API 1608 Mk II Recording Console w. Automation

The API 1608-II 16-channel console with Final Touch Automation® brings the classic sound and hands-on feel of an API analog desk together with a modern, self-contained automation system. It is a compact but serious recording console for studios that want the tone and immediacy of analog, with the added ability to recall and refine mixes in a more controlled way.

The 1608-II has become a modern API classic: a clean, crisp and punchy American recording console with flexible routing, 500 Series EQ capability and a full-featured center section. This standard 16-channel version gives the studio a strong analog front end, generous mix routing and a practical footprint that works beautifully in tracking rooms, production studios, mix suites and hybrid environments.

Each channel is equipped with a mic preamp and equalizer, giving the engineer proper API tone from the first gain stage. The console accepts API 500 Series equalizers, and this standard 16-channel configuration includes 12 API 550A equalizers and 4 API 560 equalizers. It is a classic API pairing, with the 550A offering broad, musical equalization and the 560 bringing graphic EQ precision to the desk.

The console architecture includes 8 multitrack buses, 8 auxiliary buses, 1 stereo bus and 4 stereo returns on 100 mm faders, with multitrack and stereo bus assignment. The full center facilities section provides proper studio monitoring and control, including surround 5.1 center section monitoring, while classic analog metering keeps the working surface clear and easy to read.

Final Touch Automation® expands the 1608-II into a more recall-friendly analog workstation. The system is self-contained and does not require an external computer. It adds individual switch control on each fader, a global control panel in the center section, a high-resolution 7.5” touch screen, automated mute and insert switches, unlimited fader groups with 2 dedicated group master faders, motorized stereo program fader, motorized stereo returns, DAW control with unity gain audio bypass and unlimited mix restore points.

For rooms that need classic API tone with modern mixing control, the 1608-II with Final Touch Automation® is a very elegant solution. It keeps the musical, physical nature of analog console mixing, but adds the automation tools needed for more complex sessions, revisions and professional mix recall.

The API 1608-II series is also available in 32 and 48 channel frame sizes, as well as 16-channel expander configurations. Non-automated versions are also available for studios that prefer a fully manual analog workflow.

Main features of the API 1608-II console series

* Analog recording console with classic API signal flow
* Available in 16, 32 and 48 input channel frame sizes
* 16-channel expander option available
* Available with or without API Final Touch Automation®
* Each channel equipped with mic preamp and equalizer
* Accepts API 500 Series equalizers
* 8 multitrack buses
* 8 auxiliary buses
* 1 stereo bus
* 4 stereo returns on 100 mm faders
* Multitrack and stereo bus assignment
* Full center section control
* Surround 5.1 center section monitoring
* Classic analog metering
* Global 0 dB fader bypass
* Comprehensive rear-panel I/O connectivity

Main features of this particular version

* Standard 16-channel API 1608-II analog console
* Final Touch Automation®
* 16 Mic/Line Inputs with Direct Outputs
* 12 API 550A Equalizers
* 4 API 560 Equalizers
* 4 Motorized Stereo Returns
* 2 Motorized Group Faders
* 1 Complete Center Facilities Section
* 16 Motorized Faders
* 1 Motorized Stereo Fader

Final Touch Automation® features

* Self-contained automation system requiring no external computer
* Individual switch control on each fader
* Global control panel in the console center section
* High-resolution 7.5” touch screen control
* Files can be saved to standard memory cards
* Automated mute and insert switches on each channel
* Unlimited fader groups
* 2 dedicated group master faders
* Motorized stereo program fader
* 4 motorized stereo returns
* DAW control with unity gain audio bypass
* Unlimited mix restore points

US and EU parcels ship via UPS, ETA 1-7 working days from pickup day zero. That also applies to most locations worldwide.

All shipments are fully insured.

Bigger shipments requiring pallets or custom made crates ship to US, CA, JP, CN, AU and other outside of EU locations via DHL Air Freight, ETA is normally approx. 7-14 working days from pickup day zero.

Big shipments inside EU ship via different freight companies, recently mostly via ACE Logistics. Freight forwarders can use different courier companies for deliveries to final destinations.

Palletising and crating time can vary depending on the size of the shipment and packaging queue. We pack all our shipments with great care.

You are most welcome to pick your order up yourself from our Retrosonic Pro Audio showroom, studio and warehouse in Tallinn, Estonia.

We ship worldwide – contact us for a personal shipping quote or any other questions.

VAT (Value Added Tax) can be deducted if you have a company with a valid EU VAT number or if you're based outside of the EU. Non-EU buyers pay all and any import tax and duty as regulated by their local customs.