API Legacy AXS User manual

\
Discrete
Mixing and Recording Console
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
V2.0
Written for Automated Processes Incorporated
by Daniel Pfeifer 2017

8301 Patuxent Range Road
Jessup, MD 20794 USA
301-776-7879
http://www.apiaudio.com

Table of Contents
About this Manual............................................................................. 6
Introduction ..................................................................................... 7
Features .................................................................................................7
Configuration Options.............................................................................8
Channel Features....................................................................................8
Central Facilities.....................................................................................8
Console Configuration ...................................................................... 9
Mainframe and Channel Slots .................................................................9
Channel Bucket.......................................................................................9
Upper 200 Slot....................................................................................9
Lower 200 Slot.................................................................................. 10
624 Bus Assignment Module Slot ......................................................... 10
500 Series Equalizer Slot .................................................................... 10
968 Input Module Slot........................................................................ 10
948 Fader Bay................................................................................... 10
Master Bucket ......................................................................................11
Patch Bay .............................................................................................11
Optional Work Station-Producer’s Desk................................................11
Channel Signal Path Architecture ................................................... 12
Channel Input Selection .......................................................................12
Channel Output Routing .......................................................................12
Direct Output.................................................................................... 12
Multitrack Buses ................................................................................ 13
Stereo Program Buses........................................................................ 13
Panning............................................................................................ 13
Session Signal Flow..............................................................................13
Small Fader to Multitrack .................................................................... 14
Large Fader to Multitrack .................................................................... 15
Signal Flow Block Diagram ...................................................................15
Fader Bypass........................................................................................15
Channel Strip Overview .................................................................. 16
Channel Input................................................................................. 17
Upper 200 Slot......................................................................................17
212 Mic Preamp................................................................................. 17
205 Direct Input................................................................................ 18
Channel Input Patch Points ..................................................................19
Channel Signal Processing.............................................................. 21
Lower 200 Slot .....................................................................................21
225 Compressor/Limiter ..................................................................... 21
235 Noise Gate/ Expander .................................................................. 22
215 High-Pass, Low-Pass Sweep Filter .................................................. 24
500 Series Equalizer Slot......................................................................24
550A Discrete 3-Band Equalizer........................................................... 25
550b Discrete 4-Band EQ.................................................................... 26
560 10-Band Graphic Equalizer............................................................ 27
565 Filter Bank.................................................................................. 28
Channel Signal Processing Patch Points ...............................................28
Channel Insert Patch Points................................................................. 29
Lower 200 Slot Patch Points ................................................................ 29

Channel Faders and Controls .......................................................... 30
968 Input Module .................................................................................30
Small Fader Path Controls................................................................... 31
Large Fader Path and Channel Routing Controls ..................................... 33
Large Fader ...................................................................................... 35
Auxiliary Sends ................................................................................. 36
Channel VU Meters ............................................................................ 37
Large Fader and Small Fader Peak Indicators......................................... 38
Channel Output Routing and Bus Assignment................................. 39
Channel Direct Output ..........................................................................39
624 Bus Assignment Module.................................................................40
Channel Patch Bay.......................................................................... 41
Master Bucket................................................................................. 44
Master Channel Routing Controls.................................................... 45
Stereo Return Modules 1-6............................................................. 47
Stereo Return Signal Flow ....................................................................48
Stereo Return Controls.........................................................................49
Stereo Return Patch Points...................................................................50
Stereo Program Bus Masters and Master Faders............................. 51
Stereo Program Bus Master and Master Fader Signal Flow...................51
624SM Stereo Program Master Module.................................................52
Stereo Grand Master.............................................................................52
2500C Stereo Bus Compressor .............................................................53
946 Stereo Program Master Faders ......................................................53
Main Stereo Meters...............................................................................53
Stereo Program Master Patch Points ....................................................54
Multitrack Buses............................................................................. 56
Multitrack Signal Flow ..........................................................................56
624M Multitrack Bus Masters................................................................56
Multitrack Patch Points.........................................................................57
Auxiliary Buses and Masters........................................................... 58
Auxiliary Signal Flow............................................................................58
Auxiliary Masters 1-12 .........................................................................59
Auxiliary Master Patch Points...............................................................59
Monitor Control .............................................................................. 62
Control Room Monitoring......................................................................62
Control Room Monitor Source Selection (MONITOR SELECT) .................... 63
Control Room Speaker Selection and Controls........................................ 64
Studio Monitoring.................................................................................65
Monitor System Patch Points................................................................65
Solo Modes and Controls ................................................................ 67
Solo Modes ...........................................................................................67
Solo Controls ........................................................................................68
Talkback......................................................................................... 70
Talkback Controls.................................................................................70
Talkback Patch Points ..........................................................................71

