Unleash Professional-Grade Audio with Black Lion Audio's B173 Preamp
Black Lion Audio is a company that has been making waves in the audio industry for quite some time now. Their latest offering, the B173, is an analog microphone preamp that has been getting a lot of attention lately. This preamp is a recreation of the classic Neve 1073, which is widely considered to be one of the best preamps ever made. But what sets the B173 apart from other 1073 clones on the market? Let's take a closer look.
One of the first things you'll notice about the B173 is its build quality. Black Lion Audio takes great pride in the craftsmanship of their products, and the B173 is no exception. The unit is built like a tank, with a solid aluminum chassis and high-quality components throughout. You can tell just by looking at it that this is a piece of gear that was built to last.
But of course, build quality is only part of the equation when it comes to audio gear. The real question is, how does it sound? And in the case of the B173, the answer is: fantastic. This preamp has all the warmth, depth, and character that you would expect from a classic Neve 1073, but with a few added features that make it even more versatile.
For example, the B173 has a switchable input impedance, which allows you to tailor the sound to match the specific microphone you're using. This is a feature that was not present on the original 1073, but it's one that many modern engineers find extremely useful. It gives you more control over the tone of your recordings, and helps you get the most out of your mics.
Another nice feature of the B173 is its high-pass filter. This allows you to roll off some of the low frequencies that can muddy up your recordings, without affecting the overall tone of the signal. It's a subtle effect, but one that can make a big difference in the final mix.
But perhaps the most impressive thing about the B173 is its price. While other Neve 1073 clones can cost thousands of dollars, the B173 comes in at a much more affordable price point. And yet, it still manages to deliver all the warmth and character of the original. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone who wants to get that classic Neve sound without breaking the bank.
Of course, no piece of gear is perfect, and there are a few minor drawbacks to the B173 that are worth mentioning. For one thing, it doesn't have as many features as some other preamps on the market. There's no EQ section, for example, and the gain range is somewhat limited compared to some other Neve clones.
But these are relatively minor quibbles, especially considering the price point of the B173. For the vast majority of recording situations, this preamp will more than meet your needs. It's a great choice for anyone who wants to add some classic Neve mojo to their recordings, without breaking the bank.
In conclusion, the Black Lion Audio B173 is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to get that classic Neve 1073 sound without spending a fortune. Its build quality, sound quality, and affordability make it one of the best values on the market today. Whether you're a professional engineer or a home studio hobbyist, the B173 is definitely worth considering.
The Black Lion Audio B173: A Vintage Sound for Modern Times
The sound of vintage analog gear is highly sought after in modern recording studios. The warmth, character, and color that these pieces of equipment add to recordings cannot be replicated by digital simulations. That’s why many engineers and producers turn to companies like Black Lion Audio to bring the sound of classic gear to their modern setups. The Black Lion Audio B173 is one such product that promises to deliver vintage sound with modern reliability.
What is the Black Lion Audio B173?
The Black Lion Audio B173 is a single-channel, Class A mic preamp based on the legendary Neve 1073 circuit. The 1073 is widely regarded as one of the most iconic preamps in the history of recorded music. It was used on countless classic albums by artists like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd. The B173 aims to capture the sound of the 1073 while adding some modern features and improvements.
The Sound of the B173
The most important aspect of any preamp is its sound, and the B173 does not disappoint. It adds warmth, depth, and dimension to any source that passes through it. Vocals sound smoother and more present, guitars sound fuller and richer, and drums sound punchier and more defined. The B173’s high-frequency response is especially noteworthy, adding a subtle sparkle and sheen to recordings without ever sounding harsh or brittle.
The Features of the B173
While the B173 is based on a classic design, it does include some modern features and conveniences. It has a front-panel DI input for direct recording of instruments, as well as switchable phantom power and phase invert. The input impedance can also be adjusted to accommodate different types of microphones. The B173 also has a high-pass filter that can be engaged to remove low-frequency rumble and other unwanted noise.
The Build Quality of the B173
Black Lion Audio is known for their high-quality builds, and the B173 is no exception. It features a robust steel chassis and high-quality components throughout. The internal power supply is designed to provide clean and stable voltage to the circuitry, ensuring optimal performance. The B173 also includes a two-year warranty, giving users peace of mind that their investment is protected.
The Value of the B173
While the B173 is not cheap, it is significantly more affordable than many other Neve-inspired preamps on the market. It retails for around $700, which is a fraction of the cost of a vintage 1073 or even some modern recreations. Considering the sound quality and build quality of the B173, it represents excellent value for money.
Conclusion
The Black Lion Audio B173 is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add vintage analog warmth to their recordings without breaking the bank. It captures the sound of the legendary Neve 1073 while adding some modern features and conveniences. Its build quality is top-notch, and its price point makes it accessible to a wide range of users. If you’re in the market for a new mic preamp, the B173 is definitely worth considering.
A Vintage-Style Preamp with Modern Features: Black Lion Audio B173
Black Lion Audio has been a trusted name in the audio industry since 2006, producing high-quality gear that provides professional-level sound at an affordable price. Their latest offering, the B173 preamp, is no exception. This vintage-style preamp boasts modern features and hand-built craftsmanship, making it an excellent choice for any home or professional studio.
Hand-Built and Made in the USA
The B173 preamp is hand-built in the USA, ensuring that every unit is crafted with the utmost care and precision. Black Lion Audio uses only high-quality components to ensure optimal performance and longevity, making the B173 a reliable investment for any recording enthusiast.
