connector - VPR Alliance Compliant
  • Input Impedance: 60K Ohms, Balanced
  • Output Impedance: 75 Ohms, Transformer coupled, Balanced
  • Maximum Input Level: +27 dBu
  • Maximum Output Level: +28 dBu
  • Attack Time: 15 micro seconds
  • Release Time: 0.1, 0.5, 2.0, 2.5 seconds
  • Slopes: Compression 2:1, Limit 20:1
  • Maximum Gain Reduction: 25 dB
  • Metering: Illuminated Analog Gain Reduction dB meter
  • Frequency Response: ±0.5 dB, 20 Hz to 40 kHz
  • Signal to Noise Ratio: 112 dB
  • Power Consumption: 3 Watts - VPR Alliance Compliant
  • Unit Size: 1.5" X 5.25" X 7"
  • Shipping Size: 4.5" X 6.5" X 10"
  • Unit Weight: 1.8 lbs.
  • Shipping Weight: 2.2 lbs.
Q&A

Questions & Answers

Do you have questions about this product?

Shop with a Friend
Free Shipping
  • Free Standard Ground shipping (48 contiguous states, some overweight and Used/Vintage items excluded).
  • Orders placed before 3 p.m. ET usually ship the same business day.
Learn More
2-Year Free Warranty on Guitars

Every guitar or bass you purchase from Musician's Friend (electric or acoustic, New or Open Box) includes two years of protection from manufacturer defects.

Contact Us for Details
We're Here for You

Our Gear Advisers are available to guide you through your entire shopping experience. Call or Chat for expert advice and to hear the latest deals.

Contact Us
Proactive Advisor Support Chat