API kicked off their second-day press conference with an appearance by Bob Weir (Grateful Dead, Ratdog), who just purchased a Vision console for his home studio. Weir told the crowd that he first encountered the API name nearly 40 years ago, when he and the Dead went into a San Francisco studio to record “American Beauty.” Now he’s back full circle and “pleased as punch,” thinking that”he might buy another.” Weir was followed by the head of the MP&E department at Berklee College of Music, which just purchased three Legacy Plus boards, calling it the “most musical console on Earth, with the definitive tools that students need.” The company was also showing off the 1608, with Grammy-winning engineer Vance Powell doing demos. And they had a new 500 Series compressor on display, the 527. Now it’s on to their 40th-anniversary bash tonight at the Roseland Ballroom. Hottest ticket at the show, with Sonny Landreth as the house band and a scheduled guest appearance by Mr. Weir himself. Should be fun!