Detail 01
Old/New switch
Old selects vintage-style feedback compression; New selects feed-forward compression.
Product detailSKU #1500000389928
API529 Stereo Compressor
1/8
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
API’s 529 brings stereo compression to a dual-slot 500 Series module, with controls that cover both light level shaping and more pronounced compression effects. THRUST circuitry is designed for a punchy low end, and the Old/New switch selects feedback-style or feed-forward compression behavior. Auto-makeup Gain lets you change ratio and threshold without changing output level. Discrete op-amps and transformer technology are part of its analog signal path, while dual 10-LED VU meters keep stereo metering in view.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Stereo compression tasks needing either subtle adjustment or deliberately heavy compression effects.
- 500 Series setups requiring selectable feedback-style and feed-forward compression characteristics.
- Sessions where ratio and threshold changes need to retain the existing output level.
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Single-slot 500 Series spaces, since the module occupies two slots.
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
Attack: below 1 ms to 50 ms; release: 0.05 to 4 seconds
Provides a stated range for setting the compressor’s timing response.
Detail 03
Ratios: 1.5:1 to infinity:1
Covers modest compression through limiting.
Detail 04
Dual 10-LED VU meters
Provides stereo metering from -15 VU to +18 VU.
Detail 05
API 500 edge connector; VPR Alliance compliant
Uses the API 500 edge-connector format and is VPR Alliance compliant.
Detail 06
Power: +16VDC and -16VDC at 180mA across two slots
The stated power draw applies across the module’s two occupied slots.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Reserve two 500 Series slots for the module.
- 02Confirm available +16VDC and -16VDC power at 180mA across the two slots.
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01How many 500 Series slots does the 529 use?
It is a dual-slot 500 Series module.
02What does the Old/New switch change?
Old uses vintage-style feedback compression; New uses feed-forward compression.
03Can I change ratio and threshold without changing output level?
Yes. The Auto-makeup Gain button allows ratio and threshold adjustments without affecting output level.
04What metering does it provide?
It has dual stereo 10-LED VU meters covering -15 VU to +18 VU.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
2 detailsSound
- Input impedance
- 80 kohm
- Output impedance
- 50 ohm
1 detailsPickups & controls
- Threshold control range
- +10dBu to -20dBu
2 detailsConnections & power
- Maximum input level
- +26dBu
- Maximum output level
- +26dBu
15 detailsOther
- Connections
- API 500 Edge Connector - VPR Alliance Compliant
- Category Source
- detail
- Attack times
- < 1ms to 50ms
- Dimensions (LxWxH)
- 3" x 5.25" x 7"
- Signal-to-noise ratio
- 106dB
- Korena Special
- false
- Weight
- 2.4 lb.
- Release times
- 0.05s to 4s
- Tier
- new
- Nominal operating level
- +4dBu
- Compression ratios
- 1.5:1 to inf:1
- Frequency response
- +/- 0.25dB, 20Hz-20kHz
- Source Id
- site51500000389928
- Metering
- Dual (Stereo) 10-LED VU meter (-15VU to +18VU)
- Power requirements
- +16VDC @ 180mA across 2 slots, -16VDC at 180mA across 2 slots
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