Black Lion Audio - Seventeen Compressor

The Black Lion Seventeen is not a simple replica of the famous 1176 compressor: it's an ambitious reinterpretation, designed as the version that this studio legend could have become with today's technologies. Working with sound engineer and audio processing specialist Tobias Lindell, Black Lion has designed a device that combines respect for analogue fundamentals with technical innovation.

The heart of the Seventeen is a redesigned input circuit based on modern integrated components (ICs), giving it an extremely accurate and versatile response. At low compression ratios, it delivers astonishing clarity and dynamics. When pushed, it takes on a warmer, vintage character, typical of FET compressors. This double face allows you to explore a wide range of textures, from transparent processing to bold colouring.

But that's not all. The Seventeen goes further than its illustrious predecessor by incorporating a number of new functions: a variable-frequency sidechain filter, independent high-pass and low-pass filters to target the frequencies processed, a mix function (wet/dry) for integrated parallel compression, and a stereo link mode ideal for mastering or stereo sources. When it comes to components, nothing has been left to chance: high quality Nichicon capacitors, custom output transformers, and a decoupling circuit optimised for an ultra-low noise floor.

With its familiar controls (Input, Output, Attack, Release, Ratio), its new creative possibilities and its musical behaviour, the Black Lion Seventeen is an essential tool for producers, sound engineers and musicians looking for an expressive, modern and inspiring FET compressor.