Black Lion Audio Bluey

$47.00 to $999.00 Price Tier: High-end

4.0 (2)

1 Critic Review

1 Review

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Page last updated Jul 02, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 10 stores. Prices updated July 1, 2026.

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4.5 (21)

$999.00

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$999.00

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5.0 (2)

$999.00

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5.0 (4)

$47.00 12 available New

$675.00 8 available Used

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$999.00

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5.0 (1)

$999.00

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$999.00

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4.8 (18)

$1,015.00 $999.00 $16.00 · All time low

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£939.00

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5.0 (3)

$999.00

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Average Price: $871

High-end/Boutique

$100

$501+

Price Tier

In the Effects Processors category, Black Lion Audio Bluey is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Black Lion Audio Bluey". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Dive into the sonic landscape with the Black Lion Audio Bluey, a marvel of audio engineering that brings legendary studio magic right into your recording environment. This isn't just any signal processor; it's a meticulously crafted piece of history, reborn. Inspired by the iconic "Blue Stripe" compressor and refined through the golden ears of Chris Lord-Alge, the Bluey is a testament to the unexpected beauty that emerges from the fusion of vintage charm and modern innovation. When original components became scarce, necessity led to invention, resulting in a compressor that's as unique as the hits it has helped create.

The Black Lion Audio Bluey isn't just about what's been changed; it's about capturing a moment in time, a rare piece of musical alchemy that can now be a cornerstone of your studio gear. Whether you're laying down vocal tracks or mixing down your latest creation, the Bluey adds that special "mojo" that turns recordings into resonant masterpieces.

It's not just about the sound; it's about the story behind it. This is your chance to own a piece of that legacy, to bring a bit of studio magic and mystery into your sound. With the Bluey, every recording session is an opportunity to make history.

Key Features:

Modified "Blue Stripe" compressor, inspired by Chris Lord-Alge's unique unit
Discrete circuit with Cinemag transformers, echoing the original UTC transformers
Extended functionalities including parallel compression for nuanced sound shaping
Classic ratio switching via four push buttons, offering versatile compression options
Adjustable attack and release for precise dynamic control
Link connection for coupling two devices, enabling stereo operation
Balanced XLR input and output for professional-grade connectivity
Internal power supply, switchable between 115/230 VAC for global use

Owner's manual

Black Lion Audio Bluey User Manual

Product specs

Type	FET Limiter
Number of Channels	Single channel
Controls	Attack, Release, Mix, Input, Output
Ratio	4:1, 8:1, 12:1, 20:1
Inputs	1 x XLR
Outputs	1 x XLR
Other I/O	1 x RCA (stereo link)
Rack Spaces	2U
Power Source	Standard IEC AC cable

FAQs

What type of compression does the Black Lion Audio Bluey FET Limiting Amplifier provide?: The Black Lion Audio Bluey is a FET Limiting Amplifier, known for its fast attack and release times, making it ideal for dynamic control in vocals and instruments.
What are the available ratio settings on the Black Lion Audio Bluey Limiter?: The Black Lion Audio Bluey offers four ratio settings: 4:1, 8:1, 12:1, and 20:1, allowing for versatile compression options from subtle to aggressive limiting.
How many channels does the Black Lion Audio Bluey Compressor support?: The Black Lion Audio Bluey is a single-channel compressor, designed for mono signal processing.
What are the input and output connections on the Black Lion Audio Bluey?: The Black Lion Audio Bluey features 1 XLR input and 1 XLR output, along with 1 RCA stereo link for additional connectivity options.
What are the main control parameters available on the Black Lion Audio Bluey?: The Black Lion Audio Bluey provides control over attack, release, mix, input, and output, allowing for detailed shaping of the compression characteristics.

Videos

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Sweetwater

1176 vs. Bluey — Can You Hear the Difference?