Oscillator........................................................................................ 71
Oscillator Controls................................................................................71
Oscillator Patch Points .........................................................................71
VU Meters and Peak Indicators....................................................... 72
VU Meter Bridge ...................................................................................72
Channel VU Meters and Peak Indicators...............................................72
Channel Peak Indicators.......................................................................73
Main Stereo Meters...............................................................................73
Stereo Return Meters ...........................................................................74
Auxiliary Master Meters........................................................................74
Power Supply Voltage Indicators .........................................................74
Patch Bay ....................................................................................... 75
Normals................................................................................................75
Patch Bay Overview..............................................................................75
Channel Patch Bay................................................................................76
System Patch Bay.................................................................................78
Stereo Return Patch Points.................................................................. 79
Stereo Program Master Patch Points..................................................... 79
2500C Stereo Bus Compressor Patch Points........................................... 80
Multitrack Patch Points ....................................................................... 80
Auxiliary Master Patch Points............................................................... 80
Monitor System Patch Points ............................................................... 83
Talkback Patch Points......................................................................... 84
Oscillator Patch Points ........................................................................ 84
Phase Reverse (polarity inverter)......................................................... 84
Appendix ........................................................................................ 85
API 2500C Stereo Bus Compressor.......................................................85
Setup Documents ........................................................................... 91
2500C Setup Sheet ...............................................................................91
205 Setup Sheet...................................................................................92
212 Setup Sheet...................................................................................93
215 Setup Sheet...................................................................................94
225 Setup Sheet...................................................................................95
235 Setup Sheet...................................................................................96
550A Setup Sheet.................................................................................97
550b Setup Sheet .................................................................................98
560 Setup Sheet...................................................................................99
624 Setup Sheet.................................................................................100
968 Setup Sheet.................................................................................101
Legacy AXS Block Diagram .................................................................102

Legacy AXS API
6
About this Manual
This manual is presented in several sections. Section one, “Introduction” provides a summary of the
console features and attributes. Section two, “Console Configuration” provides an overview of various
console configurations and along with a description of the available pre-delivery customization options.
Likewise the rest of the manual is organized according to the various console systems such as “Channels,
Multitrack Buses, Program Masters,” and so on.
Sections one and two are useful to all users, and should be read thoroughly before purchase and
delivery. Experienced engineers may get up and running quickly by simply checking the graphic
overviews at the start of the sections. If you are new to API consoles and multitrack recording, it’s
recommended that you read the entire manual at least once and keep it at the console for reference.
NOTE: This version of this manual does not contain information regarding console automation.
Console automation will be addressed in a separate manual or new version of this one
sometime in the near future.

Legacy AXS API
7
Introduction
Thank you for choosing the API Legacy AXS discrete analog recording and mixing console. The Legacy
AXS console continues API’s commitment to our world-famous analog signal path. Offering an expanded
and powerful feature set, the Legacy AXS is designed to meet the needs of today’s audio professionals.
Since the introduction of the first API Legacy Series console to Green Street Studios in Manhattan in
late 1989, API has delivered over 75 Legacy Series consoles around the world. The astonishing statistic
is that virtually every Legacy built is still in service.
We continue the API Legacy with the Legacy AXS Recording and Mixing Console. Featuring the traditional
API analog signal path, the AXS also offers a new and powerful feature set, all at an attractive price for
today's studios, artists, engineers and producers.
The Legacy AXS combines a traditional, easy to use in-line input/output architecture with flexible
customization options and superior sound quality. The Legacy AXS is built to the same exacting
standards of reliability, sonic performance, and investment grade audio of the API Legacy, Legacy Plus,
and Vision consoles, setting the standard for modern recording consoles.
Features
32 to 80 channels
API's discrete signal path with transformer outputs
Numerous preamp and signal processing options
VPR Alliance 500 Series compatible slot for EQ
Six assignable stereo line-level returns
Twenty-four multitrack summing buses
Three independent stereo program buses and assignable Grand Master
API 2500C stereo bus compressor
Extensive routing features for parallel compression and stem mixing
Twelve auxiliary buses
Onboard or remote full patch bay (only 32 thru 64-channel consoles can be onboard)
Highest quality finish and wood trim
Comprehensive automation system
Optional DAW/producer's desk
Configured to client specification

