API / TCS-II

API/TCS-II is a channel strip equipped with EQ and mic preamps.

■Channel strip
TCS-II is an input module with mic pre, dynamics processing, precision EQ, and output level control.
With extensive signal metering, multiple balanced insert points, and an output mute switch, the TCS-II packs the best features of a large console input channel in a 1U rack size, making it ideal for those looking for high-performance API console sound.

As a result of thoughtful engineering, the TCS-II includes everything you need to record audio signals, including a 512c mic preamp with switchable mic, line, and instrument inputs, a 527A multimode compressor with detent pots for threshold, attack, release, and ratio, and a 550A 3-band equalizer.

The unit's output has a 325 line driver taken directly from the API console design, with an output level pot and 10-segment meter that can also be switched to display the preamp's output level.
Each of the TCS-II's processing can be switched in or bypassed individually, and a flip switch routes the compressor after the EQ if desired. Additionally, it also features a sidechain input and the famous API 2520/Transformer combination.

■ 512C preamplifier specifications
back connector
XLR microphone input
Balanced 1/4"" TRS line input
front connector
HI-Z 1/4"" unbalanced instrument input (INST)
gain range
MIC: Min. 14dB Max. 68dB
INST: 14dB or more maximum 50dB
maximum input level
　MIC: +17dBu
　LINE: +36dBu
　INST: +17dBu
input impedance
MIC: 1500Ω
　LINE: 120KΩ
　INST：120KΩ
Clipping level: +30dBu
LED peak display: +22dBu
Frequency characteristics: +0.3dB, -0.1dB, 30Hz to 20kHz
S/N ratio
　MIC: -116dB
　INST:-102dB

■ 527A compressor specifications
Attack time: 1ms to 25ms (typical)
Release time: 0.1 seconds to 3 seconds (typical)
Compression ratio: 1:1 to ∞:1
Threshold control range: +10dBu to -20dBu
Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz +/- 0.1dB
S/N ratio: -114dB, 20Hz to 20kHz, no compression
Meter: 10 segment red LED
Gain reduction scale: -1dB to -24dB

■ 550A equalizer specifications
Insertion loss: None (bridging)
Frequency response (without equalizer): ±0.2dB 20Hz to 20kHz
S/N ratio: -111dB, 20Hz to 20kHz, no equalizer

■ 325 line driver specifications
Output fader control gain: -∞~+10dB
Clipping level: +30dBu
Channel output: +4dBu, balanced, low impedance, male XLR
Output impedance: less than 75 ohms, transformer balanced
Meter 10 segment LED: dBu scale, -11dBu to +22dBu
Switchable between 512C preamp and 325 line driver outputs

■ Others
Power consumption: 16 watts
Dimensions: approx. 48.26cm x approx. 29.21cm x 4.3cm
Weight: approx. 4.58kg