API
205L - Discrete Direct Input Module
• Wide range GAIN control
• Hi-Z input, like a Tube Amp
• Thin < > Fat TONE Control reduces low end mud
• BRIGHT Switch boosts the presence
• 20 dB PAD lowers the input level
• 100 K LOAD switch changes the tone of instruments
• 5 Segment LED Meter shows Output Level
• Transformer Coupled Output to +28 dBm
• All Discrete Design
The new API 205L Instrument Direct is specifically designed to accept a guitar or bass direct into it, without any loading on the pickups. With the use of the unique TONE control, the low end "mud" can be reduced. Turning on the BRIGHT switch adds clarity, like the bright switch on any amp. The combination of these two functions may eliminate the need for any EQ on the instrument when recording, keeping the signal pure.
The input is designed specifically to load a pickup the same way that a tube guitar amp would, retaining all of the tone, and minimizing the loading effect on the pickup. This minimal path eliminates the need to use a standard direct box, which more times than not, only converts the signal to a balanced mic level output, which still requires a mic input, equalizer, and fader to get the signal to a recordable level.
The 205L is capable of boosting any instrument to a hefty line level without additional amplifiers. With the 100 K LOAD switch, the tone of the pickup can be altered slightly, which tends to darken the high frequency content. The BRIGHT switch adds a treble boost in the same manner that most instrument amplifiers do, clarifying the instrument and adding presence to it without the need for outboard equalization. When inserting an instrument with an internal preamp or a line level instrument such as a sampler or a keyboard, the 205L has a 20 dB PAD switch to drop the level without loading, retaining the full range of the 205L and its features.
When used with other 200L series modules, a complete input strip can be built from input through dynamics, equalization, and final output. With the addition of the 201L fader module, the output level of the 205L can be adjusted so it is compatible with the input of any guitar amp. The artist can then be in the control room while the instrument amp is isolated in the studio.
The 205L Direct makes use of the 2510 and 2520 op-amps and therefore exhibits the reliability, long life, and uniformity characteristic of API products.
Q & A
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Protect your investment with the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty
A warranty can be a very important factor when making a buying decision. Because repairs can be very expensive in terms of parts and labour costs, manufacturers usually only provide one year limited warranties that generally only cover items that malfunction due to a manufacturer’s defect. With an important purchase such as a musical
instrument or piece of studio gear, however, many people want to have the peace of mind in knowing that their investment will be protected should the product no longer be performing at 100%.
Because of this, Long & McQuade provides our customers with a FREE one-year Performance Warranty on most of our products. The Long & McQuade Performance Warranty supplements the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that our customers receive complete “no hassle” warranty coverage within their first year.
How does the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty differ from most manufacturers' warranties?
- Performance Guarantee: Normal wear and tear is covered, so your product will be performing as well as the day you purchased it for the entire duration of the coverage. Band and Orchestral Performance Warranty does not include replacing pads or cleaning for woodwind instruments, unless deemed necessary by our repair staff. Ultrasonic cleaning for brass instruments will be provided if deemed necessary by our repair staff, but is not routinely offered under the Performance Warranty.
- Product Replacement: If your product cannot be fixed or costs too much to fix, we will replace it with the equivalent model for no additional charge. If this is not possible, a full refund will be provided.
- No Lemon Policy: Your product will be replaced should the same problem occur multiple times.
- Convenient: Easy drop off and pick up of the product at any Long & McQuade location.
- Guitar Setup: Guitars purchased at Long & McQuade come with 1 free setup, to be redeemed within 1 year for new guitars and 90 days for used guitars.
- Loaners Available: A loaner product may be given while the product is being repaired.
- Power Surge Protection: Your product is covered even if damaged from a power surge.
- Accessory Coverage: Any peripheral devices or accessories that come with your product (i.e. foot pedal, case) are also covered.
- Commercial Use Coverage: Music and recording professionals who purchase gear for “heavy-use” commercial purposes will still be covered.
Long & McQuade reserves the right to restrict the purchase of additional years of Performance Warranty. Used products come with a 3-month Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Some products (i.e. computers, software, cymbals and other items) are covered only by the manufacturer‘s warranty. Consumables (i.e. strings, reeds, drum sticks, batteries, tubes, cross faders) are excluded as they are designed to be replaced. Cosmetic Damage, Accidental Damage, or problems caused by Humidity or Temperature Issues are not covered. Speakers damaged by overpowering are generally not covered. Our coverage does not provide compensation for loss of use. As of June 2018 the Performance Warranty is no longer transferable. The warranty is only valid in Canada.
Purchasing additional years of coverage
Some manufacturers provide warranties for longer than 1 year; however, these are usually limited warranties that do not provide the same coverage as the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Customers interested in more complete and convenient (but not necessarily longer) coverage are still able to purchase additional years of the Performance Warranty.
If you are interested in receiving this coverage for longer than one year, you have the option of purchasing additional years of the Performance Warranty. The pricing is as follows:
- NEW products: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.
- USED products: 4% of the current new selling price to increase the warranty from 3 months to 1 year. 4% for each additional year.
- GUITARS: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year. $45 maximum. An additional free setup is not included with additional purchased years of Performance Warranty.
- BAND and ORCHESTRAL instruments: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.
Great Additions
Reserve in Store
| Product | SKU | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| 205L - Discrete Direct Input Module | 156256 |
