Classical Audio Products Inc.
(CAPI)
Introduction
If there is a fantastic company which makes great products for the world of professional music recording, that is the story of one person whose quest was to make fantastic products, so that he could record music using his beloved vintage console— it is the story of Jeff Steiger and the creation of CAPI. The owner of a vintage mid-1970s console, Steiger realized that to find products that would sound like the vintage microphone preamps, equalizers and compressors that could be found on the classic American-made consoles of the late 1960s and early to mid-1970s, he would have to build them himself. This desire to create modules that would sound like the classic consoles of the past, led directly to the development of his company— Classic Audio Products Inc. (or, CAPI, for short).
Which products from Classic Audio Products Inc. that were used by the great engineers and recording studio facilities of the past would be a great fit for the educational space?
CAPI creates and sells some of the finest sounding microphone preamps, equalizers and compressors that you can find in the world of professional music recording. While ANY of the modules made by CAPI would be great for the educational space, I have selected two of my favorite microphone preamps, my favorite equalization unit and my favorite compressor/limiter from their product line-up. The VP26 and VP312 microphone preamps are some of the very best that can be found in the world of professional music recording. Both are microphone preamps based on classical console preamps that hearken back to the late 1960s and early 1970s. The CAPI BT50 is a sweet-sounding equalization module that rivals the very best vintage units. And, the FC526 is a solid compressor/limiter module that is just as versatile and as sweet sounding as a vintage 1176 unit. Each of the units made by CAPI would be perfect for an educational institution.
CAPI— VP26
The CAPI VP26 is a sweet-sounding microphone preamp module that would sound amazing on just about any source. It is based on the preamps that you might have found on the classic American-made consoles of the mid-1970s. This module is the personal favorite for a number of great artists, engineers, musicians and producers. It is to be noted that this module is a 500-series unit and will require the use of a compatible 500-series chassis.
Image: CAPI VP26
Image courtesy-- Classical Audio Products Inc.
CAPI— VP312
The CAPI VP312 is a creamy and smooth sounding microphone preamp module that has become the favorite for many engineers and producers and can be found in the equipment racks of many of the finest recording studios in the world. It is based on the microphone preamps that you would have found on the classic consoles of the late 1960s and early 1970s that helped define the “California Sound,” of that period in the history of popular music. Like its sibling, the VP26, the VP312 module is a 500-series unit and will require the use of a compatible 500-series chassis.
Image: CAPI VP312
Image courtesy-- Classical Audio Products Inc.
CAPI— BT50
The CAPI BT50 is a solid, creamy-sounding equalization module that rivals the sound, function and versatility of any vintage or classical equalization unit that can be found anywhere in the world of professional music recording. It is a 3-band equalization unit that is incredibly easy to use and can give your work the vintage sound that could only have been achieved through the American-made consoles of the early 1970s— until now. The CAPI BT50 is a 500-series unit and will require the use of a compatible 500-series chassis.
Image: CAPI BT50
Image courtesy-- Classical Audio Products Inc.
CAPI— FC526
It is probably one of the most underrated products in the world of professional music recording, but do not let its small size fool you— the CAPI FC526 compressor/limiter can pack a punch. It is an extremely versatile smooth-sounding compressor/limiter module which sounds fantastic on a wide variety of sound sources. Like its siblings, the sound of this module will take you back to the sounds of the amazing American-made consoles of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Also, the CAPI FC526 is a 500-series unit and will require the use of a compatible 500-series chassis.
Image: CAPI FC526
Image courtesy-- Classical Audio Products Inc.
Why should an educational institution invest in products from Classic Audio Products Inc. (CAPI)?
There is a catch to CAPI gear— it is DIY (i.e.-- do it yourself). Most, but not all of the gear made by CAPI will come to you in a kit that you will have to assemble. But, just going through this process would be an excellent educational opportunity for both technical savvy instructors and students, alike. Plus, it would teach them some basic maintenance and technical skills. It is to be noted that there are companies out there which specialize in assembling CAPI gear and can do so for you, if you do not have the time to do it yourself. Also, CAPI has excellent customer service and can and will steer you in the right direction to receive the assistance at any time that you may need with their products. There are some products such as the VP312 microphone preamp which you can purchase directly from CAPI that comes assembled for you— ready to use. CAPI gear is not just great for teaching students about the process of creating a piece of gear, every piece of gear that comes from the company is versatile, durable and sounds fantastic. In each and every respect, CAPI gear would be an excellent choice for the educational space.
If you would like more information about Classic Audio Products Inc. (CAPI) and the amazing products that were discussed in this article, please use the following links which are listed below. (Special Note— Each of the links are to the current best-selling kit versions of each module.)
The following link will take you to the Classic Audio Products Inc. (CAPI) website where you can learn more about this legendary company and also, find an authorized dealer for their fabulous products in your area.
CAPI (Classic Audio Products Inc.)
Special Note: Each of the images in this article appear through the courtesy and generosity of the wonderful people at Classic Audio Products Inc (CAPI).
Special Thanks— At The Recording Session Vault Educational Website Project, we would like to take a moment to express our thanks and appreciation to Jeff Steiger at Classic Audio Products Inc. (CAPI) for his time and assistance with this article.