API TranZformer Bass Preamp

[paulitto]

I just bought the API and i must say, it's awesome!
Probably the best sounding Preamp i've ever had, and i had a lot of them....
The Tone of this Pedal is rich, detailed, yet strong, forward and simply excellent!


The EQ is ok for smaller tasks.
I see it more as an Add On.
It's fine though for what i is.

The big surprise is the Compressor!
The 6 Presets in combination with the Gain Control Knob offer a big variety of
fantastic compression types. I did not expect this!
The Compressor on the Unit is much better than most of the Comp Pedals i have owned in the past.

So, the API TranZformer LX is im my perception a fantastic unit.
I have been dreaming for a long time to integrate the wonderful API tone in my Bass Rig without spending a lot of money.

Thanks to API for making this Pedal!

 

[thumbslapper]

I just got the API Tranzformer LX, and i pretty much like it with a few caveats. I've used API gear in the studio and love the sound (312 preamps,

first off the sound is great, just going thru the transformer makes your bass sound better.

The unit is a tank (good thing).

The EQ is very usable - treble and bass seem to be shelf eq's, they sound great, and mid is great for scooping or adding.

2 things on the compressor drive me crazy tho:
- certain settings you get a 2-3db cut in volume when engaging the compressor. no way around it as there is only 1 knob (& no make up gain). This isn't a big deal if its a always on compressor, but you can't use it as an effect - ie turning on during slap.
- the fast attack kills any transients and makes it useless for slap.

I'm comparing it to the Cali 76 Bass compressor (which is awesome) and it isn't even close, esp with the Dry and sidechain control on the Cali.

The compressor might be ok set to 1 or 2 and setting input gain down (so it doesn't trigger the compressor that much at all).

playing style make a huge difference on if you like the compressor or not.

I wish they would've added a few more controls to the compressor to make it more flexible. the cut in gain when you enable the compressor is baffling.

Its probably almost perfect as the last unit in your effects chain and have it feed a power amp with the XLR output.

thoughts?

 

[carsonchilders]

I just got the API Tranzformer LX, and i pretty much like it with a few caveats. I've used API gear in the studio and love the sound (312 preamps,

first off the sound is great, just going thru the transformer makes your bass sound better.

The unit is a tank (good thing).

The EQ is very usable - treble and bass seem to be shelf eq's, they sound great, and mid is great for scooping or adding.

2 things on the compressor drive me crazy tho:
- certain settings you get a 2-3db cut in volume when engaging the compressor. no way around it as there is only 1 knob (& no make up gain). This isn't a big deal if its a always on compressor, but you can't use it as an effect - ie turning on during slap.
- the fast attack kills any transients and makes it useless for slap.

I'm comparing it to the Cali 76 Bass compressor (which is awesome) and it isn't even close, esp with the Dry and sidechain control on the Cali.

The compressor might be ok set to 1 or 2 and setting input gain down (so it doesn't trigger the compressor that much at all).

playing style make a huge difference on if you like the compressor or not.

I wish they would've added a few more controls to the compressor to make it more flexible. the cut in gain when you enable the compressor is baffling.

Its probably almost perfect as the last unit in your effects chain and have it feed a power amp with the XLR output.

thoughts?

I think it is intended to always be on, so it doesn't bother me. I naturally go with the 2 setting though. If you are trying to use it in a more flexible way, I can understand why you are frustrated. To me it does one thing great.

 

[johnk_10]

2 things on the compressor drive me crazy tho:
- certain settings you get a 2-3db cut in volume when engaging the compressor. no way around it as there is only 1 knob (& no make up gain). This isn't a big deal if its a always on compressor, but you can't use it as an effect - ie turning on during slap.
- the fast attack kills any transients and makes it useless for slap.

I'm comparing it to the Cali 76 Bass compressor (which is awesome) and it isn't even close, esp with the Dry and sidechain control on the Cali.

