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Vintage King Offers Q-Tip’s Classic API Console

Q-Tip reached out to Vintage King about purchasing a new console and selling his vintage API 3288

Legacy of Hit Albums By A Tribe Called Quest, Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar

Hot off the release of A Tribe Called Quest’s hit album, We Got It from Here… Thank You 4 Your Service, artist/producer Q-Tip reached out to Vintage King about purchasing a new console and selling his vintage API 3288. The desk, which was originally housed at Radio City Studios in New York City, has belonged to Q-Tip for five years and was used during the production of the final Tribe record.

Q-Tip’s production work for A Tribe Called Quest, Mariah Carey, Pusha T, Lady Gaga and Kendrick Lamar, has benefitted from his use of vintage recording gear. Of the API 3288, Q-Tip says, “The thing that drew me to it is that sound. I like the combination of the rock and roll sound and the R&B sound.”

When asked what was his secret studio weapon was for the new Tribe album, Q-Tip replied, “I think it’s the API, you know. The circuitry, the way it was designed, the EQs are very concise and exact. You get a real sharpness and there is a clarity to it. You can hear the difference. I’m not trying to brag or nothing, but when you hear this album and you compare to all the other popular music out there, there’s a certain warmth to it. It has a certain declaration of sharpness. I think the thing about that board is the high mids, the mid thing on that board is really, really great.”

As for his hopes for the new owner of the prized API console, Q-Tip explained, “I would like to see it go in the hands of someone who is going to use it and not let it sit and relic, someone who is going to make good music on it and take care of it. I hate to see it go, but the only reason I’m getting rid of it is because I want to go a different route in the sound, otherwise I’d keep it. I would like to see someone take it because The Ramones made their first couple records on it, Blondie recorded their first album on it and now the Tribe album. I’d like to see somebody take it who is going to continue that.”

Read the entire interview with Q-Tip and see many photos of the console here:
http://tinyurl.com/hkc232v

ABOUT VINTAGE KING AUDIO
Vintage King Audio is a leader in professional audio sales, studio consulting, and comprehensive gear servicing. No matter the scope of a client’s needs or goals – from selecting a new microphone to designing a studio from the ground up – Vintage King distinguishes itself with standard-setting customer service, which begins with the company’s knowledgeable, industry-experienced staff. For more information, visit: http://www.vintageking.com/about-us

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