Skip to content
Chuck Levin's will be closed Thursday November 28th
Chuck Levin's will be closed Thursday November 28th

API 525 Discrete Compressor, Re-Issue

Sold out
Original price $1,295.00 - Original price $1,295.00
Original price $1,295.00
$1,295.00
Default Title: $1,295.00
Current price $1,295.00
❓ Out of stock

Notify Me When Available
About Inventory Status


Questions?
Call or text us at 301-946-8808.

In stock: It is in stock and available to ship or pickup. Apparel must be shipped from another location and is not available for in-store pickup. We can usually ship or have these items available for pickup by the next business day if they don't require inspection, special handling, or setup. Our pickup location is 11151 Veirs Mill Rd. Silver Spring, MD 20902.

📆 Preorder: It is on the way to our warehouse. We can't predict when preorder items will arrive due to current supply chain issues. If you place an order for one of these items someone will contact you to estimate the delivery date.

Out of stock: We don't currently have it available but you're not out of luck yet. We still may be able to get it. If you order one of these items we will contact you with an estimated fulfillment date. You have the option to cancel the order if you change your mind.

Special order: The item is so special that it needs to be custom ordered for you. Some of these items are works of art and have to be made individually. Orders for special order items must be prepaid and we cannot accept cancellations or refunds.

█ Sold out: We don't think we can get this item because it was either discontinued by the manufacturer or was limited in quantity. If you want or need this item call or text us. Sometimes we can help you track down the item through other sources or help you find something similar.

About Item Conditions


Questions?
Call or text us at 301-946-8808.

New: The item is brand new as received from the manufacturer with a full manufacturer warranty. Instruments such as guitars, snare drums, drum kits, brass and woodwind instruments may be opened for photography and quality control inspection and may not be in a factory sealed box.

Mint or Open Box: The item may have been opened and tested but has been repackaged. The original packaging may have superficial issues but the item itself and any originally included accessories are in perfect, like new condition.

Display Model: These items are so cool that we put them on display in our legendary shop. The condition is brand new as received from the manufacturer with manufacturer warranty. Rest assured, these items undergo a very careful inspection before shipping.

Demo: These items have been on our sales floor for demo purposes and will likely show signs of use. The original packaging may no longer be included, but you can be assured that you are receiving an awesome item and an awesome price.

Used: The item is used. These item may have varying degrees of wear. Please read the description for information about the condition of the item. Used items do not carry a warranty.

B or C Stock: Factory refurbished. These items were purchased from the manufacturer in a refurbished condition. They will show some cosmetic issues, but nothing that would impact performance. Being that these are sealed from the manufacturer, we generally do not open these to photograph the cosmetic issues. They are guaranteed to work and may have a limited warranty or you may purchase an extended warranty in some cases. Please see the listing description for item specific information.

Educational & Government Sales Quotes

Click here to inquire about an educational or government quote and discover more about our Educational & Government Sales Division.


Get Everything You Need In A Compressor With The API 525 Discrete Compressor, Re-Issue

Originally released in the 70's, the API 525 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, & 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 hard-wire bypass switch, a 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. T

he 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.

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

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Input Impedance: > 30 K Ohms, Balanced
  • Output Impedance: 100 Ohms, Transformer coupled, Balanced
  • Operating Levels: -15 dBu to +20 dBu
  • Maximum Gain Reduction: 25 dB
  • Noise: 98 dB below +10 dBu output, at 10 dB of Compression
  • Harmonic Distortion: 0.5% Max, 30 to 20 kHz
  • Attack Time: 15 micro seconds
  • Release Times: .1, .5, 2.0, 2.5 seconds
  • De-essing: Inversion of the Voice Energy Curve
  • Slopes: Compression, 2:1, Limit, 20:1
  • Metering: Compression or Limiting-Illuminated Analog dB meter, shows Gain Reduction
  • Frequency Response: ±.5 dB, 30 to 20 kHz
  • Power Requirements: ±12/18 Volts/DC, @80 ma.
  • Size: 1.5 X 5.25 X 7.5 inches
  • Size (Boxed for Shipping): 4.5 X 6.5 X 10 inches
  • Actual Weight: 1.77 lbs.
  • Shipping Weight: 2.17 lbs.


Manufacturer: Automated Processes Inc
Model: 525
SKU: I302012-N-0-WHXC


We are Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center

Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC's legendary music shop. Family-owned and operated since 1958. Buy gear the way it was meant to be bought, from a store that's been there through it all and has the vibe to prove it. We're staffed with musicians and industry experts, people that live and breathe music gear. Our mission is to help you find the right gear for your project, that thing that will bring you the most joy out of what you do. We're an authorized dealer for almost every brand, we stock items the other stores don't, so you can try before you buy. Stop by our Wheaton, MD showroom and see for yourself.

Contact us if you have questions about one of our listings or if you need help finding the right piece of gear.

Free Shipping

Offered for thousands of items when you spend $100+

Questions?

+1 (301) 946-8808

Get A Quote

Get an educational or government quote

Easy Returns

Learn about returns.