The compressor might be ok set to 1 or 2 and setting input gain down (so it doesn't trigger the compressor that much at all).

playing style make a huge difference on if you like the compressor or not.

I wish they would've added a few more controls to the compressor to make it more flexible. the cut in gain when you enable the compressor is baffling.

i agree about the compressor. i absolutely loved the sound of the preamp but the comp's level being lower than unity bothered me enough that i ended up selling mine.

 

[thumbslapper]

i agree about the compressor. i absolutely loved the sound of the preamp but the comp's level being lower than unity bothered me enough that i ended up selling mine.

I'm getting rid of mine as well - like I said i loved the EQ and I loved the transformer, but not the compressor and the output level seemed wonky (I couldn't really use it as a preamp too easily). I couldn't justify the price for just the EQ and transformer.

So here is a question, what other preamp pedal has a big iron transformer and a similar 550 type eq on it?

 

[JustSomeDude]

Late to the party on this one... I am borrowing one in a few weeks to try out.
My main use will be for recording.

For DI, I currently use a Neve Portico II with a little of its EQ and compression.
I'd love to free that up and have a dedicated Bass chain. I was looking at getting a DI (have used JDI, RNDI etc in the past) and using one of my other preamps but the API fills a role....

I would be using light compression and my EQ would mostly be mid cut (old PBass).
I wouldn't be likely to turn the Comp on and off but the Unity thing is troubling...we'll see with my rig I guess.

Have you guys been using it end of chain after other pedals?

 

[pbass888]

I met the API guys at the Brooklyn stomp box exhibit today and got a great deal on the demo model. I really dig the pre and the comp. My fretless sounded turbocharged.
I’m taking this on tour this summer with a reggae band and doing a few jazz weddings before. Can’t wait to run through my rig this later week. I like the simplicity of the comp, the choice for the pre settings , the q ,and the ease of use. Love the wide range of gain on this too.
More post gigs report to follow.

Edit: I intend to use a mild compression always on.

 

[mark beem]

I met the API guys at the Brooklyn stomp box exhibit today and got a great deal on the demo model. I really dig the pre and the comp. My fretless sounded turbocharged.
I’m taking this on tour this summer with a reggae band and doing a few jazz weddings before. Can’t wait to run through my rig this later week. I like the simplicity of the comp, the choice for the pre settings , the q ,and the ease of use. Love the wide range of gain on this too.
More post gigs report to follow.

Edit: I intend to use a mild compression always on.

Look forward to reading your road reports!

 

[carsonchilders]

I met the API guys at the Brooklyn stomp box exhibit today and got a great deal on the demo model. I really dig the pre and the comp. My fretless sounded turbocharged.
I’m taking this on tour this summer with a reggae band and doing a few jazz weddings before. Can’t wait to run through my rig this later week. I like the simplicity of the comp, the choice for the pre settings , the q ,and the ease of use. Love the wide range of gain on this too.
More post gigs report to follow.

Edit: I intend to use a mild compression always on.

By wide range of gain, do you mean a ton of gain that you cannot vary?

 

[JustSomeDude]

With the auto-gain thing.....are they protecting us from ourselves?
I've used API consoles a preamps a lot. There is an unflattering spike that happens when you push the input in the wrong way. Wonder if they were trying to prevent that.

 

[carsonchilders]

If I found someone who knows what they are doing... how possible do you think it would be for someone to mod an effect loop between the compressor and EQ? I clearly know nothing on the subject.

 

[carsonchilders]

Or even after the compressor and EQ but before the DI.

 

[JustSomeDude]

Or even after the compressor and EQ but before the DI.

I would contact API directly

 

[mark beem]

Kinda quiet in this thread lately. This thing continues to amaze! Been using it with my country band going line-in straight to the board and boy does it sound great.

