MKI versus MKII
As always with an update, the user is of course primarily interested in what has changed compared to the previous model. Apart from a different color scheme, I couldn't find any differences at first glance. I admit, I also had to contact the German distributor first to find the exact differences between the MKI and MKII versions, especially since I had not yet had the MKI version in my fingers. Here is the result of the research:
1.) First, the layout of the product has obviously been changed from the really "borderline" blue / black to a uniform black, which puts the device in the new uniform appearance of the Black Lion preamps.
2) An additional output transformer was integrated, so that the preamplification could be raised up to 70 dB and the noise component could be lowered again.
3) Probably the most important point of the update, which many users have been waiting for, the retail price has been reduced from 626 € to 539 €.
All in all, there are several good reasons to take a closer look at the MKII version.
The concept of the Black Lion Audio B173 MKII
As already mentioned, the company with its headquarters in Chicago leans with the Black Lion Audio B173 MKII strongly on the concept of the Neve 1073, which is probably the most copied preamplifier par excellence. The product is built in a half rack unit, a format that has recently gained significant acceptance in the recording studio sector. However, for those who would like to use the product in standalone mode outside of rack operation, an appropriate base is recommended. Although the bottom of the Black Lion Audio B173 MKII has no sharp edges or screws, the product does not come with rubber feet or similar coasters.
The entire presentation of the product is extremely massive, which is also reflected in the comparatively high weight of the product of just under 1.4 kg. The likewise "spatially expansive" power supply is unfortunately installed externally, which leads us to the usual "where-with-the-bump" department and is probably owed to the comparatively low selling price. Yes, there are two drill holes in the PSU's plastic casing to screw the hulk under the tabletop or similar, but practicality is unfortunately different.
Of course, there is the assessment that the available budget has been shifted in favor of high-quality components and the red pencil has been better applied to the power supply, but be that as it may, anyone who uses several sound components with external power supplies in their studio knows the eternal search for the appropriate storage location. At least the plug on the back of the case, which rests against the case, grips properly and cannot be pulled out of the case so easily by mistake.
Otherwise, the preamp presents itself like its predecessor, i.e. the front panel is dominated by a large gain control with 5 dB steps and a smaller, non-gridded output control. A mini-switch acts as an On / Off switch, while three small pushbuttons can be used to switch on 48 V phantom power, rotate the phase or activate the high-impedance input on the front panel. The On / Off mode, the phantom power and the Hi-Z input have been provided with an LED control light for status checking. Despite the sleek layout, the product exudes a touch of vintage character, which is due in particular to the control knobs, they take on the vintage charm of past eras and could therefore easily come from a military movie of the sixties, good grip and solid feel included.
The three LEDs really have it going on in terms of luminosity. All three shine in a brilliant white, whereby "brilliant" is still to be described as discreet. Personally, the indicators "bite" a bit too hard in direct visual contact, but this is by no means meant to be a rating, but merely describes my personal taste. Different colors would do the clarity good, but would probably reduce the visually uniform image in their homogeneity somewhat.
On the rear, the product has an XLR input, as well as a balanced TRS output. Likewise, there is an internal chassis ground in case of occurring ground hum, as well as the plug for the external power supply. The aforementioned high-quality internal components include a CineMag input transformer and an Edcor output transformer, with the discrete design operating in Class A mode.
The Black Lion Audio B173 MKII in practice
First of all, let's move on to one of my favorite topics, the haptics. Here, in addition to its already mentioned solid construction, the product also shines with well-fitting push switches, high-quality potentiometers and firmly gripping sockets. It is simply fun to touch the Black Lion Audio B173 MKII.
Regarding the operation, there is not really much to do wrong with only 2 controls, but both have a massive impact on the final sound material, depending on the control settings. As sound examples I have deliberately chosen sparsely structured sound material to be able to present the compression of the source material as intensively as possible.
Now then, how does the Black Lion Audio B173 MKII sound. Simply put, it sounds as you'd expect it to sound, and in the best sense of the word. Entirely rooted in the Neve empire, the product colors the adjacent sound material very intensively, but without copying the Neve sound 1:1. The Black Lion Audio B173 MKII has, despite the Neve cuddling course, a clearly independent sound behavior, which is reflected in particular in the saturation. But everything nicely one after the other.
The first thing that catches the ear is the soft basic sound of the preamp. As with its forefather, the Black Lion Audio B173 MKII manages an optimal symbiosis of subtle compression and a tasteful lowering of the high mids, which flatters the human ear in more ways than one. If you listen to the original recordings of the sound samples and compare them with a linear recording via the preamp, the sonic differences are eminent. The product succeeds in making almost every applied sound material sound a tad "finer", "softer" and "more expensive".
In this regard, the B173's treble in particular makes it a good choice for adding a bit more "brightness" to dull signals or recording instruments that often need a top-end boost.
However, the real bonus point of the product reveals itself when you leave the "clean" paths and you move into saturation. Here, the Black Lion Audio B173 MKII can show a strength that makes the analog signal processing area really interesting. Especially impulsive signals such as drums or percussion instruments benefit from the mixture of compression, overtone enrichment and general sound compression, which comes close to an overdrive pedal, as long as you don't overdo it, or if you are in the experimental area, really overdo it.
