API 1608  Operator's Manual
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API 1608  Operator's Manual

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  • Page 2: Important Safety Instructions

    Important Safety Instructions Please read these instructions Keep this Manual in a safe place Do not use this console near water Clean only with a dry cloth Do not block any ventilation openings Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other devices (including the power supply) that produce heat Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding type AC plug Protect both the AC power cord to the power supply and the DC cable between the supply and the...
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  • Page 4 Introduction Thank you for choosing API’s 1608 analog mixing console. Whether you are a newcomer to API or are already a part of the nearly 40-year tradition of API excellence, we appreciate your purchase. The 1608 small format recording console is based on the designs of the original API 1604 built in the 70’s and early 80’s.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Overview 548B Channel Module 440B Fader Module Mute/Solo Section Preamp Section Echo/Auxiliary Sends Routing and Output Section 550A Equalizer 560 Equalizer 548B Connections E1608 Echo Send/Return Module Echo Send Section Echo Return Section Echo Return 500 Slots E1608 Connections 168B Summing Bus Sub-master Module Summing Bus Sub-masters...
  • Page 6 Rear Panel 548B Channel Module Connections E1608 Echo Send/Return Connections 9.2.1 Echo Sends 9.2.2 Echo Returns 9.2.3 Echo Return 500 Slots 168B Summing Bus Sub-master (ACA) Connections 9.3.1 Summing Bus Sub-master Outputs 9.3.2 Program Bus Mix Inputs 268B Program Bus/Master Output Connections 268B Control Room Monitor Output Connections 845B 6-Track Playback Input Connections 840B Ancillary Connections...
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  • Page 8: Overview

    Overview Building on API's rich heritage of extremely high quality recording consoles, we are proud to introduce the new Model 1608, a full featured small format recording console based on the vintage API 1604 console, which has held its demand and value for over three decades. The 1608 gives all of the advantages of the 1604 Vintage Consoles while adding new, modern features valuable to today's Engineers, Producers and Musicians.
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  • Page 10: 548B Channel Module

    548B Channel Module The 548B Channel module provides a single audio path for bringing signals into the console for mixing and/or routing to external destinations. Together with the 440B Fader, it provides a comprehensive audio path for a variety of applications: •...

  • Page 11: Mute/Solo Section

    440B Fader Module The 440B Mono Fader is the primary output level control for the channel. The channel Fader controls the output to the: • Direct Output • Summing Buses • Program Bus • Post-fader Echo/Auxiliary Sends • When the Fader is set to 0dB, the level is at unity gain Each 440B Mono Fader module contains eight mono Alps 100mm faders and supports the eight channel modules mounted above it Mute/Solo Section...

  • Page 12: Preamp Section

    MUTE GRP (Mute Group): Assigns the channel to the master Mute Group • All channels assigned to the master Mute Group will mute when the MUTE GROUP button on the 845B Central Facilities Module is pressed • Illuminates when engaged NOTE: If the channel MUTE GRP button and the AUX PRE=MTE button on the 845B Central Facilities Module are engaged, all pre-fader Echo/Auxiliary Sends will be muted when the master MUTE GROUP button is engaged.
  • Page 13 The controls for the 548B Preamp section function as follows: No Buttons Engaged: Line Input selected MIC: Selects the Microphone Preamp as the input for the channel • The MIC button must be engaged for the Instrument Input to be used •...

  • Page 14: Echo/Auxiliary Sends

    Echo/Auxiliary Sends The 548B Channel module provides eight fully functional echo/auxiliary sends, four mono (Sends 1-4) and two stereo (Sends 5/6 and 7/8). Accordingly, the 1608 is equipped with eight balanced Auxiliary Buses and outputs. • Each mono Echo/Auxiliary Send has an individual level control and an on/off switch •...

  • Page 15: Routing And Output Section

    TO BUS: Routes the output of stereo Send 7 and 8 directly to the Summing Bus 1-4 assignment section. When TO BUS is engaged the send functions as follows: • Auxiliary Buses 7 and 8 are fed in addition to the Summing Bus 1-4 assignment section •...

