Api Lunchbox request for a sticky thread

[Stevedog]

I have really only just discovered just how many differing modules there are now available , by various manufacturers for the lunchbox. That being so, is there a possibility of a sticky thread where we can compile a continually updated list of the modules that are on the market?

I think it could save a whole lot of time, with not only umpteen threads, but also searches, as more and more companies seem to be joining this particular bandwagon and it shows no sign of abating.

[Hugh Robjohns]

Got no objections if someone want's to start it off.

hugh

[Doublehelix]

OK, I'll bite and get this thing rolling.

There are the usual API, Brent Averil, Old School Audio, Buzz Audio, Purple Audio, A-Designs, Shadow Hills, Eisen, etc.

Here are a few new ones that were announced at this past AES in NY:

One of my personal favs, the Avedis MA5. This thing looks so tasty, and I am salivating all over my keyboard!



And then of course the Great River model (notice that it is 2 spaces wide):



The Chandler LTD Germanium also looks pretty interesting:



Also new from JLM Audio:



Shadow Hills was also showing off their new Optograph compressor. They also make some VERY srious mic pres for the 500-series format:



Shiny Box:



As many of you know, A-Designs makes a whole bunch of 500-series modules. This is their new "mini-console" design to hold them:

[Doublehelix]

More new stuff.

Al.So:



Roll Music (tube-based pre):



Then all the Purple Audio Stuff:



Here are some of the A-Design Pres:



and then the A-Designs P=EQ (Pultec EQ):



And then Buzz Audio:



Here is a picture of the Shadow Hills Optograph compressor along with one of their mic pres:



Then the Speck ASC-V EQ:



Lachapell (another tube-based pre):



Geoff Daking has a new EQ:

[Doublehelix]

Avedis also has his EQ module:



Brent Averill:



And of course, API:



Old School Audio (Distributed by Atlas Pro Audio):



And they have several "flavors" of the MP1 shown below:


And then Eisen Audio makes some great pres, some of which are DIY units:

[Stevedog]

Thanks Hugh and DH.... it does seem to be the *trend* for outbaord at the moment. Great thing is, it does often bring some pretty esoteric names down to the point where hobbyists can afford to take a chance..

[Jack Ruston]

Er...I think thats all of em!

I really want to try the A designs stuff.

I've got some 512's and I've used the 550B's quite a bit. I cant really afford a pair of 550A's.

That speck is a nice eq to have lying around.

J

[Zukan]

Anyone attacked the Optograph Compressor yet?

Looks a tad familiar huh?

[Hugh Robjohns]

Hasn't Audient just brought out some modules for the lunchbox too?

hugh

[Doublehelix]

Hasn't Audient just brought out some modules for the lunchbox too?

That would be interesting if they did. I think they have the "Black Series" which fits into their bespoke "Black Rack", but I am not aware of anything that fits into the 500-series rack.

If anyone hears anything, post it here, I would be interested as well.

[Dave B]

It's a bit of an obvious question, but what are the odds that the SSL X-rack modules fit into the API chassis? Or are they different beasts?

Another obvious question : is there a standard for these lunchbox thingies?

I've obviously not been paying attention lately...

[Hugh Robjohns]

The SSL modules won't fit, and apart from anything else, a key part of their design is the Total Recall system which requires the X-Rack frame.

API has published the standards for its Lunchbox system, which is why so many people can make moduels for it. I suspect the launch of their new desk with optional lunchbox modules as part of the design is a strong influence on this too.

hugh

[Joe_caithness]

wow ive never even seen this beast before, can someone sum it up "the lunchbox"

[Doublehelix]

More...

Vintage Design:



Miso music looks interesting as they are repackaging some API opamps with some interesting "twists" on the input transformer design to make it more like the original (pun intended! ).



The Dane De-Esser:

[Stevedog]

wow ive never even seen this beast before, can someone sum it up "the lunchbox"

The lunch box is a rackmount unit that comes with a Power Supply into which, originally, you could slot a number of API modules. Thus, allowing you to pick and mix exactly which you want and need. Since it's launch other manufacturers have taken it up, as a de facto standard, and developed and released their own modules that are compatible with the API base unit.



This is what a basic lunchbox looks like bereft of any modules..The modules pictured above , in this thread, all slot effortlessly into the lunchbox.

[Doublehelix]

The picture that Stevedog posted above is the 6-space API lunchbox, which is not rack-mountable, but they also have a 10-space rack that also includes the power supply and is rack mountable:



There are other folks that make racks and/or lunchboxes as well...

Old School Audio:



Brent Averill:







A-Designs:



Finally, I know that Avedis makes a 1 rackspace, 2-module unit similar to the A-Designs unit.

And then I posted that prototype A-Designs console with the removable 500-series modules, and my understanding is that API is also making a new console that has removable modules.

This is a very exciting time to be involved in the 500-series format!

[Mr Long Arms]

wow! this looks very interesting indeed!

i notice that a lot of the modules (purple audio, shadow hills, brent averill, for example) are only available from distributers in the states.

could there be any power issues when using modules from the states with a lunchbox bought from the uk?

[Farty Malone]

could there be any power issues when using modules from the states with a lunchbox bought from the uk?

I read the whole thread to make sure this question hadn't already been asked, and there it was, the very last sentence! Bloody typical. Yes, I'd also be interested in a response to this one.

PS - So, does anyone have a free license to make and distribute units in this 'format', or are there royalties involved?

[Stevedog]

Probably the best place to ask this specific question is over at Gearslutz or drop an email to the companies involved and ask them. I know the API's come with their own PSU's which are switchable from 110-250 volts

[RegressiveRock]

Probably the best place to ask this specific question is over at Gearslutz or drop an email to the companies involved and ask them. I know the API's come with their own PSU's which are switchable from 110-250 volts

In my days of gear dealing I've had a couple of US units pass through my hands which appeared not to be...

[Studio Support Gnome]

there shouldn't be a problem with power on the modules, that's kind of the whole point of the standardised format.... the modules all run on the std rail voltages supplied in the connection back plane.... the only place where 110/240 is relevant is at the main PSU.

the PSU takes the mains supply , and turns it into sensible rail voltages for the modules (offhand can;t recall what , but + and - between 15 and 18V is common in consoles.... )

this applies to all of the API format boxes as far as I'm aware.

[Farty Malone]

Ah, of course! Seems obvious, heh heh. Thanks for clearing that up. Not that I could possibly afford any of this gear (even the casing would be a stretch), I was just wondering...

[Stevedog]

A close up of the shadowhills pre amp...

[IvanSC]

Excuse my ignorance, but is the format for the lunchbox the same as the old Valley people/Allison Engineering stuff from the eighties, or are we talking about a whole NEW concept of isep rails and a psu in a 19" rack box here?
Curious as I have a line on some of the old gain brains but no box to put `em in.

[Steve Hill]

More Vintage Design products here.

Most are around £500 a unit and are available in the UK from the eBay store of UKproaudio in Sussex (decent enough people on the single occasion I've used them).