The API Box 2 (or Box 8) console is one of API’s most successful consoles to date. While the original Box console was revolutionary, the Box 2 really upped the game by adding 8 channels and some classic console functionality that really makes it the best baby console for any recording studio or production setup. We here at Pro Audio LA are big fans of the Box 2 and would like to talk shop about our favorite small format console!
First things first, it is just called The Box. We refer to it as the Box 2 or Box 8 because it’s the updated and upgraded version of the original 4 channel Box console. The Box is built with the same components as some of API’s legendary large format consoles, like the AXS and Vision. So, you get the exact same sonic signature, color and headroom as the big boys. Here is a quick overview of some of the main features:
- Eight (8) input channels with Mic Preamp, Line Input and Hi Pass Filter –Track your mics through API’s legendary mic preamp circuit.
- Eight (8) 500 Series slots (1 per input channel) – more API sound! Add any API 500-series module or any 500-series module of your choice.
- Direct Out on Input Channels – So you can build your favorite signal chain. Getting a patchbay will really open up your possibilities. More on this later!
- On-Board Stereo Bus Compressor w/ ability to assign to program bus or input channels 1-4 – Who doesn’t like an API Bus compressor on their mixes??
- Instrument Direct Inputs on channels 1-4 – For all the guitar and bass players out there.
- Sixteen (16) summing channels (24 channels during mix) – API summing mixer, you say?!?! It’s a console, of course it sums!
- Integrated power supply – no need to make room in your rack or desk for a separate power supply.
Now that you are excited about the console, lets talk about connecting it to your converters/interface so you can actually use it. There is no way to appreciate the benefits of The Box without getting Pro Audio LA’s
Patchbay and Cabling package for the API the Box console. We have put together our patchbay and cabling package by working in conjunction with API themselves. All the multi-channel snakes in our cabling package come with labelled heat shrinks, so all you have to do it match the cables to the appropriate labels on the console and your patchbay template and plug it in! We love our patchbay and cabling packages and offer lots of customizable options. Book
a patchbay consultation today about your API The Box console purchase and talk to one of our experts about customizing your patchbay layout!
The Consultation process:
Hopefully you have decided to purchase your API The Box console from Pro Audio LA. You can schedule a consultation with one of our experts. Once we have discussed your needs and workflow preferences, our team will create a custom patchbay layout for you. During this process, we will also advise you on your approach to cabling, lengths, desks for the Box 2 as well as acoustic treatment in your studio (if applicable). Once the patchbay template has been confirmed by you and verified by our team, we will have our in-house cable shop build the entire cabling package for you to your exact specifications. Once the cable package is ready, we can also create and install custom patchbay labels on the patchbays, after adjusting all the normalling switches to your exact specifications. Pro Audio LA also provides on-site installation services in addition to the initial consultation where our team members can go to your studio (within Los Angeles) and help you get your API Box 2 console connected, labeled and up and running.
One last thing before you go. Do you need furniture to put your new API The Box console in as well as the patchbays and all your outboard gear? Check out this desk by
Sterling Modular that is custom built to fit the Box console, specifically.