After years of exploring options I recently decided to purchase an API 1608 console.
The console I had was trusty, but definitely the weak link in my studio, which is otherwise pretty high end.
When I was making this purchase I was fairly nervous. David Lyons at Sonic Circus was amazing throughout the whole process. He guided me thru all the important decisions I had to make – the configuration, patch bay, cables, and installation. The Sonic Circus tech support, especially Steven Laisi, was also an immeasurable asset – always available on the phone to answer my questions. Still available! Always right there talking me through some parts of the installation I couldn’t figure out.
You see, I am a composer first and the engineering thing is just an acquired skill. Or lack thereof! So I needed extra hand holding, to be sure.
After three days busting my butt installing the 1608 (three days – well, most of that was spent getting my room ready for it – seven years of messed up cable and band-aid fixes was quite a bit to take care of) I decided to put on some music while I tidied up. The board turned on right away and I put in one of my favorite film scores.
As the music filled the room I got goose bumps. It was as if moving blankets had been removed from around my speakers. I was astonished and caught off guard. I had just wanted to listen to something while I straightened up. I was too tired and sore to really have any expectations.
I ended up sitting in my chair for about twenty minutes just listening to things I had never heard on my rig before.
Clarity, image, depth, range. detail, power, bottom end, top end…
Astonished.
In about 30 seconds whatever lingering doubts I might have had about laying out what for me was a lot of cashola disappeared entirely.
Which is just what David said would happen. He said that if I didn’t absolutely love the board he would take it back. Nice.
OK – but anyway – last week my doorbell rings and I open the door and there is Larry Droppa, president of API, holding a boxed 2500 compressor in one hand and extending his other to shake my hand. At least that is how I remember it. It was disconcerting to have lights and videos rolling and cameras flashing. And my dog barking. Thank God I wasn’t in my pajamas with a three day beard.
What it was is this: I have serial number 100. The 100th API 1608 built. They have sold 100 of these beautiful boards and they wanted to commemorate the occasion by doing something special for the lucky owner, me.
We had an interview in my studio. Took pictures with Larry. They gave me this cool jacket, as well as a t-shirt, a polo shirt and the API 2500 compressor. Bought me lunch. We talked about studios, gear, magazines and the audio business. Both these guys go way back. David too. Nice to talk to people that have a history in the biz.
Bottom line: David Lyons, Sonic Circus. Larry Droppa and Dan Zimbelman, API.
You can’t go wrong with either of these companies, trust me. - William Anderson