Legacy AXS API
8
Configuration Options
•Mainframes:
o32 to 80 channels (in 16-channel buckets)
oChannel Width: 1.5"
oChannel bucket Width: 24"
•500 Series equalizer slot on each channel
oVPR Alliance compliant
•Dual 200 Rows on each channel:
oUpper slot for preamp
oLower slot for optional signal processing
oPre or post EQ lower 200 slot routing option (specified when ordered)
Channel Features
Dual signal path architecture: Two independent audio paths:
o Large Fader: 100mm automated fader
o Small Fader: 45mm fader (non-automated)
Line In or Preamp Out input sources on both fader paths
Alternate Line Input source for Small Fader path
Upper 200 slot preamp options (as specified):
o 205 Direct Input
o 212 Microphone Preamplifier
Lower 200 slot signal processing options (as specified):
o 215 Sweep Filter
o 225 Compressor
o 235 Noise Gate
500 Series slot and equalizer/filter options (as specified):
o 550A 3-band parametric EQ
o 550b 4-band parametric EQ
o 560 10-band graphic EQ
o 565 Filter Bank
o Compatible with any VPR Alliance approved 500 module (except preamps)
40-600Hz, 12dB/8va high-pass sweep filter in the Large Fader path
50Hz, 12dB/8va fixed high-pass filter in the Small Fader path
Balanced Insert in each path
Phase reverse (polarity inverter) in each path
Twelve auxiliary sends and buses: 6 mono, 3 stereo
Channel VU metering for: Large Fader, Small Fader, Direct Output, and Multitrack Bus
Peak indicator in each path (globally set)
Central Facilities
Three control room monitor systems: stereo/surround MAINs and stereo ALT 1 & ALT 2
Two stereo studio monitor systems
Four stereo and two surround external playback sources
Comprehensive stereo program and cue send monitoring
Individual CUT control of all control room monitors (LEFT, RIGHT, CNTR, SURL, SURR,
LFE)
Monitor calibration level trim controls
Comprehensive cue and talkback systems
Solo System: Independent/Linkable AFL, PFL, and Solo-In-Place for Small and Large
faders
API 2500C stereo Bus Compressor
Routable Sine-wave oscillator
Four USER buttons (toggled contact closures on D-connector)
As with all API products, The Legacy AXS Console offers the same exacting craftsmanship featured on
all API large format consoles, including a unique 5-year warranty on all parts.