  • Page 16: Equalizer

    The controls for the 548B Routing and Output section function as follows: PAN (pan-pot): Provides continuous panning control • Stereo panning between the Left and Right Program Buses • Odd and Even panning between Summing Buses (when engaged) PAN (button): Activates Odd/Even panning between the assigned Summing Buses •...
  • Page 17 550A Discrete 3-Band Equalizer The legendary API 550A Equalizer is installed on channels 1-12 in the standard 1608 configuration. Features • 3 bands of classic API equalization • Each band offers 7 API selected frequency centers • Reciprocal and repeatable filtering •...
  • Page 18 560 Discrete 10-Band Graphic Equalizer The classic API 560 Equalizer is installed on channels 13-16 in the standard 1608 configuration. Features • 10 bands of API proprietary equalization • Familiar graphics operation on one octave centers • 12 dB of boost/cut per band •...

  • Page 19: 548B Connections

    548B Connections The rear panel connections for the 548B Channel module are as follows: DIRECT OUTPUT: • Balanced, Line-level • Male XLR INSERT RETURN (FADER INPUT): • Balanced, Line-level • 1/4” tip-ring-sleeve switching jack • Replaces the EQ Out signal when a jack is inserted and the INS button is engaged INSERT SEND (EQUALIZER OUT): •...

  • Page 20: E1608 Echo Send/Return Module

    E1608 Echo Send/Return Module The E1608 Echo Send/Return module serves multiple functions and contributes greatly to the extensive flexibility of the 1608. Some possible applications of the Echo Send/return module include: • Echo returns from reverbs and effect units • Additional line-level inputs during tracking or mixing •...

  • Page 21: Echo Send Section

    Echo Send Section The E1608 ECHO SEND section primarily functions as an echo send master. It can also provide grouping functions when used with the echo sends, external inputs, and the Echo Return section. It is possible to combine an external audio input with the Echo Bus at the input of the Echo Send section.

  • Page 22: Echo Return Section

    The controls for E1608 Echo Send section function as follows: AFL: Activates an AFL solo • Illuminates when engaged ON: On/off switch for the Echo Send • Illuminates in green when engaged LEVEL: Controls the output level of the Echo Send VU RET (Return): Routes the output of the Echo Return section to the meter in place of the output from the Echo Send.
  • Page 23 Echo Returns Input: Accepts the balanced, line-level input from the ECHO RETURNS INPUT 1-8 sub-D connector on the rear panel. • The Echo Returns connector is the default input for the Echo Return • Echo Return 500 Slots are normalled between the Echo Returns Input connector and the input to the Echo Return module The signal from the Echo Return Input connector is fed through the corresponding Echo Return 500 Slot before being fed to the Echo Return module...
  • Page 24 The controls for the E1608 Echo Return output section function as follows: Summing Bus (ACA) Assignment 1-8: Assigns the Echo Return output to one or more of the eight Summing Buses (Active Combining Amplifiers) • Assignments to the Summing Buses can be made on an individual basis •...

  • Page 25: Echo Return 500 Slots

    AUX IN: Selects the Echo Return Auxiliary Input as the input for the Echo Return • Illuminates when engaged NOTE: The signals from the Echo Return Input and Echo Send Output (MIX) are defeated when the AUX IN button is engaged. MIX: Selects the Echo Send output as the input for the Echo Return •...

  • Page 26: E1608 Connections

    E1608 Connections The rear panel connections for the E1608 Echo Send/Return module are as follows: ECHO SENDS EXTERNAL INPUT 1-8: • Balanced, Line-level • 1/4” tip-ring-sleeve jack ECHO SENDS OUTPUT 1-8: • Balanced, Line-level • Female 25-Pin Sub-D connector ECHO RETURNS AUX INPUT 1-8: •...

  • Page 27: 168B Summing Bus Sub-Master Module

    168B Summing Bus Sub-master Module The 168B Summing Bus Sub-master Module provides control and routing for the eight Summing Buses, also known as Active Combining Amplifiers (ACA). The following is provided for each Summing Bus (ACA): • On/off switch • Solo (PFL and AFL only) •...

