API / TCS-II

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

■Channel Strip

The TCS-II is an input module featuring a microphone preamp, dynamics processing, high-precision EQ, and output level control.

With its extensive signal meters, multiple balanced insert points, and output mute switch, the TCS-II packs the best features of a large console input channel into a 1U rack size, making it ideal for those seeking a high-performance API console sound.

Through meticulous engineering, the TCS-II includes everything you need for recording audio signals, including a 512c microphone preamp with switchable microphone, line, and instrument inputs, a 527A multimode compressor with detent potentiometers for adjusting threshold, attack, release, and ratio, and a 550A 3-band equalizer.

The unit's output features a 325 line driver directly derived from API console design, with an output level potentiometer and a 10-segment meter, which can also be switched to display the preamp output level.

Each processing unit in the TCS-II can be individually switched in or bypassed, and a flip switch routes the compressor after the EQ as needed. Furthermore, it features a sidechain input and a combination of the renowned API 2520/transformer.

■ 512C Preamp Specifications

Rear Connectors

XLR Microphone Input

Balanced 1/4"" TRS Line Input

Front Connectors

HI-Z 1/4"" Unbalanced Instrument Input (INST)

Gain Range

MIC: Minimum 14dB, Maximum 68dB

INST: 14dB to 50dB

Maximum Input Level

MIC: +17dBu

LINE: +36dBu

INST: +17dBu

Input Impedance

MIC: 1500Ω

LINE: 120KΩ

INST: 120KΩ

Clipping Level: +30dBu

LED Peak Indicator: +22dBu

Frequency Response: +0.3dB, -0.1dB, 30Hz to 20kHz

S/N Ratio

MIC: -116dB

INST: -102dB

■ 527A Compressor Specifications

Attack Time: 1 ms to 25 ms (typical)

Release Time: 0.1 sec to 3 sec (typical)

Compression Ratio: 1:1 to ∞:1

Threshold Control Range: +10 dBu to -20 dBu

Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz +/- 0.1 dB

S/N Ratio: -114 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, no compression

Meter: 10-segment red LED

Gain Reduction Scale: -1 dB to -24 dB

■ 550A Equalizer Specifications

Insertion Loss: None (bridging)

Frequency Response (no equalizer): ±0.2 dB 20 Hz to 20 kHz

S/N Ratio: -111 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, no equalizer

■ 325 Line Driver Specifications

Output Fader Control Gain: -∞ to +10dB

Clipping Level: +30dBu

Channel Output: +4dBu, Balanced, Low Impedance, Male XLR

Output Impedance: Less than 75 ohms, Transformer Balanced

10-Segment LED Meter: dBu Scale, -11dBu to +22dBu

Switchable between 512C Preamp and 325 Line Driver Output

■ Other

Power Consumption: 16 watts

Dimensions: Approx. 48.26cm x Approx. 29.21cm x 4.3cm

Weight: Approx. 4.58kg