API
Dual EQ with Selectable Boost Cut
At a time when most equalizers could be called broad, ham-fisted tools, Walker created an equalizer with thoughtful and creative innovations such as proportional-Q, which varies bandwidth in proportion to filter amplitude, and 100-percent reciprocal boost and cut behavior. Extending the 550 lineage, the new API 5500 remains true to the original 550 signal path design, while adding some creative new features.
Features
The API 5500 is essentially two 550B four-band EQ modules configured in a single-space rackmount chassis with an internal power supply.
Like the individual 550 modules and, in fact, all API analog products the 5500 is a fully discrete-component device with no integrated circuits in its audio pathways. Per-channel signal gain is provided courtesy of two of the legendary, hand-built 2520 operational amplifiers. An API 2510 op amp handles the 5500s electronically balanced input section, and the API 2503 output transformer is capable of delivering up to +30 dBm at the output before clipping. A field-upgradeable transformer-coupled input section that bypasses the stock input section is available as an option.
Each channel features four bands of EQ with peaking-type filters for the inner pair and peak/shelf-switchable filters for the two outer bands. Filter frequency centers per band are as follows: Low 30, 40, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400 Hz; Low-Mid 75, 150, 180, 240, 500, 700, 1000 Hz; Mid-High .8, 1.5, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12.5 kHz; High 2.5, 5, 7, 10, 12.5, 15, 20 kHz. Each EQ band is capable of a +/- 12 dB amplitude range though the overall range of each channels filters can be reduced to .5 or .25 of the normal range via two rotary switches.
In addition to an EQ section In/Out button for each channel, the 5500 also features a global straight-wire bypass with no electronics in line.
I/O connections are XLR with additional balanced/unbalanced 1/4-inch input jacks that override the XLR inputs. The unit can be switched for 115- or 230-volt operation, has a replaceable fuse, and connects to A/C outlets via a standard IEC cable.
Q & A
Reviews
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Dual EQ with Selectable Boost Cut | 287287 |
