KIT Plugins and Blackbird Studio have released BB A5, a channel strip plugin modeled after the iconic API Legacy consoles housed in Blackbird Studio’s B and D rooms. The plugin captures the sonic essence of the revered 212L preamp and integrates three classic API EQs—the three-band 550A, the four-band 550L, and the proportional Q-based graphic equalizer 560L. With an introductory price of $150, creators can now access the studio-quality sound that has graced countless hit records.
BB A5 results from a close collaboration between the KIT team and John McBride, the owner of Blackbird Studios. “It was important that the BB A5 capture the sound and vibe of the hardware as a whole,” said McBride. Matthew Kleinman, Founder of KIT Plugins, echoed his sentiments, who noted that the A5 has already become a mainstay in his mixing toolbox. Music creators have praised the plugin’s authenticity and ease of use. GRAMMY-winning Producer Steve Marcantonio commented, “It sounds like I’m in D!”
Beyond the 212L preamp, the plugin offers a -20 dB Pad, a polarity switch, and a set of high and low pass filters. The EQ section is expansive, with each of the API EQs offering a stepped EQ toggle for more control over the EQ curve. Further, the plugin includes a master section designed to emulate the unique characteristics of the API master buss, adding subtle compression and saturation.
The BB A5 plugin will also be included in KIT’s Blackbird Studio Bundle, available for a limited-time introductory price of $275. The bundle incorporates other award-winning plugins such as BB Mo-Q and BB N105 channel strip plugin.
The BB A5 plugin is compatible with all major DAWs, supporting VST3, AU, and AAX formats. For more information or to purchase, visit KIT Plugins’ website.
Will Vance is a professional music producer who has been involved in the industry for the better part of a decade and has been the managing editor at Magnetic Magazine since mid-2022. In that time period, he has published thousands of articles on music production, industry think pieces and educational articles about the music industry. Over the last decade as a professional music producer, Will Vance has also ran multiple successful and highly respected record labels in the industry, including Where The Heart Is Records as well as having launched a new label with a focus on community through Magnetic Magazine. When not running these labels or producing his own music, Vance is likely writing for other top industry sites like Waves or the Hyperbits Masterclass or working on his upcoming book on mindfulness in music production. On the rare chance he's not thinking about music production, he's probably running a game of Dungeons and Dragons with his friends which he has been the dungeon master for for many years.
