Black Lion Audio : B172A Black Lion Audio

FET/Optical Compressor with 76 and 2A Circuits, A/B-B/A-Independent Switching, and Stereo Linking

FET and Opto Compression in the Same Unit

You want it all. We get it. That's what's so enticing about Black Lion Audio B172A. Two classics in one chassis, the B172A marries BLA's Seventeen version of the legendary "76" FET limiter with their take on the renowned "2A" tube optical compressor. Which means this dynamic duo can serve up any flavor of compression, from gentle and transparent to crushed and dirty — and everything in between. Most world-class studios have both original classic units in their outboard racks. Now you can too — without breaking the bank.

Incredible sound and versatility

Having struck gold with their Seventeen (a certified hit at Millionhead), it was not unexpected that the hot-modders at Black Lion Audio would come out with a classic tube compressor. But putting both circuits the same unit is a stroke of genius. Whether you use the FET and opto separately — or in series, where one catches the audio's peaks and the other provides the heavy compression — the Black Lion Audio B172A will blow you away with its incredible sound and versatility. The B172A's Dual Mono Link makes it easy to route your signal through the 17 and 2A circuits in any order.

The best opto cell in the business

The success of Seventeen prompted Black Lion Audio to pair their proven FET circuit with an equally effective optical design. The challenge was met with a custom T4B opto cell, the T4BLA. BLA’s extensive experience in modifications gave the designers the requisite patience and mindset to tweak the optical element until it was perfect. With an emphasis on meticulous detail, the T4BLA was designed to be the best T4B opto element available today.

Big iron

Painstaking effort went into choosing the best transformers needed for each circuit. Spec'd with a Cinemag input transformer on the 2A side, BLA’s own Chicago-wound output transformers on both circuits, high-grade signal path and decoupling capacitors, the B172A gives you ultra-convenient access to a pair of classic dynamics processors while also providing a valuable signal processing tool never before available in a single chassis.

Flexibility is key

Since its initial concept, flexibility was a main goal of the B172A design. While many engineers are in agreement on the sonic benefits of using both compression types, the routing order is subject to debate. The AB-BA switch on the B172A allows for quick internal routing of the signal, so you can instantly compare between the two. The two compressors can also be used independently of each other when setting the AB-BA switch to its center (link off) position. Each circuit also features stereo linking, letting you link a pair of B172A units in stereo.

About Black Lion Audio

Founded in Chicago in 2006, Black Lion Audio has made their mark on the audio industry by hot rodding audio equipment and upgrading the sound quality of popular music-production gear, elevating industry-standard products to new levels of sonic quality. Though they started off modding gear from other manufacturers, they've utilized their cumulative expertise to design their own line of boutique mic preamps and word clocks. BLA gear and modded gear can be found in studios from LA to New York to Nashville and heard on projects from artists like Maroon 5, Alison Krauss, Metallica, T-Pain, George Strait, MGMT, Beyonce, George Duke, Slayer, Erykah Badu, Rod Stewart, and more.

Features

• 76- (Seventeen) and 2A-style compression in a single 2RU chassis
• A/B, B/A, and Independent signal routing switchable on faceplate
• Cinemag 2A input transformer
• Chicago-wound 76 and 2A output transformers
• Custom-designed Black Lion Audio T4B opto element
• High-grade signal path and power decoupling capacitors
• Stereo linkable