  • Page 28: Summing Bus Sub-Masters

    Summing Bus Sub-masters The Summing Bus Sub-masters (labeled SUB 1-8) are the final stage before the Summing Bus outputs are fed to the BUS OUTPUT 1-8 (ACA OUTPUT) sub-D connector on the rear panel. The output of the Summing Bus Sub-masters (SUB 1-8) can also be routed to the Program Bus via individual Left and Right assignment buttons.

  • Page 29: 268B Program Bus Output Master And Monitor Output Module

    268B Program Bus Output Masters and Monitor Output Module The 268B Program Bus Output Masters and Monitor Output module provides three functions: • Program Bus Output controls • Monitor Output controls • Program Insert Control...

  • Page 30: Program Bus Output Masters

    Program Bus Output Masters Together with the 440B Stereo Master Fader, the Program Bus Output Master section of the 268B provides a fully featured stereo master channel. Features of this master channel include: • On/off switch • Trim control • ACA calibration •...

  • Page 31: 440B Stereo Master Fader Module

    440B Stereo Master Fader Module The 440B Stereo Master Fader feeds the Left and Right Program Outputs of the console. It is the main stereo output and provides the Left and Right outputs for 5.1 mixing. • At 0VU the fader is at unity gain Monitor Output Controls The 268B Monitor Output section supports one set of main 5.1 monitors and two sets of stereo monitors.

  • Page 32: 268B Connections

    268B Connections The rear panel connections for the 268B Program Bus Output Master and Monitor Output module are as follows: PROGRAM BUS INSERT SEND (ACA OUTPUT): • Balanced, Line-level • 1/4” tip-ring-sleeve jack • Half-normalled to Program Insert Return PROGRAM BUS INSERT RETURN (FADER INPUT): •...

  • Page 33: 845B Control Room Monitor Module

    845B Control Room Monitor Control Module The 845B Control Room Monitor Control module provides two functions: • Selection and volume control of the Control Room Monitor system • Selection of the Control Room Monitor input source...
  • Page 34 Monitor Control Section 845B Monitor Control section provides a comprehensive set of controls for up to three Control Room Monitor systems. Features include: • Monitor volume control • Monitor cut • Control Room monitor dim with level control • Monitor system selectors •...
  • Page 35 Monitor Source Selectors The 845B Monitor Source Selectors (CR SOURCE) provide a choice of nine different sources to feed the Control Room monitors. The selections are divided into three categories: • Program Bus (PGM BUS) • Echo Sends • Six Channel Playback (6 TRK PLAYBACK) The 845B Monitor Source Selectors function as follows: 6 TRK PLAYBACK 6TKAUX, 6TK1, 6TK2, 6TK3: Routes the signal from the selected six-track playback source to the Monitor Control...

  • Page 36: 845B Connections

    845B Connections The rear panel connections for the 845B Control Room Monitor Control module are as follows: 6 TRACK PLAYBACK 1 LEFT and RIGHT Input: • Balanced, Line-level • Female XLR connectors • Left and Right are paralleled with input with Sub-D connector 6 TRACK PLAYBACK INPUTS 1, 2, and 3: •...

  • Page 37: 840B Central Facilities Module

    840B Central Facilities Module The 840B Central Facilities provides several ancillary console functions. The control sections are included for the following functions: • Headphone amplifier • Talkback controls • Mute Group controls • Master Solo controls • Meter control • Peak indicator controls •...

  • Page 38: Talkback

    Stereo Headphone Amplifier The 840B Stereo Headphone Amplifier is designed for use by the engineer or others in the Control Room. It has the following features: • On/off switch • 1/4” stereo headphone jack (located under the armrest) • Feeds the current Control Room Monitor source from Monitor Control section Volume follows the Monitor Control level Mono summing is available CR DIM is available...

  • Page 39: Mute Group

    T/B TO AUX LEVEL: Volume control for the Talkback to the enabled Auxiliary Buses • Located adjacent to the T/B TO AUX button T/B ALL (Talkback to All): Activates the SLATE and T/B TO AUX functions • Routes Talkback to the Program and Summing Buses •...