Legacy AXS API
9
Console Configuration
Each Legacy AXS console is built to meet the specifications determined by the owner when the console
is ordered. With a flexible design, the console may be configured in many ways. Beyond frame size,
users may configure each module with their preferred pre-amp and signal processor setup to include a
variety of preamp, equalizer, filters, and dynamic processor possibilities.
While workflow, capacity, and patching may vary by configuration, the basic operational premise of all
Legacy AXS consoles is the same.
Mainframe and Channel Slots
The Legacy AXS console mainframe comes in a variety of frame sizes consisting of a master bucket and
two or more 16-channel channel buckets. The smallest frame size is 32 channels and the largest
accommodates 80. The patch bay for consoles with frames for 32 thru 64 channels can be mounted
onboard the console or externally. The patch bay for console frames over 64 channels must be externally
mounted.
Channel Bucket
There are several module slots associated with each 16-channel bucket in the Legacy AXS mainframe.
Certain module slots can be fitted with optional components.
From the meter-bridge to the armrest, the slots are in the following order (see Channel Strip Overview
below):
Upper 200 slot (preamps)
Lower 200 slot (signal processing)
624 Bus Assignment Module slot
500 Series EQ slot
968 Input Module slot
948 Large Fader bay
The Bus Assignment slot can only be fitted with the 624 Bus Assignment Module.
The Input Module slot can only be fitted with a 968 Input Module.
The 200 slots and the 500 EQ slot offer customization options for inputs and signal processing.
Configuration of the upper 200 slot, lower 200 slot, the 500 EQ slot allows the user to customize the
console for their desired workflow and use. The upper 200 slot may be configured with one of two
preamp options, while the lower 200 slot may be fitted with one of three dynamic processors or filters.
The 500 EQ slot can be fitted with one of four API EQ and filter options or any VPR Alliance approved
500 Series module (except preamps). Any or all of the slots may be left open for future expansion.
Configuration options are specified by the user in consultation with API engineering staff before the
console is built at API.
Upper 200 Slot
The upper 200 slot is designed to house the channel preamp. The upper 200 slot is typically fitted with
the API 212 Microphone Preamplifier module. Alternately the upper 200 slot can be fitted with an API
205 Direct Input. Most consoles are fitted primarily with 212 Mic Preamps, but usually include at least
two 205 Direct Inputs to increase versatility and tonal variance when recording electric instruments.
The output of the preamp installed in the upper 200 slot is internally routed to the Small Fader path
input by default. The preamp output can be routed to the Large Fader path input on individual channels
by engaging the FLIP button on the 968 Input Module or globally by engaging the FLIP button in the
Master Section. The input to the Small Fader path will switch to the channel LINE IN (multitrack return)
when FLIP is engaged. The output of the upper 200 slot preamp cannot be directly routed to both fader
paths simultaneously.
The microphone input to the upper 200 slot preamp is available on patch as MIC PREAMP INPUT. These
patch points are fed from the MIC TIE-LINE patch points via a full-normal connection.

Legacy AXS API
10
Lower 200 Slot
The lower 200 slot is designed to house additional channel signal processing and is typically fitted with
an API 225 Compressor-Limiter.However, API provides two additional 200 Series signal processing
module options:
215 Sweep Filter
235 Noise Gate/Expander
In the standard configuration, the lower 200 slot signal processor (COMP) is located pre-EQ in the Small
Fader path. The lower 200 slot (COMP) can be moved to the Large Fader path on individual channels by
engaging the COMP LRG button on the 968 Input Module or globally by engaging the COMP LRG button
in the Master Section. Engaging the COMP BYP button in the Master Section will bypass the lower 200
slot (COMP) on all channels.
An internal link inside each 968 Input Module can be programmed to place the lower 200 slot (COMP)
post-EQ instead of pre-EQ in its assigned path.
The signal processor in the lower 200 slot may be accessed using the COMPRESSOR INPUT, SIDE CHAIN,
and COMPRESSOR OUTPUT patch points.
See the 200 Series signal processor descriptions in the “Channel” section later in this manual.
624 Bus Assignment Module Slot
The channel bucket contains dedicated slots designed to support API 624 Bus Assignment Modules. The
624 module handles assignments to Multitrack and Program Buses from the channel Large and Small
Fader paths. It also facilitates pan-pot activation in each path. The assignment module slots can only
be fitted with API 624 Bus Assignment Modules.
Multitrack Bus outputs and access to the program bus signal flow are available in the System patch bay.
500 Series Equalizer Slot
The 500 Series slot on each channel strip is intended to house the channel equalizer (EQ). This 500
Series slot complies with VPR Alliance standards so it can accept any API or VPR approved 500 Series
module except preamps. This slot is not designed to house a preamp and does not have a 48v power
supply for phantom power.
The 500 Series EQ slot is typically fitted with one of four API equalizer or filter modules:
550A 3-Band EQ
550b 4-Band EQ
560 10-Band Graphic EQ
565 Filter Bank
The 500 Series EQ slot is assigned into the Large Fader path by design. The EQ can be routed to the
Small Fader Path by engaging the EQ SM button on the 968 Input Module.
968 Input Module Slot
The channel bucket contains dedicated slots designed to support API 968 Input Modules. The 968 is the
main channel module and contains the Large and Small fader paths, internal channel routing, and
associated controls. The 968 modules also contain the channel auxiliary sends. The input module slots
can only be fitted with API 968 Input Modules.
Access to the channel signal flow is available in the Channel patch bay.
948 Fader Bay
Bays for 948 Fader Modules are located at the bottom of the channel buckets. These bays contain two
8-channel fader modules that support the 16 channels in the bucket.