 

[Real Soon]

I have to say, the idea of having an API channel strip on the floor is making me drool, heh

It sounds like, for better or worse, they worked to keep it really authentic. Things like slight wonkiness with the compressor come with vintage board territory, as does an EQ that's usually best served mild. Those are really just add-on enhancers to the legendary transformer circuit, though... and considering what CLONES of things like the Neve 1073 preamp transformer (often without EQ or comp, mind you) go for, an actual API-built circuit in a giggable housing like this is basically a mobile studio interface and absolutely a good buy at this price.

And I'd bet the transformer circuit wasn't modified...meaning you could plug in whatever you can make fit and this will serve as a perfectly good API preamp for any instrument (or voice, with a little interfacing) under the sun.

That said, my pedal drawer is full but I'm happy this exists. Maybe one day haha

 

[Turn Em Loose]

I've got some medium-to-heavy GAS for the Tranzformer.

Questions:
--I understand that the lower settings on the comp produce a drop (up to -3db) in volume. I'd plan on setting and forgetting so this would not be a big deal for me. BUT, since Gain effects (affects?) the Comp, could you set the Comp to "unity" and use the Gain at lower levels to get slight compression and no volume drop when engaging the compressor? If that makes sense?
--And I read somewhere that the Level also effects (affects??) the Comp? But is seems the Level is after the Comp in the block diagram on the API site, so how could this be? Unless I'm misunderstanding the review I read or I just misread the block diagram.
--Also, with the DI being line level and possibly being too hot for the occasional mixing board could I just use a 1/4" to XLR adaptor and use the 1/4 out to got to a mixing board instead of the DI in those situations where the DI signal would be too hot?

Thanks in advance for any insight!

 

[thumbslapper]

I've got some medium-to-heavy GAS for the Tranzformer.

Questions:
--I understand that the lower settings on the comp produce a drop (up to -3db) in volume. I'd plan on setting and forgetting so this would not be a big deal for me. BUT, since Gain effects (affects?) the Comp, could you set the Comp to "unity" and use the Gain at lower levels to get slight compression and no volume drop when engaging the compressor? If that makes sense?
--And I read somewhere that the Level also effects (affects??) the Comp? But is seems the Level is after the Comp in the block diagram on the API site, so how could this be? Unless I'm misunderstanding the review I read or I just misread the block diagram.
--Also, with the DI being line level and possibly being too hot for the occasional mixing board could I just use a 1/4" to XLR adaptor and use the 1/4 out to got to a mixing board instead of the DI in those situations where the DI signal would be too hot?

Thanks in advance for any insight!

Its been a while since i've had the unit, but here goes:
- I kind of see what you are saying but it doesn't work. whenever you enable the compresser there is a drop in volume.
- the chain seemed to be gain --> compressor --> eq --> level out. How you set your gain (or how hot your signal is) and what compressor setting you select results in how much compression you get. Level doesn't affect compression.
- yes, but that isn't a true balanced signal then assuming you wire it up 1/4" tip --> XLR 2, 1/4" sleeve --> XLR 1, ground left alone on XLR. you could also plug it into a DI but hat kind of ruins the point of having a XLR out. From what i remember you can't turn it down all the way, even with the level all the way down its still a pretty hot signal (its a line level signal, not a mic level).

The eq is amazing and the transformer sound is great (really tightens up the bass), but the compressor has a default 5ms attack time (release is ~100ms), so any playing you have that you want the transient to come thru (slap, sharp pick attack) will get squashed. If the unit had a selectable Line-level and Mic level switch, a full range level control (so dialing down actually turns off the volume), and a few more controls on the compressor - attack & release time, selectable ratio - I would still own it.

-carl

 

[Turn Em Loose]

Its been a while since i've had the unit, but here goes:
- I kind of see what you are saying but it doesn't work. whenever you enable the compresser there is a drop in volume.
- the chain seemed to be gain --> compressor --> eq --> level out. How you set your gain (or how hot your signal is) and what compressor setting you select results in how much compression you get. Level doesn't affect compression.
- yes, but that isn't a true balanced signal then assuming you wire it up 1/4" tip --> XLR 2, 1/4" sleeve --> XLR 1, ground left alone on XLR. you could also plug it into a DI but hat kind of ruins the point of having a XLR out. From what i remember you can't turn it down all the way, even with the level all the way down its still a pretty hot signal (its a line level signal, not a mic level).

