Black Lion Audio - Auteur MKII 500 Preamp

The Black Lion Auteur MKII 500 is the 500-format version of the acclaimed Auteur MKII preamp. Designed to offer a compact, musical and versatile solution, this single-channel module retains the key elements of the half-rack version while adding a front-panel Hi-Z instrument input - a welcome addition for guitarists, bassists and hardware synth enthusiasts.

The signature feature of the Auteur MKII 500 is the combination of an ultra-fast-response, highly transparent input stage and an output stage equipped with an Edcor transformer, which adds body, warmth and a light, well-dosed harmonic coloration. The result is a preamp that retains all the finesse of the original signal, while adding just the right amount of low-midrange density.

With 67dB of available gain, it adapts easily to all types of pick-up, including passive ribbons that are not very sensitive. The pad switch (-13dBu) lets you handle louder sources without compromising signal quality. A phase inverter and phantom power are also provided, making the module immediately operational in any studio workflow.

The front-panel Hi-Z port, which can be activated via a dedicated switch, transforms the Auteur MKII 500 into a real DI with character for guitar, bass or keyboards. The transformer's saturation behaviour becomes a creative resource for thickening the signal or adding subtle grain. And despite its compact size, every element has been designed for everyday use: accessible controls, solid components and more than serious audio performance.

This little module has all the makings of a big one: musicality, reliability, flexibility and a price/quality ratio that's hard to beat. It's just as at home in a pro studio as it is in a neat home studio setup.