Black Lion Audio B173 Microphone Preamplifier
Put some pro-level polish on your tracks with the B173, BLA's take on the Neve 1073 microphone preamp, with 80 dB of gain and tons of rich, creamy character.
Overall User Ratings (based on 4 ratings)
Submitted March 5, 2016 by a customer from verizon.net
"Very Impressed!"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
After reading some hoopla about it being "noisy", I was a little skeptical..But the tracks people were posting sounded beautiful! I picked this over the Golden Age and never looked back. It sounds a LOT more expensive than it is. The instructions say to let it warm up for a few minutes, but I`ve found after using it, around an hour and it`s gets even better. I`m using it into an Antelope Zen for the vocal channel. Incredible combo. The B173 sounds twice the price.
Sound
Let it warm up. I`ll turn it on and go do something else for a while.
Features
I actually LIKE the stepped gain. Makes recalling a breeze, and the way the steps are set are just right.
Ease of Use
You just need to work the line level of your interface with the output of the B173.
Quality
Built like a brick. Heavier than expected.
Value
It is pricier than items like the GAP, but well worth it. This unit really sounds professional.
Manufacturer Support
No problems yet.
The Wow Factor
The sound(in combination with Antelope converters), is extremely professional sounding. Ready for the radio.
Musical Background:
30 years, songwriter/engineer
Musical Style:
Adult Contemporary and Pop
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Submitted October 27, 2014 by Frank V in miami, FL
"Black Lion Audio B173 Microphone Preamp"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I am very pleased with the sound of this little preamp. For the price it cannot, I repeat, cannot be beat. Most neve 1073s sound a little different in their own right. And this little guy has some great character of its own. Clean top end but warm, and big warm lo end too. And the built in DI sounds pretty good too. Definitely better than anything I've heard in the price range. I've worked with Neve hear, Api, Universal Audio, etc. and this unit hold its own right next to all the great pieces of gear.. I'm actually going to purchase a second one to have a stereo pair :)
Musical Background:
Berklee College of Music graduate. 11 years of experience as engineer. Instruments played: Guitar, Bass, Drums, Organ.
Musical Style:
Ive mixed and mastered in most genres.
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Submitted August 10, 2015 by Tommy Griffiths in Clarksburg, MD
"For Voice Over? Yep!"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
My BL B173 is linked to a Tascam UH-7000 (interface setting only) and sounds rich, textured and warm. The Tascam preamp alone is super-clean, but slightly thin. The B173 added to the audio chain is perfect for my resonant voice.
Sound
You can't crank the gain on this preamp too much with out affecting distortion. Keep the gain low and the output ay about 3 o'clock for good sound.
Features
I'm not a musician, so I have no use for the D/I, or the crunchy output potential.
Ease of Use
Depending on your voice quality, you'll need to adjust the countless permutations of levels going in and coming our of each device to get optimal sound. After a few hours, it's easy to get a feel for proper settings.
Quality
Nice feel to the knobs, with good solid clicks with each turn.
Value
Yep. Zzounds gave me the best price on this baby!
Manufacturer Support
No communication with company thus far.
The Wow Factor
It's overall quality can be measured in it's warm sound. That's all that matters.
Musical Background:
30+ year voice over and radio pro, voice over coach, demo producer
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Submitted September 9, 2014 by Riley J in Enid, OK
"Feels Good!"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I have been using this preamp for just about a month now and it has surpassed my expectations. My only complaint is the silly wall wart power supply, but I guess if they are going to skimp on something to keep it affordable that isn't the worst place to do so. Everything else sounds, looks and feels great!
I have had no issues with the preamp but I have done business directly with BLA before and they are a great company who are willing to go above and beyond to help.
Musical Background:
Singer songwriter with a recording habbit.
Musical Style:
Indie Folk
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