Black Lion Audio - B12A Quad Preamp

The Black Lion B12A Quad is aimed at sound engineers who want the fast, dense and incisive sound of the famous American 312A console preamps, but in a compact and reliable four-channel format. Built around top-of-the-range components and discrete Class A circuitry, this 1U preamp incorporates CineMag transformers on both inputs and outputs, ensuring a rich, full-bodied reproduction full of character.

Each channel offers up to 70dB of gain, allowing you to work without constraint with dynamic or low-sensitivity ribbon microphones. The first two channels feature a front-panel instrument input (Hi-Z), ideal for connecting guitars, basses or keyboards directly, while benefiting from subtle coloration thanks to the transformers. These DI inputs also benefit from a dedicated gain stage of up to +53dB.

To fine-tune the signal's behaviour, each channel offers a full set of controls: notched gain control (ideal for precise feedback in mixing), -18dB attenuator for powerful sources, polarity inversion, and of course 48V phantom power for condenser microphones. The output level can also be adjusted continuously via a dedicated pot, allowing you to exploit the natural saturation of the transformers by metering the output as you wish.

In terms of performance, the B12A Quad boasts an extended frequency response from 10 Hz to 30 kHz, a maximum output level of +26 dBu, and a very low level of harmonic distortion (THD+N less than 0.01% in microphone mode), guaranteeing clean, precise and musical sound. Input impedance on the mic side is 200 ohms, while DI inputs go up to 1.1 MΩ, ensuring a perfect match with passive instruments. Outputs are available on both XLR and TRS balanced jacks, making it easy to integrate into any studio configuration.

Solid, compact and carefully designed, the B12A Quad is an excellent solution for studios that need multiple channels of typical preamplification, without compromising on build quality or adjustability. With an external power supply to limit noise in the chassis, high-quality components and a distinctive sound, it's a real everyday tool, equally at home on vocals, drums or instrument pick-ups.