When a preamp is already a “Classic”, how does one make it better without sacrificing what made it special to begin with? That’s what the folks at API had to decide when releasing the new version of the tried and true 512 500-series preamp. Luckily for the whole audio community, only one change was really needed to turn this Classic into a “Legend,” Output attenuation! No more do engineers have to worry about clipping their converter inputs when driving the input’s 2520 op-amp to achieve as much of the glorious, punchy tone API is famous for. Previously, one would have to use a line attenuator to protect your incoming signals from the risk of unpleasant distortions on your converter inputs, especially when recording transient rich and very loud sources like drums - now, no such additional device is needed! This makes dialing in the pre’s “sweet spot” faster and easier than ever before. API did add one additional neat feature into the new “V” version of the 512, the 3:1 output transformer “tap” selection. Engaging the 3:1 tap attenuates the signal right before it exits the pre, enabling you to push the “Out” knob and drive the second 2502 op-amp to achieve even MORE monstrous analog tone and saturation.  In short, how did API make one of the most loved Preamps even better? No More Clipping Issues with the Independent Output Knob Access to Even More of the Classic API Tone with the 3:1 Transformer Tap and Output Knob Give us a call today to demo one of these incredible preamps in your studio and experience why so many engineers will never be without the Legendary tone of API!