API/DeMedio Console

Recording

The API/DeMedio is a recording console used by Prince at Sunset Sound studios and Paisley Park.

Prince first used the API/DeMedio console at Sunset Sound Studio 3 when recording the Controversy album. Bill Bushnell built the consoles at Sunset Sound, with the one in Studio 3 using API 500-series components. This board was later modified by Frank DeMedio. Prince used this on every album recorded at Sunset Sound, including 1999, Purple Rain, Around The World In A Day, Parade and Sign O The Times.

Prince later had Frank DeMedio build an API console for his Galpin Blvd. home studio. Prince dismissed DeMedio during installation. This caused the console to malfunction during the recording of “The Ballad Of Dorothy Parker”, leading to the song’s unusual sound.

When Paisley Park was constructed, Studio B was built to similar specifications to Sunset Sound Studio 3. The API/DeMedio console from Galpin Blvd. was installed in Studio B, where it has remained ever since.

API/DeMedio Console

Associated Eras