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API MC531

Item: REC0015906-000
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API MC531 Product Image
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Monitor controller with AES, USB, Bluetooth, talkback, 3 monitor paths, sub-out and 2 headphone outputs.  All product info

€ 2,789.00
€ 2,789.00 / 1 STÜCK,  incl. VAT
or extremely cheap from € 49.66 monthly financing
available soon, estimated to be in stock: Jun 15, 2026

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API MC531

The control centre for professional monitoring

  • three analogue stereo inputs with API 2510 Op Amps for high-quality signal buffering
  • digital stereo input with switchable AES3 or USB source
  • additional ST-5 input with Bluetooth and 3.5 mm mini jack on the front and rear
  • A total of up to seven selectable stereo sources for a wide variety of studio configurations
  • Three separate speaker pairs including Main, Alt 1 and Alt 2 can be selected directly
  • Individual trim controls for Alt 1 and Alt 2
  • Separate subwoofer output with its own level control
  • monitor section with mono, cut, DIM and separate muting of left and right channels
  • large 41-step API Control Room volume control
  • Switchable output stage between electronically balanced operation and API 2520/transformer signal path
  • 18-segment stereo LED meter for level control of the selected source
  • Additional meter output for external metering systems
  • Two independent headphone amplifiers with their own volume controls
  • integrated talkback microphone with adjustable level and direct activation button
  • Automatic DIM function during talkback use
  • USB audio with automatic detection of sample rate and bit depth up to 192 kHz
  • Standalone monitor controller based on the monitor section of classic API consoles
Front view of the MC531

Scope of delivery:

  • API MC531 Monitor Controller
  • External power supply unit
  • Operating instructions

Console feel meets modern studio work

With the MC531, API brings the monitor section of its large analogue consoles into the studio as a stand-alone solution. The monitor controller is aimed at professional recording, mixing and mastering environments where fast workflows, reliable signal routing and precise monitoring are crucial. The MC531 takes many functions that are otherwise only known from the legendary API consoles and combines them with modern connectivity for current DAW setups.

Direct access to all sources

The API MC531 offers a flexible input section. Three analogue stereo inputs are available for audio interfaces, summers or external players. There are also digital signals via USB or AES3 and an additional input for mobile devices via Bluetooth or mini jack.

A total of up to seven different stereo sources can be managed and selected directly. Each source is buffered via API 2510 Op Amps, ensuring a consistent signal path and stable performance. For day-to-day studio work, this means less re-plugging, faster comparisons and direct access to all important signals.

Separate AES and USB sync displays are availablefor digital sources, showing the current synchronisation status at all times. The USB connection works driver-free with the latest macOS and Windows systems and enables uncomplicated integration into existing production environments.

Rear view of the MC531

Three pairs of monitors and a flexibly integrated subwoofer

If you want to switch between different speaker systems, the MC531 is the perfect control centre. In addition to the main monitor path, two further stereo outputs are available for alternative monitoring systems. Separate trim controls enable precise level adjustment of the speaker pairs, making objective comparisons much easier.

An additional subwoofer output can be assigned independently to the Main, Alt 1 and Alt 2 monitor paths. This allows the subwoofer to be activated automatically as soon as a specific speaker system is selected.

Quick decisions when mixing

In the studio, seconds often count. That's why the MC531 has all the important monitor functions directly on the surface. Mono switching, cut, DIM and separate mute buttons for the left and right channels enable quick control of phase, stereo image and mono compatibility.

The centrepiece is the large API Control Room knob, which enables precise volume control and conveys the typical operating feel of classic API consoles.

A special feature is the switchable output stage. Users can choose between an electronically balanced output circuit and the characteristic API signal path with 2520 op amp and output transformer.

side front view

Two independent headphone paths for recording sessions

For recording sessions with musicians, the MC531 offers two fully independent headphone amplifiers. Both outputs have their own volume controls and can either play back the current control room signal or a freely definable cue source.

As the headphone section works independently of the selected monitor paths, musicians and sound engineers can be supplied with different signals at the same time. The integrated talkback microphone with adjustable level also simplifies communication between the control room and recording room.

Full control over level and signal flow

An 18-segment LED meter enables permanent monitoring of the selected signal source. In addition, the MC531 provides a separate meter output that can be used to integrate external metering systems. This allows the level monitoring to be flexibly expanded without affecting the actual monitor path.

The controls explained

Technical data:

  • Analogue inputs
    • 3 x stereo, balanced via 6.35 mm jack
    • Input impedance: 30 kOhm
  • Digital inputs
    • AES3 via XLR
    • USB audio via USB type B
  • Additional inputs
    • Bluetooth
    • 3.5 mm stereo jack (front and rear in parallel)
  • Monitor outputs
    • Main stereo out
    • Alt 1 Stereo Out
    • Alt 2 Stereo Out
    • Subwoofer Out (mono)
  • Output connections
    • XLR, electronically or transformer-balanced switchable
    • Output impedance: 75 Ohm
    • Metre output: Balanced via 6.35 mm jack
    • Headphone outputs: 2 x stereo via 6.35 mm jack
    • Maximum input level: +28 dBu
    • Maximum output level: +28 dBu
    • Frequency response: 20 Hz to 50 kHz (±0.5 dB)
    • Signal-to-noise ratio: 115 dB
    • Digital audio resolution: up to 192 kHz sample rate
    • Level display: 18-segment stereo LED meter
    • Talkback: integrated talkback microphone with gain control
    • Power supply: external power supply unit
    • Power consumption: 16 watts
    • Dimensions (W × D × H): 279 × 324 × 102 mm
    • Weight: 3.86 kg

    Features:

    • Manufacturer: API
    • Stereo input: 6.35mm jack TRS, 3-pole XLR
    • Stereo output: 6.35mm jack TRS, 3-pole XLR
    • Width (mm): 324
    • Depth (mm): 279
    • Height (mm): 102
    • Weight (kg): 3.86
    API MC531 Product ImageAPI MC531
    € 2,789.00