Black Lion Audio B173 Quad Microphone Preamp

$1,499.00

5.0 (1)

$1,498.35

$1,499.00 4 available New

$1,499.00

$1,499.00

$1,499.00

$1,555.00 $1,535.00 $20.00 · All time low

5.0 (1)

$1,499.00

Average Price: $1,503

Standard/Professional

$599

$2000+

Price Tier

In the Preamps category, Black Lion Audio B173 Quad Microphone Preamp is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

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Description

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The Black Lion Audio B173 Quad Microphone Preamp is a versatile tool that combines vintage charm with modern efficiency, perfect for studio engineers who demand high performance. Inspired by the legendary 1073 design, the B173 Quad offers a discrete Class A circuit and Cinemag input and output transformers to deliver a warm, rich, and harmonically vibrant sound. With 70dB of gain, this preamp is more than capable of handling any microphone, including those with low-output ribbons. Its 2U chassis houses four channels, each equipped with metering, switchable 48V phantom power, and phase inversion, ensuring precise control over your sound. The additional DI inputs on channels 1 and 2 provide a seamless way to integrate guitars, keyboards, or synthesizers directly into your workflow.

The B173 Quad's revamped gain stage and low noise floor keep your recordings crystal clear, while the stepped input gain and variable output attenuation allow for meticulous control over transformer saturation. Whether you're layering vocals, tracking instruments, or capturing the nuanced resonance of your favorite gear, this preamp ensures your audio is both bold and impeccably defined.

Key Features:

4-channel preamp with discrete Class A circuit
Classic 1073-style design with 70dB gain
Cinemag input and output transformers
Channels 1 and 2 include additional DI inputs
Switchable 48V phantom power per channel
Stepped input gain and variable output attenuation
Individual metering for each channel
External power supply to minimize noise

Owner's manual

Black Lion Audio B173 Quad Microphone Preamp User Manual

Product specs

Preamp Type	Solid State
Number of Channels	4
Phantom Power	Yes
Polarity Switch	Channel 1-2
Analog Inputs	4 x XLR (mic), 2 x 1/4" (Hi-Z)
Analog Outputs	4 x XLR, 4 x 1/4" TRS
Frequency Response	10Hz to 30kHz
Rack Spaces	2U
Power Source	5-pin AC Adapter power supply (included)
Height	3.5"
Depth	7"
Width	19"
Weight	8 lbs.

FAQs

What type of preamp is the Black Lion Audio B173 Quad Microphone Preamp?: The Black Lion Audio B173 Quad is a solid-state preamp, offering a clean and precise amplification ideal for professional studio recording.
How many channels does the Black Lion Audio B173 Quad Preamp have?: The Black Lion Audio B173 Quad Preamp features four channels, making it suitable for multi-microphone setups and versatile recording applications.
Does the Black Lion Audio B173 Quad Preamp provide phantom power?: Yes, the Black Lion Audio B173 Quad Preamp includes phantom power, allowing you to use condenser microphones that require external power.
What are the input and output options on the Black Lion Audio B173 Quad Preamp?: This preamp offers 4 XLR mic inputs, 2 Hi-Z 1/4" inputs, and outputs via 4 XLR and 4 1/4" TRS connections, providing flexible connectivity for various studio setups.
Is the Black Lion Audio B173 Quad Preamp rack-mountable?: Yes, the Black Lion Audio B173 Quad Preamp is designed to fit in a 2U rack space, making it convenient for professional studio environments.

Videos

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Sweetwater

Sweetwater at AES 2018: Black Lion Audio B12A Quad and B173 Quad

Sweetwater

Black Lion Audio // B173 Quad Mic Pre "A Look Inside"

Black Lion Audio

Black Lion Audio B173 Quad - American Musical Supply

American Musical Supply

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Black Lion Audio B173 Quad Microphone Preamp.

User experience

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Owners have reported needing repairs and spare parts for the B173 Quad within four years of use.
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It’s noted that using outboard gear like the B173 for tracking can reduce the mixing workload by capturing a more refined sound at the recording stage.
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Build quality

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Some users experienced issues with knobs and switches, considering them cheap on Black Lion Audio's more affordable preamps.
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Mods and upgrades

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Black Lion Audio offers modifications for the Apollo X series, including high-performance op-amps and high-grade capacitors, but no input transformers.
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Comparisons

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The B173 Quad is praised for its sound quality, yet some users have mixed experiences with Black Lion Audio's modifications and repairs.
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The Black Lion B173 is considered an affordable way to achieve the 1173 sound, often compared favorably to more expensive Neve-style preamps for adding character to recordings.
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Features and functionality

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The Apollo interfaces utilize solid-state preamps with software modeling, distinct for adjustable input impedance controlled by the software.
Source
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The Black Lion B173 is often used with other outboard gear like the Rane parametric EQ and Distressor to create a budget-friendly channel for instruments like saxophones and vocals.
Source

Use cases and applications

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Users recommend integrating analog preamps like the Black Lion B173 for capturing high-quality and colored signals when recording, enhancing the initial sound quality.
Source

Value and pricing

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Owners highlight the Black Lion B173 as a cost-effective solution for achieving high-quality preamp tones, often paired with other budget-friendly gear for optimal results.
Source

Critic Reviews

Black Lion Audio B173 Quad

soundonsound.com

The Black Lion Audio B173 Quad Microphone Preamp showcases impressive sound quality and versatility, stepping away from a direct 1073 clone to offer its unique character. However, the staggered control layout can be disorienting, requiring time to adjust to its operation. While it excels in clarity and depth across various applications, its learning curve and LED metering may frustrate some users. Ultimately, it stands as a solid choice for those seeking a modern take on classic preamp design, though it may not fully satisfy purists.

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