The eq is amazing and the transformer sound is great (really tightens up the bass), but the compressor has a default 5ms attack time (release is ~100ms), so any playing you have that you want the transient to come thru (slap, sharp pick attack) will get squashed. If the unit had a selectable Line-level and Mic level switch, a full range level control (so dialing down actually turns off the volume), and a few more controls on the compressor - attack & release time, selectable ratio - I would still own it.

-carl

That helps a LOT! Thanks!

Even though I'm a compressor newbie/moron I DO know that a slow attack time enhances my tone. Maye if one comes up at a price I can't refuse.....

 

[Slaymus]

Posted also in Great Bass Preamp/DI thread, but I thought it would also be useful here !

API Tranzformer LZ report (YMMV!)):
Excellent quality construction, feels very sturdy, pots have a nice resistance. A+

Even with everything flat and no compression the sound is very full sounding,
punchy with a small silky flavor (difficult to describe). The review in Bass Player (June2017, available on
API website) describes very well what I heard.

EQ works well for general tone adjustment (broad EQ)
XLR is really line level (very hot). I dont' like this because I would need
to have a backup regular DI to use the 1/4 output in case the mixer (or soundman !)
have problem with the very hot level.

Compressor gets grabby pretty quick, but works well to add punch and presence at lower level (1-2 depending
of Input). However, I found it difficult to set, because it's interactive with the Input Gain. The gain control increases "character" and volume, but also increases compression.
So you have to work between the the Gain, Comp and Leve controls to find your sound.
I am not afraid of knobs (I have a FEA DB-CL!), but I didn't like this aspect of the pedal.

When everything set to taste (gain, comp, eq) it sounded awesome. With my Acoustic Image Clarus SL, it was like having an API bass amp. And with Audiokinesis TC112, well, it was nice

It's a nice product, but I didn't keep it for these reasons :
I found it difficult to adjust to different basses because of the interactive nature of Comp and Gain controls.
XLR was not mic level
Size, not pedalboard friendly
I did not tried it live, but I dont think it would do a difference enough compared my trusty JDI and a comp pedal of my choice (flexibility !).

 

[Mosfed]

Posted also in Great Bass Preamp/DI thread, but I thought it would also be useful here !

API Tranzformer LZ report (YMMV!)):
Excellent quality construction, feels very sturdy, pots have a nice resistance. A+

Even with everything flat and no compression the sound is very full sounding,
punchy with a small silky flavor (difficult to describe). The review in Bass Player (June2017, available on
API website) describes very well what I heard.

EQ works well for general tone adjustment (broad EQ)
XLR is really line level (very hot). I dont' like this because I would need
to have a backup regular DI to use the 1/4 output in case the mixer (or soundman !)
have problem with the very hot level.

Compressor gets grabby pretty quick, but works well to add punch and presence at lower level (1-2 depending
of Input). However, I found it difficult to set, because it's interactive with the Input Gain. The gain control increases "character" and volume, but also increases compression.
So you have to work between the the Gain, Comp and Leve controls to find your sound.
I am not afraid of knobs (I have a FEA DB-CL!), but I didn't like this aspect of the pedal.

When everything set to taste (gain, comp, eq) it sounded awesome. With my Acoustic Image Clarus SL, it was like having an API bass amp. And with Audiokinesis TC112, well, it was nice

It's a nice product, but I didn't keep it for these reasons :
I found it difficult to adjust to different basses because of the interactive nature of Comp and Gain controls.
XLR was not mic level
Size, not pedalboard friendly
I did not tried it live, but I dont think it would do a difference enough compared my trusty JDI and a comp pedal of my choice (flexibility !).

pardon the comment but aren’t pretty much all DIs line level? I have some with level adjustments but I don’t have any that are mic level.