The Black Lion Audio Auteur MKII 500-Series Preamp is one of the most "bang for your buck" preamps in existence! You get all of the sound of the rack version, but with the addition of a Hi-Z input! It features an ultra-fast input stage that captures lots of detail and nuance, and a signal path transformer that adds some "beef" on the way out. Once you hear the Auteur MKII, you'll want to load your 500 rack full of em!
The Black Lion Audio Auteur MKII 500-Series Preamp is a single channel version of the Auteur MKII that fits in 500 series racks. The Auteur MKII 500 module also features a built-in Hi-Z input.
What makes the Black Lion Audio Auteur MKII 500-Series Preamp stand out in a world jam packed full of preamps? For one, it's a design that's somewhat unique in its approach. Being admirers of the fully balanced transformer-less circuits found in highly acclaimed recording consoles, Black Lion Audio chose to use a similar topology. They began with a high speed input stage that would pick up lots of detail and nuance, and then followed it with a high current output stage. Circuit headroom is plentiful, and the input stage is very difficult to clip. Because of its fully balanced design, it can handle input signals as large as +15dB with ease.
Black Lion (as well as us here at FEA!) also like classic transformer-based designs because of the characteristic they lend to the audio signal. Because of this, BLA added a 600 ohm M-6 silicon steel output transformer to give the audio a thick quality that's reminiscent of a prized vintage preamp. It's the best of both worlds in our opinion. The preamp is single channel and features phase, +48vdc phantom power, 10dB output signal pad, and Hi-Z input.
If you're looking for eye candy and name recognition to dominate your equipment list, this probably isn't the preamp for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for the sort of performance normally associated with high-end designs but need to acquire it at a modest price, this mic preamp will make a wise and affordable investment for your home or project studio.
Black Lion Audio Auteur MKII 500-Series Preamp Features
- 500 Series format (500 rack required)
- Single Channel
- Ultra High-Speed Input Stage
- Edcor Output Transformer
- 67dB Gain
- Phantom Power
- Phase Switch
- 13dBu Pad
- Hi-Z Input
Black Lion Audio Auteur MKII 500-Series Preamp Specifications
- Mic Section
- Max Microphone Input Level: +1dBu
- Input Impedance: 6000Ω
- Pad: 13dBu
- Gain (no pad): +16dB to +67dB
- Equivalent Input Noise (noise floor): -108dB
- THD+N (@ +4dBu output):
- .0046% @ +12dBu Gain
- .0064% @ +24dBu Gain
- .012% @ +32dBu Gain
- .028% @ +40dBu Gain
- .085% @ +50dBu Gain
- 3% @ +62dBu Gain
- Bandwidth (1kHz, 600Ω unbalanced source, unweighted): 10Hz to 30kHz
- D.I. Section
- Max D.I. Input Level: +18dBu
- Input Impedance Balanced: 2.2MΩ
- Input Impedance Unbalanced: 1.1MΩ
- Pad: 13dBu
- Gain: +16dB to +67dB
- Equivalent Input Noise (noise floor): -82dB
- THD+N:
- .011% @ +16dB Gain
- .024% @ +24dB Gain
- .15% @ +40dB Gain
- 2.2% @ +67dB Gain
- Bandwidth (1kHz, 600Ω unbalanced source, unweighted): 10Hz to 30kHz
- Output Section
- Max Output Level: +28dBu
- Output Impedance: 600Ω
- Power Supply +/- 15v off 500 rack
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Great Pre for the money
Feb 7th 2017Works awesome on pretty much everything. But like all PREs, it depends on what 'sound' your going for. I like it on drums: Kick, Snare and "WUSRT". Brings life to my SM57s. Also like it on rock guitar cabinets. It has a fast response so you get the attack from the input stage and you can dial in as much "dirt" as you like from the output transformer. There are more expensive PREs out there that end up performing the same in these particular circumstances. Its not going to solve all your problems as an all around PRE but its excellent on the applications I use it for. Especially on the SM57. I give this PRE four stars for performance and a fifth star for the price.
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