Sweetwater

Black Lion Audio Bluey | Review

Seawell Studios

Black Lion Audio Bluey - Audio Sources Demo

Red Shed Records

Black Lion Audio Bluey FET Limiting Amplifier Overview

Sweetwater

Black Lion Audio Bluey vs. Waves CLA-76 Shootout | Hardware vs. Plug In

Seawell Studios

Black Lion Audio // 1176 vs Bluey - Chris Lord-Alge discusses the Bluey with Mitch Gallagher

Black Lion Audio

How it Happened: Black Lion Audio's Bluey

Sweetwater

Black Lion Audio // Bluey Compressor/Limiter - No Talking Demo

Black Lion Audio

Black Lion Audio Bluey FET Compressor - NAMM 2020

Sound On Sound magazine

Black Lion Audio Bluey Unboxing and Review - 1176 FET Limiting Amplifier/Compressor

Audio Tech TV

Reviews

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PROS

Unique sound accentuates mids and highs while keeping lows full
Wet/dry knob and ultra-fast attack/release times offer flexibility
Performs well for both transparent compression and heavy limiting
Durable, heavy, all-metal build quality with high-quality knobs and buttons
Harmonic distortion adds character, making tracks pop and stay upfront
Excellent on vocals, guitars, and bass, providing record-ready sound
Aggressive compression without undesirable side effects
Provides analog warmth and presence to digital tracks
Distinct and rich sound compared to other 1176 clones
Backlit VU meter adds to aesthetic and functionality

CONS

Higher self-noise level compared to some other models
Blend knob functionality may not meet everyone's needs
No physical manual or additional accessories included in the package
May not suit those new to the 1176's unique behavior

Critic Reviews

Black Lion Audio Bluey

soundonsound.com

Black Lion Audio's Bluey captures the essence of a classic 1176 compressor with a modern twist. It boasts a solid build and delivers a pleasing mid-range bump, making it a compelling choice for vocals and bass. The wet/dry blend control adds versatility, enabling users to achieve parallel compression easily. While it may not replicate the original 1176's aggressive character, it offers a smoother, more forgiving sound that many will appreciate. However, potential users should be aware that it requires a more significant input drive for gain reduction, which might feel unfamiliar compared to other models. Overall, the Bluey stands out as an excellent value for those seeking an 1176-style compressor without breaking the bank.

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

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jimmarchi1

41026

almost 3 years ago

Pretty good for the money.

This is a great sounding fet compressor for hard rock vocals. As one would expect, the self noise is a little higher than an 1176LN. It's still within acceptable levels under same operating condions and the revision A output electronics are definitely vibey. The build quality is exemplary.

Don't discount the bluey on other sources though, if it's not right on a vocal it way just the thing for a kick, snare or boring campfire acoustic where the fast 1176 time constants and a less than pristine and clean sound is desired over VCA dynamics control. Even when not providing gain reduction audio run thru bluey acquires additional weight and harmonic content within input and make up set to unity.

Due to some CLA mods on the ins and outs to mimic his SSL insert buffers I find I prefer to run it as an external effect in a daw rather than on console inserts. It definitely sounds best that way even with the reconversion while mixing. Its subtle though. I might even be imagining it or it could just be that my desk has tlo72s post eq buffering the inserts and whatever is driving my converters is probably more modern.

The other additional feature is a blend knob. This seems to take the dry signal from after the input amp/knob which makes this control utterly worthless to me most of the time. If you set your makeup properly to match unity gain when the bluey's insert is bypassed the dry signal will always be way too loud. In order to get a true 50/50 wet dry at 12 o'clock you need to gun your makeup gain to ridiculous levels which usually requires a pad on the return while upping the noise floor and THD from the output amplifier in ways that aren't always tolerable to me. Otherwise it's a great vintage style compressor with a double serving of 1176 character.

After spending a few LPs and singles with the bluey floating around the studio I'm ready to commit rack space and wire it into the patchbay. I'm not sure how they pulled this off at the price point.

Not for those new to the 1176 and its quirks, buy a distressor if you want familiar vca behavior that can reach back in time to the 60s in some of its many modes. This is not a swiss army knife, it's a very specific type of tool that can do many jobs, but it doesn't have a corkscrew or a toothpick.

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Keyboardist

Genres:

Electronic Orchestra Alternative rock

Artist usage

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Ben Ellis

Bassist, Audio Engineer

Swervedriver

Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post, Ben Ellis highlights his use of the Black Lion Audio Bluey, expressing enthusiasm for its analog sound quality as he prepares for a European tour.