Versatile Sound for Any Genre
One of the most impressive features of the B173 preamp is its versatility. It offers a wide range of sounds that can be tailored to fit any genre or recording style. The switchable input impedance allows for added tone control, while the gain range from 0 to +80 dB allows for precise adjustments to achieve the perfect level. The B173 also features phantom power for condenser microphones, making it an excellent choice for vocalists, acoustic guitar players, and other musicians who use this type of microphone.
High-Quality Components for Optimal Performance
The B173 is built with high-quality components to ensure optimal performance. It features a Cinemag input transformer and Edcor output transformer, as well as Wima and Nichicon capacitors. These components work together to provide a clean, transparent sound with minimal noise and distortion. Additionally, the B173 features LED metering for accurate level monitoring, ensuring that your recordings are always at the right level.
Balanced XLR and Unbalanced 1/4 Inputs and Outputs
The B173 preamp features both balanced XLR and unbalanced 1/4 inputs and outputs, making it compatible with a wide range of equipment. Whether you're using a professional-grade microphone or a standard instrument cable, the B173 can accommodate your gear. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for musicians and audio engineers alike.
Compact and Portable Design for Studio or Live Use
The B173 preamp has a compact and portable design, making it an excellent choice for both studio and live use. Its small size allows it to fit easily on a desktop or in a rack, while its sturdy construction ensures that it can withstand the rigors of travel. Whether you're recording in a home studio or performing live on stage, the B173 preamp is a reliable and versatile choice.
In conclusion, the Black Lion Audio B173 preamp is a vintage-style preamp with modern features that make it an excellent choice for any recording enthusiast. Its hand-built craftsmanship and high-quality components ensure optimal performance, while its versatility makes it suitable for any genre or recording style. With its compact and portable design, the B173 preamp is a reliable and versatile choice for both studio and live use.
Black Lion Audio B173: A Game-Changing Preamp
Overview
The Black Lion Audio B173 is a preamp that has been making waves in the music industry since its release. It is a 1-channel preamp that is designed to provide the user with a warm and vintage sound characteristic of classic analog recording equipment.
Pros
- The Black Lion Audio B173 is incredibly versatile. It can be used with a wide range of instruments and microphones, making it an ideal choice for musicians and producers who work with different genres of music.
- The preamp is built with high-quality components that are designed to last for years. This means that you can expect to get a lot of use out of it without having to worry about it breaking down or needing repairs.
- The Black Lion Audio B173 is incredibly easy to use. It has a simple interface that makes it easy to adjust settings and get the sound you want quickly.
- The preamp is also very affordable compared to other similar products on the market, making it a great choice for musicians and producers who are on a budget.
Cons
- The Black Lion Audio B173 may not be suitable for everyone. Some users may prefer a more modern, clean sound, which the preamp may not be able to provide.
- The preamp can be a bit noisy at times, especially when using higher gain settings. This may be an issue for some users who require a completely noise-free signal.
Table Information
Below is a table that provides more information about the Black Lion Audio B173:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Input Impedance | 600 ohms |
| Gain Range | 0 dB to +80 dB |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz - 20 kHz (+/- 0.5 dB) |
| THD+N | Less than 0.01% |
| Output Impedance | 600 ohms |
| Max Output Level | +28 dBu |
| Power Requirements | 120V AC (USA) or 220V AC (international) |
Overall, the Black Lion Audio B173 is a great preamp that offers a warm, vintage sound at an affordable price. While it may not be suitable for everyone, it is definitely worth considering if you are looking for a high-quality preamp that won't break the bank.
People Also Ask About Black Lion Audio B173
What is Black Lion Audio B173?
Black Lion Audio B173 is a single-channel microphone preamp that is designed to emulate the classic Neve 1073 preamp. It is a high-quality, affordable option for those looking to add some vintage warmth and character to their recordings.
What are the key features of Black Lion Audio B173?
Some of the key features of Black Lion Audio B173 include:
- Class A, transformer-coupled design
- XLR input and output
- Switchable phantom power
- High pass filter
- Output level control
- LED metering
What type of sound does Black Lion Audio B173 produce?
Black Lion Audio B173 is designed to produce a warm, musical sound that is reminiscent of the classic Neve 1073 preamp. It adds richness, depth, and character to recordings, making it an ideal choice for those looking to capture vintage vibes.
What types of microphones can I use with Black Lion Audio B173?
Black Lion Audio B173 can be used with a wide range of microphones, including dynamic, condenser, and ribbon microphones. It provides up to 70dB of gain, making it suitable for low-output microphones.
How does Black Lion Audio B173 compare to other Neve 1073 clones?
Black Lion Audio B173 is often compared favorably to other Neve 1073 clones in terms of price and quality. It is a high-quality, affordable option that delivers the classic Neve sound at a fraction of the cost of other clones.
What kind of warranty does Black Lion Audio B173 come with?
Black Lion Audio B173 comes with a one-year warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers any defects in materials and workmanship.
Can I use Black Lion Audio B173 for live performances?
While Black Lion Audio B173 is primarily designed for studio use, it can also be used for live performances. It provides high-quality, transparent amplification for microphones, making it a suitable choice for live sound applications.
What is the price of Black Lion Audio B173?
As of September 2021, the price of Black Lion Audio B173 is around $499. This price may vary depending on the retailer and location.
Creative Voice and Tone
When answering questions about Black Lion Audio B173, it is important to use a creative and engaging voice and tone. Use descriptive language to help readers visualize the product and its features. Be enthusiastic and passionate about the product, while also remaining informative and professional. Use bullet points and numbering to break up text and make it easier to read. Overall, aim to provide readers with valuable information in an engaging and accessible way.