Black Lion Audio - B173 MKII Preamp

The Black Lion B173 MKII takes the sonic DNA of the famous British 1073 preamps, but in a practical half-rack format that's easy to integrate into any studio. This single-channel preamplifier is designed to deliver a rich, muscular and accurate signal, while remaining simple to use.

At the heart of this MKII version are the same Cinemag transformers as on the B173 Quad model. Both the input and output stages are fully transformer-coupled, delivering a distinctive, organic and highly musical sound. The gain is controlled by a notched selector up to 70dB, allowing the use of both classic dynamic microphones and low output ribbons. The output level can be adjusted via a progressive attenuator, so that the colouring of the transformer can be precisely controlled.

On the front, the Hi-Z input lets you connect a guitar, bass or synth directly. This I.D. adds a nice density to the signal while preserving the dynamic range. There's also a button for activating 48V phantom power, a phase inverter and a Hi-Z/mic toggle.

Finally, its external power supply (24 V AC) limits internal interference, ensuring a clean, quiet signal. This simple-looking preamp is capable of adding character to any recording outlet. It's equally suited to home studios and pro set-ups looking for expressive analogue sound without compromise.