Why the lunchbox hype?

  • Thread starter Thread starter JuliánFernández
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JuliánFernández

2&4
API 500-6B Lunchbox $425
API 512 Mic Pre/DI x4 $2700

Thats $3125 for 4 channels of API´s pres vs. API 3124+ at $2400 (or even 2 API A2D at 3400 bucks)...

Ok, with the lunchbox you still have 2 spare spaces; but I can´t see why some
many people are into this 500´s series modules...

Am I missing something? :confused:
 
i think it's mostly due to the flexibility

with so many companies making 500 series stuff now, you can mix/match modules to fit whatever you need
 
Ironklad Audio said:
i think it's mostly due to the flexibility

with so many companies making 500 series stuff now, you can mix/match modules to fit whatever you need
Click to expand...
Exactly. If you just want 4 channels of all API, the lunchbox is probably not for you. For me, I love mine. I only have the Great River 500 module but I plan on expanding and getting an API 512C x 2, A Designs P-1, and a Purple Audio Biz.
 
Consider that you can a single API for snare, 2 P1's for overheads, an Avedis MA5 for vocals, etc. The lunchbox is going to give you much more flexability. Easy enough to trade out what's not working for you as well without losing mulitple channels.
 
There's no question that if you want 4 channels of API, the 3124 is the way to go. But if you want flexibility and variety in a handy portable unit, the Lunchbox works pretty well, especially since many manufacturers are coming out with modules at increasingly competitive prices. In addition, manufacturers are coming out with EQs and comps to fit the format which, in effect allows one to custom design a couple channel strips in the box. I have 2x512cs, 1 Purple Biz and 1xA-Designs P-1, plus 2x550b EQs and 1x525 comp in my lunch boxes. I'm waiting for the rest of the Purple Audio line to hit the stores, at which point I'll probably pick up a couple of their new comps. If you buy used, the pricing is pretty decent. I paid @$300 and $325 for my lunch boxes (4 slot and a 6 slot API boxes). You can often find 512cs for $550- $600 used. Lots of other modules go for $650 - $700 used.

In addition the manufacturers appear to be competing on price as well. A Great River MP-500NV, at $750 new, is a pretty good deal compared to the stand alone ME-1NV at $1075. You could buy a used 6 slot lunch box for the difference and have 4 slots to spare (the GR takes 2 slots). Purple Audio's new modules are all slated to street at $675 -- same as API for preamps and less than some other newer modules. Very very competitive for EQ and Comps which tend to be higher priced modules.
 
What if you only want 3 channels? Flexibility? 5 channels?

Also consider that many places offer a special where if you buy four modules, you also get the lunchbox for free. With the lunchbox you can also buy various API EQ's and also a single channel API compressor.

You can also add modules from Great River, Chandler, Purple, Avedis, OSA, Buzz, LaChapell, A Designs, and many more....

I got my 11 channel rack with overbuilt power supply that can power 2x11 channel racks and on OSA C preamp for about $800. All in all, with the lower cost on modules in the future I will save a bundle and get what I want sooner.
 
speaking of the 500 series stuff...i'm about to sell my left nut to the highest bidder for an API 1608
 
once you make the investment in the lunchbox/rack, the answer to the "what's the best mic pre for $600" becomes pretty obvious. it also makes it easy (and relatively cheap) to improve your mic preamp selection. instead of talking about things like Eurekas and RNPs, you're talking APIs and Purple and whatnot.


cheers,
wade
 
With all these replies, I think the answer is not obvious. Flexibility. Options. Expansion.

I got my lunchbox brand new at a used price. Vintage King really hooked me up.
 
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