Unsupported Browser
The web browser that you are currently using is no longer supported, and as such features of this website may not work as expected. We advise you to update to a currently supported browser (such as Chrome, Edge, or Firefox) to improve your security, speed, and overall experience.
Once confirmation has been received that your payment has been successful from your chosen payment method provider, then we can process your order and send your email containing your unique code and instructions on how to download the software from the Supplier.
When completing the checkout, please make sure that your email address is accurate so that we can get this to you as quickly as possible.
14-day money back guarantee included if product is not activated
You can purchase from Gear4music with complete confidence and peace of mind. All of our digital products come with a 14-day money-back guarantee as standard.
If you decide you don't want your order, you can return it within 14 days of receiving it. Provided your product hasn't been activated in that time, you can exchange it for a different product, or get a refund.
We will only issue a new product or refund if the supplier confirms that your product has not been activated. At the same time, we will ask them to invalidate it so that it cannot be used in the future.
This does not affect your statutory rights.
For more information, please refer to our Returns and Refunds Information.
If you decide your order isn't suitable for any reason you can return it - just let us know within 30 days of receiving it. Please keep hold of all the original packaging until you're sure you want to keep the order.
Eligibility for Money Back Guarantee
Important: For hygiene and software licensing reasons, some items are only eligible for our Money Back Guarantee if they are returned to us unused and sealed in the original packaging with all software still "unregistered." Details of exclusions are shown within the product descriptions. Products include:
- Monitors and Headphones
- Earplugs and Ear Protection
- Reeds and mouthpieces for woodwind and brass instruments
- Mouth and Lip-Care Products
- CDs, DVDs and Software
We can collect your return for a small fee, or you can send it back to us yourself. The collection fee can be found in the returns information on each product's page on Gear4music.
In the unlikely event that any item in this order is faulty, damaged or incorrect on receipt, notify us within 14 days and we'll arrange a free collection.
When returning an order please ensure products are appropriately packaged and protected, to prevent them from getting damaged.
This table provides an overview of your statutory consumer rights, compared with our standard returns policy and optional extended money back guarantee and warranty.
| UK & Europe | EU Standard | Gear4music Standard | Gear4music Optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Return Period | 14 days | 30 days | up to 180 days |
| Standard delivery charges refunded? | Yes | Yes | Yes, up to 30 days |
| Upgraded delivery charges refunded? | Standard costs only | Standard costs only | Standard costs only |
| Free collection on cancellation | No | No | Yes, up to 30 days |
| Free collection if defective, delivered damaged or incorrect item | Yes, within 14 days | Yes, within 14 days | Yes, within 30 days |
We are unable to accept returns of any custom made items designed to work together as a unique package and some items are only eligible for money back guarantee if they are returned to us unused and sealed in the original packaging. For full information on our returns policy, please refer to our returns and refunds information guide.
Key Features
The Universal Audio API 2500 Bus Compressor is a meticulously crafted emulation of API's flagship compressor. Renowned for its accuracy, this compressor is a must-have for top engineers and producers around the world. As the best of API's Paul Wolff-era circuit designs, the API 2500 adds unparalleled energy, movement, and tone to stereo mixes and subgroups. Its all-discrete signal path, combined with the patented Thrust circuitry, brings a unique and incomparable sound to your music.
With the API 2500 Bus Compressor plug-in, you can now experience the exact same characteristics and sonic qualities of this classic compressor in your own productions. This indistinguishable emulation captures the essence of API's custom transformers and 2510 and 2520 op amps, bringing the rich and warm analog sound right into your digital workspace.
The API 2500 Bus Compressor offers a range of options to enhance and fine-tune your mixes. Choose between "Old" and "New" compression modes, each with its own distinct feedback or feed-forward sounds. The plug-in also includes convenient Mix and Headroom controls, allowing you to streamline your workflow and achieve the perfect balance in your music.
Additionally, the API 2500 Bus Compressor features API's renowned Thrust technology, which adds punch and depth to low frequencies. Plus, with percent-based L/R Link controls, you can precisely contour your mix's stereo interaction to achieve the desired level of width and depth.
Product Ref: 278903
No expense or effort was spared in bringing you the most authentic emulation of the API 2500 Bus Compressor. Working closely with API's engineers, UA's team of DSP experts meticulously analyzed the schematics and behaviour of both the rackmount and in-console versions of the API 2500, resulting in one of the tightest behavioural circuit models ever produced.
The API 2500 compressor was designed with program material in mind, making it an ideal choice for your stereo bus. Its Release control offers both fixed and variable options, allowing for precise tweaking of the response to suit your needs. The Attack, Threshold, and Ratio controls provide a wide range of musical adjustments, giving you full control over the dynamics of your mix. With its toneful characteristics, the API 2500 acts as a true dynamics overlord, enhancing the final output of your music.
With the API 2500, you have the ability to shape your tone with three different compression knees - Soft, Medium, and Hard. This allows you to tailor the compression to match the specific character you desire. Additionally, you can choose between two compression types - "Old" and "New". The "Old" mode provides the characterful peak detection reminiscent of API's earliest 525 compressor, while the "New" mode features a modern feed-forward design. This flexibility allows you to achieve the exact dynamics and tonal balance that your music deserves.
Derived from the renowned Paragon series of consoles, the API 2500 introduces the Thrust feature. This innovative addition places a filter before the RMS detector to evenly distribute high and low-frequency energy, ensuring that neither frequency range triggers the compressor more than the other. The result is a distinctive and powerful API punch that is unparalleled by any other compressor on the market. With the Thrust control, you can add that extra impact and presence to your mixes, elevating them to a whole new level.
Unlike most compressors that only offer simple left/right linking options, the API 2500 Bus Compressor takes it a step further. The Link parameters of this compressor allow for precise control of the dynamic interaction between the left and right channels of your mix. This means you can fine-tune the dependence or independence of the channels, creating a dynamic spatial field that perfectly suits your artistic vision. To further refine your dynamic contours, the Shape control enables you to sculpt the output to fit your desired energy and motion.
"The API 2500 Bus Compressor is the only piece of analog gear that's stayed consistent with me through the years. Now with the UAD plug-in there's finally a worth model." - Vance Powell
"The API 2500 is my all-time favourite drum bus compressor. The punch and sound is unmatched by any other in it's class. This is a must-have in any studio." - Grieves
"The API 2500 plug-in has all the same character and punch as the original hardware" - Adam Hawkins
We use our own and third-party cookies to provide website functionality that allows you to get the best experience when browsing and shopping on our site. We also use cookies to analyse site traffic, personalise content and adverts you see, and provide social media features. Our cookie policy gives full details of all the cookies we use and explains how you can amend and update your cookie settings.
