B173 mkII - classic british punch

As with the B173 Quad preamplifier from Black Lion Audio, the circuit design of the single-channel B173 mkII is based on the classic circuit and thus convincingly transports the legendary fat, warm British sound into the modern era. For an even cleaner and less distorted sound, the gain stage has been significantly revised. Two large-format controls for input and output level allow a sensitive dosage of the sound colouration by the transformers, so that all sound variations from velvety-elegant to rich and overtone-rich are directly available. With the B173 mkII from Black Lion Audio, the classic sound that made England's audio technology world-famous is available in a modern and compact form.

Musical sound through Cinemag transformers

The sound of classic consoles was decisively shaped by their special transformers, which offer an exceptionally musical reproduction. Nevertheless, many modern circuit designs dispense with these elaborate components for cost reasons. Black Lion Audio, originally specialised in repairing and improving classic studio technology, is aware of the importance of transformers in the signal path. With a clear focus on an uncompromisingly musical sound, only high-quality components were used in the development of the B12A mkIII preamp. The preamp is equipped with input and output transformers from the renowned US manufacturer Cinemag.

Equipped for all signals

The preamp has a rear-mounted XLR input and a TRS jack socket directly on the front panel. Via a Hi-Z switch, the latter can be switched to high-impedance operation and thus offers DI functionality, so that passive guitars and basses also benefit from the rich, warm sound of Black Lion Audio's sound machines. The signal is passed on to subsequent equipment via a further, symmetrically wired TRS jack socket. The preamp has massive gain reserves of 70 dB and has been optimised in its circuit design to further reduce the already low noise floor. For trouble-free use with high-level signal sources, the B12A mkII has a pad switch. To effectively minimise interference from the mains, the unit is equipped with a high-quality external power supply.

Features:

• 1-channel preamplifier

• 1073-british-style gain

• Cinemag input and output transformers

• front HI-Z input

• detented gain pot

• 48V phantom power

• Half-rack enclosure

• Velvety vintage sound for vocals, guitar, keys

• External 24 VAC power supply

• Inputs 1 x XLR, 1 x jack (unbalanced)

• Outputs 1 x jack (balanced)

• Height: 1U

• Width: 9.5" (rack mountable)

• Weight: 1.4 kg