  • Page 40: Channel Meter Control

    NOTE: Channels and Echo Returns must be assigned to the Program Bus for Solo-In- Place for their mutes to activate when other channels or Echo Returns are soloed. NOTE: Sub-masters assigned to the Program Bus will mute if the console is in Solo-In- Place and a channel or Echo Return is soloed.

  • Page 41: Peak Threshold

    Peak Threshold The 840B Peak Threshold section allows the selection of one of six Peak Thresholds. When the signal in a channel crosses the selected threshold, the MIC button on that channel turns red, indicating a peak has been reached. There is also a selector position and trim-pot for Peak Indicator calibration.

  • Page 42: Headphone Jack

    840B Connections The rear panel connections for the 840B Central Facilities module are as follows: TALKBACK: Talkback Remote Port • Pin 1 = +5 volts (fused) • Pin 2 = T/B To Echo • Pin 3 = T/B to All •...

  • Page 43: Meter Bridge

    Meter Bridge The 1608 Meter Bridge provides illuminated VU Meter display for the following outputs: • Channel Preamp • Channel Direct Output • Summing Bus Sub-master Output • Left and Right Program Output • Echo Send Output The Talkback Microphone and Power Supply Indicators are also mounted in the Meter Bridge. Channel/Bus Meters The controls for the Meter Bridge are located in the Channel Meter section on the 840B Central Facilities module.

  • Page 44: Echo Send/Return Meters

    Echo Send/Return Meters The E1 – E8 Meters display the output of the eight Echo/Auxiliary Send Masters (post the Echo Send Master). Power Supply Voltage Indicators Blue LED indicators are provided for the five power supply voltages: • +16V • -16V •...

  • Page 45: Rear Panel

    Rear Panel 548B Channel Module Connections The rear panel connections for the 548B Channel module are as follows: DIRECT OUTPUT: • Balanced, Line-level • Male XLR INSERT RETURN (FADER INPUT): • Balanced, Line-level • 1/4” tip-ring-sleeve switching jack • Replaces the EQ Out signal when a jack is inserted and the INS button is engaged INSERT SEND (EQUALIZER OUT): •...

  • Page 46: E1608 Echo Send/Return Connections

    E1608 Echo Send/Return Connections The rear panel connections for the E1608 Echo Send/Return module are as follows: 9.2.1 Echo Sends ECHO SENDS EXTERNAL INPUT 1-8: • Balanced, Line-level • 1/4” tip-ring-sleeve jack ECHO SENDS OUTPUT 1-8: • Output of the Echo/Auxiliary Masters •...

  • Page 47: 168B Summing Bus Sub-Master (Aca) Connections

    168B Summing Bus Sub-master (ACA) Connections The rear panel connections for the 168B Summing Bus Sub-master module are as follows: PGM BUS MIX INPUT: • Feeds inputs Program Assignment switches on the Summing Bus Sub- masters 1-8 • Balanced, Line-level •...

  • Page 48: 268B Control Room Monitor Output Connections

    268B Control Room Monitor Output Connections The rear panel connections for the 268B Monitor Outputs are as follows: SMALL 2 CONTROL ROOM OUTPUTS LEFT and RIGHT: • Balanced, Line-level • Male XLR SMALL 1 CONTROL ROOM OUTPUTS LEFT and RIGHT: •...

  • Page 49: 840B Ancillary Connections

    840B Ancillary Connections The rear panel connections for the 840B Central Facilities module are as follows: 9.7.1 Talkback Remote Port and Oscillator Output TALKBACK: Talkback Remote Port • Pin 1 = +5 volts (fused) • Pin 2 = T/B To Echo •...

  • Page 50: Expander Port

    Expander Port The Expander Port is interfaced with a single 90-Pin male Elco connector. The 1608 is equipped with an Expander Port that allows the connection of a sixteen- channel API 1608 Expander. The Expander Port allows for complete integration of all major console functions: •...

