API 2500 vs 2 x 527's

[we88]

I'm thinking of putting something like a 527's across my stereo bus to pair with my 5500 EQ for mixing. In terms of stereo operation I read this on the API site:-

The 527 is designed for individual channel use or, through the use of the LINK switch, two units can be combined for Stereo applications via a motherboard bus connection.

my question is, does anyone have experience with this - 2 x 527's vs a 2500? ie what would i be missing from the 2500 and importantly, what does 'via a motherboard bus connection' mean in the context of 500 series format ie will the units still be able to work in mono or separate mono. (which i'd really want the flexibility of)

Thanks

L

[Ben M]

I'm thinking of putting something like a 527's across my stereo bus to pair with my 5500 EQ for mixing. In terms of stereo operation I read this on the API site:-
The 527 is designed for individual channel use or, through the use of the LINK switch, two units can be combined for Stereo applications via a motherboard bus connection.
what does 'via a motherboard bus connection' mean in the context of 500 series format ie will the units still be able to work in mono or separate mono. (which i'd really want the flexibility of)

Thanks

L

Hi Lindsay
I believe the bus connection link is a multi pin ribbon connector that links the 527 boards. Once they are linked you should be able to use in stereo or dual mono.
I'd have to say for stereo buss apps.... to complement your lovely 5500 I'd choose a 2500. They will be an API match made in heaven.
On the 527 dual mono/stereo idea....There is a 500 2 slot rack called an Avedis R52 that links 2 modules that are sitting side by side, however I'm not sure if they link 527 compressors. You'd have to research on that. It might not link the correct pins.
I have a couple of R52's which I can link 2 API 550b's to make an 8 band eq or put a mic pre next to an eq or comp then eq, and so on... They're good units for linking 2 units sitting side by side. Just don't know 100% if they link 2x 527's.
cheers
Ben
P.s. I like the name of your group

[we88]

Thanks, yes the name has gotten quite some attention, even if we tend to get blocked as spam quite a bit.

Thanks, so I guess that inside that this cable happens sOmewhere inside the rack with a similar function to the link cable on the distressors. Normally I'd focus on the 2500 but I have a 500 series rack with gaping holes in it and this seemed like a more economic solution if it can largely do the same thing.

L

[mylesgm]

actually the 500 rack I have has jumpers on the back plane, a set to select where the ground is referenced and a set to link to side by side modules together. I think this is a standard setup and as API designed the system I'm sure they'll take advantage of those jumpers.

[Ben M]

cool so it's just a single jumper cable on the lunchbox back plane?

BTW Lindsay, I have a couple of 500 series blank panels for your empty spaces if you'd like them.

cheers

[chribble]

i did some reading on this too, apparently its not the same! but kinda cool.

I'm grabbing some 225L's which have similar controls to 2500 (i havent used one!)
Apparently thats not the same either, but cool.

is there anything like the 2500, that can do dual mono, but also wet/dry blend?

[we88]

cool so it's just a single jumper cable on the lunchbox back plane?

BTW Lindsay, I have a couple of 500 series blank panels for your empty spaces if you'd like them.

cheers

Sure, where do sign up?

I have the API 500 VPR rack and I only remember seeing xlr ins and outs on the back but i'll check tonight

[Ben M]

Lindsay... not on the back of the VPR but inside on the connector board. Like below.

API link.jpg

[we88]

mmm.. mine doesn't have such a connection. Nothing even remotely similar or anything that says 'link' It's a 500VPR revision B. Doesn't quite seem right that the Lunchbox would have this facility and the rack not.

The API website is strangely quiet on such matters

[Ben M]

VPR's must have a different back plane. It's still possible to make it happen. You'll need to confirm this...but... I believe all your doing by adding the jumper cable is linking pin 6 on the 2 edge connectors you want to link (the 2 slots for the 527's). You would need to perform a small mod to make it happen.
Contact API before doing anything. Don't rely 100% on my advice with this.

[we88]

Yes they do. It's funny actually that the lunchbox seems to have more options than the rack, including not only an easier link connection and d-sub options on the rear.

Tracked down a bit more information on this GS thread:

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/high-end ... essor.html

I will anyway contact API directly for advice before doing anything.

thanks

[heathen]

525's are great for channels, I would'nt run a whole mix through them, the 2500 is not quite as aggressive as the 525 and does a whole heap more. In my opinion of course.

[ChrisW]

527's.

[The Tasmanian]

There is a lot of great stuff going on with a 2500 that a pair of 527's would not be able to achieve.
All different types of filters/slopes/etc etc - and all of them are really good.
In a stereo mix situation a 2500 is a very versatile comp.

[mylesgm]

And you can still use the 2500 as a mono comp which it excels at. You could also use it a dual mono as long as the compression needs are similar are the sources. If you set the threshold high you can drive the threshold from the output of the previous device.

[The Tasmanian]

Yes Myles -
I forgot how amazing they are in a tracking sit as a mono comp - great on vocals with all the filters etc.
Amazing too on snare and bass, drum room mics - and just about everything Ive thrown at it.

[mylesgm]

I've actually got more stereo comps than mono ones. I tried one of my SSL style comps awhile back as single channel mono and thought it sounded excellent and then began trying them all out in different ways than I usually would (mono,dual mono, single source in series etc) and foun lots of cool tricks and sounds. stereo comps are way more useful than simply stereo sources. I also love the 2500 link feature that allows variable link strength. Great comp with lots of features that are all useful rather than features that dont actually add anything useful.