The Panzer 500 is a 10-slot API 500-series enclosure with an external linear power supply, designed by IGS Audio as the central point of a permanent studio rack or a mobile recording setup. The key specification that distinguishes the Panzer 500 from standard 500-series frames is the output current: 420 mA per slot, against the 130 mA defined as standard by the API 500-series specification. This three-times headroom allows powering modules that cause problems in typical frames: the Tubecore 500 (vari-mu tube compressor) and One LA 500 (opto tube compressor) draw significantly more current than solid-state modules and require exactly this kind of power supply headroom. The external PSU eliminates coupling of power supply noise into the signal path of the modules – the PSU enclosure can be placed away from the rack or on a separate shelf.
External linear PSU – why it matters for signal quality
Most 500-series frames use an internal power supply placed directly behind the module slots. The mains transformer and rectifier generate magnetic fields and electrical interference that can couple into sensitive audio circuits in close proximity. The Panzer 500's external power supply physically separates these interference sources from the modules: the PSU can be placed at whatever distance the power cable allows. A linear power supply – as opposed to a switching supply – operates without the high-frequency switching that would inject noise onto the module power rails. Three LED voltage presence indicators on the front panel for the ±16 V and +48 V rails allow instant verification of power status without measurements.
Protection and stereo linking
The Panzer 500 includes global overload and short-circuit protection as well as individual protection per slot – a damaged module does not affect the rest of the frame. Stereo linking is implemented via a PCB jumper, which is the standard approach in 500-series frames and allows any adjacent pair of slots to be linked for modules that require stereo-link operation (S-Type 500 VU, Alter 500, Bison 500, etc.). The steel rackmount enclosure houses 10 slots in a standard 3U 19" format. Maximum power consumption under full load: 160 W. Shipping dimensions: 20×40×50 cm. Shipping weight: 8 kg.
KEY FEATURES
- 10-slot API 500-series frame with external linear power supply
- 420 mA per slot – three times above the API standard (130 mA)
- External linear PSU – power supply noise isolated from the module signal path
- Power rails: +16 V (200 mA/slot), –16 V (200 mA/slot), +48 V phantom (20 mA/slot)
- Short-circuit and overload protection: global + individual per slot
- Stereo link: via PCB jumper
- Voltage presence indicators: 3× LED (±16 V, +48 V)
- Compatible with all API 500-series modules
- Steel rackmount enclosure, 3U 19"
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: API 500-series frame with external linear power supply
- Number of slots: 10
- Current per slot: 420 mA total (200 mA @ +16 V / 200 mA @ –16 V / 20 mA @ +48 V)
- Power supply: external, linear
- Mains voltage: 115/230 V, 50/60 Hz
- Maximum power consumption: 160 W (full load)
- Stereo link: yes (via PCB jumper)
- Protection: short-circuit and overload, global + per slot
- Indicators: 3× LED (±16 V, +48 V)
- Format: 3U, 19"
- Shipping dimensions: 20×40×50 cm
- Shipping weight: 8 kg