  • Page 51: 10.0 Application Guide

    10.0 Application Guide The API 1608 is a highly versatile audio production console and is at home with a wide variety of applications including: • Multitrack Recording • Overdubbing • Mixing • Broadcasting • Post • Live Sound API realizes the owners of the 1608 are professional users, so this section of the manual is designed to provide quick and easy setups for basic applications.
  • Page 52 Multitrack Recording Scenario #1 The diagram below shows the connections between a 1608 and a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) with 24 line inputs. The first 16 channels feed the DAW inputs 1-16 via the Channel Direct Outputs. DAW inputs 17-24 are fed from the 1608 Summing Bus Outputs 1-8, providing versatile assignment possibilities.
  • Page 53 Multitrack Recording Scenario #2 The diagram below shows the connections as above, except the mix return from the DAW is routed directly to the 845B Control Room Monitor module for monitoring. In this scenario, the Program Bus Inserts and Master Fader are bypassed. This scenario requires the engineer to sum the recorded channels to a stereo or 5.1 mix within the DAW and output this mix for monitoring via the 845B Control Room Monitor module.

  • Page 54: Multichannel Mixing

    10.2 Multichannel Mixing This setup uses the 1608 as a return path and mixer from a multitrack recorder, DAW, stage, or other sources. It can be used while tracking, overdubbing, and mixing. If used during tracking or overdubbing, the input to the recorder or DAW might be fed by unused 1608 channels/echo returns or an audio path that’s external to the console.
  • Page 55 17) The mix of the multitrack returns could be routed back to the console via channels, echo returns, an external control room monitor input, or even the Program Bus insert return for further processing, routing, and/or monitoring Mixing Scenarios The diagram below shows the connections between a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) with 24 line outputs and a 1608 for stereo or surround mixing.
  • Page 56 (Center, Sub, Ls, Rs). When the PRE button is engaged, Aux Sends 7 and 8 are fed pre-fader. This provides independent control when a channel is also assigned to the Program Bus. The Echo Returns can be used to return additional channels from the DAW, returns from virtual instruments, returns from outboard effects processors, or any other line-level source.
  • Page 57 Mix Output Connections The diagram below shows mix output connected to a DAW (or other mix recorder).

  • Page 58: Daw Hybrid

    Basic Record and Mix Connections The diagram below shows the connections between a 1608 and a DAW (or other multitrack recorded) for both recording and mixing without changing connections on the rear panel. For recording, select the Mic or Instrument input on the 1608 channels and output to the DAW via the Channel Direct Output or Summing Bus assignments.

  • Page 59: E1608 Echo Send Applications

    10.4 E1608 Echo Send Applications Echo Send Master: • Turn the Echo Send ON • Set the level to unity gain • The Echo Send is fed by the corresponding Auxiliary Bus • The Echo Send output is fed to the Echo Sends Output connector Mix Input: •...

  • Page 60: E1608 Echo Return Applications

    10.5 E1608 Echo Return Applications Echo Return/Mix Input: • Connect the output of the desired device (effects unit, recorder, DAW, etc.) to the Echo Return Input or Echo Return Auxiliary Input • Engage the AUX IN button if desired • Assign to the Program Bus •...

  • Page 61: 168B Summing Bus And Sub-Master Applications

    10.6 168B Summing Bus Sub-master Applications Multitrack and Audio Sub-group Master: • Use channel assignment buttons to feed the post-fader signal to the desired Summing Bus(es) • The audio from all of the channels contributing to a summing bus will be summed at the Sub-master •...

  • Page 62: Echo Return 500 Slot Applications

    10.7 Echo Return 500 Slot Applications The console is equipped with eight Echo Return 500 Slots. These 500 Slots are built to power and interface any API 500 Series module: • 512C Preamplifier • 525 Compressor • 550A 3-Band EQ •...
  • Page 63 10.8 Rear Panel DB25 Wiring Diagrams The Rear panel DB25 connectors of the 1608 are wired as follows;...
  • Page 64 API 1608 Limited Warranty Warranty Information: This product carries a one year labor and a five year parts warranty from date of purchase. API (Automated Processes, Incorporated) does not cover claims for damage due to alteration and/or abuse. This warranty is limited to failures during normal use, which are due to defects in material or workmanship.
  • Page 65 Housekeeping: This is a great place to write down the serial number of your 1608 console and your purchase information, just in case you need that information someday in the future. 1608 serial Number: ________________________ Power Supply serial Number: __________________ Purchase Date: ______/________/________...

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