The result is a rich sound, which of course polarizes, but in the mix significantly reduces the need for a compressor, or its efficiency, especially in the threshold due to the compacted sound material can be set significantly higher. Especially in the analog range, for example with drum machines or vintage drums, such a sound is almost obvious. Here it becomes clear once again that the Black Lion Audio B173 MKII is not a pure clone of a 1073, but generates an independent sound image.
Of course, this sound effect is old hat, but between the audiophile design are partly worlds. Depending on the circuit and component quality, you can choose between scratchy, undynamic half-wave cut or a smooth transition that allows a range from magnetic tape saturation to tube-like overdrive to tangible distortion. The Black Lion Audio B173 MKII definitely belongs to the second guard, but it convinces with a very musical, practical saturation process, which is convincing in many instrument genres.
Conclusion
With the Black Lion Audio B173 MKII, the American manufacturer has a Neve homage in its ranks that has it all. The preamp, which is oriented on the 1073, convinces with a high-quality workmanship, an excellent sound and an excellent saturation effect, which also conveys wacky sound ideas in high-quality.
In addition, the MKII version has a more visually appealing appearance, an additional output transformer and has been reduced in price by about 15% compared to the MKI version.
A truly attractive offer, definitely test once.
Additional informations:
- Black Lion Audio is a company that specializes in the design and manufacture of high-quality audio equipment. Founded in 2006 by owner and chief designer Nate Bierdeman, Black Lion Audio has quickly become a respected name in the pro audio industry, with a reputation for producing some of the finest analog gear on the market.
One of the company's core missions is to provide affordable upgrades to existing equipment, allowing musicians and producers to achieve better sound quality without breaking the bank. This philosophy is reflected in many of Black Lion Audio's most popular products, including the B12A MkII and B173 preamps, which are based on classic Neve and API designs but are available at a fraction of the cost of the originals.
Black Lion Audio also offers a range of other analog equipment, including compressors, equalizers, and A/D and D/A converters. Many of these products are designed to complement each other, allowing users to build a complete signal chain that delivers superior sound quality from start to finish.
One of the things that sets Black Lion Audio apart from other pro audio companies is its commitment to customer service. The company's website features a wealth of information on all of its products, including detailed specifications, user manuals, and frequently asked questions. In addition, Black Lion Audio's customer service team is available to answer questions and provide technical support via phone or email.
Another thing that sets Black Lion Audio apart is its dedication to innovation. The company is constantly working on new designs and concepts, with a focus on improving sound quality and increasing functionality. For example, the company's recently released PG-XLM mastering compressor features a unique "variable mu" design that allows users to adjust the amount of compression applied to different frequency ranges, providing more precise control over the final sound.
Despite its relatively short history, Black Lion Audio has already earned a loyal following among musicians, producers, and audio engineers. Its products are used by professionals in a wide range of industries, from music production and broadcast to post-production and mastering.
Overall, Black Lion Audio is a company that is dedicated to providing musicians and producers with affordable, high-quality analog gear. With a commitment to innovation and customer service, and a growing reputation for excellence in the pro audio industry, Black Lion Audio is definitely a company to watch in the years ahead.
- The Neve 1073 is a legendary analog preamplifier and equalizer that has become an industry standard in the world of professional audio recording. Originally designed by Rupert Neve in the early 1970s, the 1073 was featured in Neve's A88 console and quickly became a favorite among recording engineers due to its warm, musical sound and versatile EQ.
The 1073's preamp section features a Class-A design with a discrete transistor circuit, which contributes to its rich and creamy sound. The preamp has switchable mic/line inputs, as well as a high-pass filter and a switchable 48V phantom power for condenser microphones. The preamp can add up to 80 dB of gain, which makes it suitable for recording a wide range of sources, from quiet acoustic instruments to loud rock bands.
The 1073's EQ section is also highly regarded, with three bands of equalization that allow for precise tonal shaping. The low-frequency band has a selectable frequency of 35 Hz, 60 Hz, 110 Hz, and 220 Hz, and can boost or cut up to 18 dB. The mid-frequency band has a selectable frequency of 360 Hz, 700 Hz, 1.6 kHz, 3.2 kHz, 4.8 kHz, and 7.2 kHz, and can boost or cut up to 16 dB. Finally, the high-frequency band has a selectable frequency of 10 kHz and 12 kHz, and can boost or cut up to 18 dB. The EQ section can also be bypassed entirely if desired.
One of the key features of the 1073 is its ability to impart a desirable coloration to the sound. The preamp and EQ circuits are designed to add subtle harmonic distortion and saturation, which can help to warm up and thicken the sound of recorded instruments and vocals. This character has become a signature sound of the 1073, and many modern emulations and clones seek to replicate this sonic character.
In addition to its sound quality, the 1073 has become famous for its build quality and reliability. Neve's original units were built to withstand the rigors of professional studio use, and many vintage 1073s are still in use today. Neve's modern reissues and clones continue this tradition, with high-quality components and meticulous attention to detail in the manufacturing process.
Over the years, the 1073 has been used on countless classic recordings by artists such as The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Nirvana, among many others. Its warm, musical sound and versatile EQ have made it a favorite among recording engineers across genres, from rock and pop to jazz and classical. Today, the 1073 remains a highly sought-after piece of studio gear, and its legacy continues to influence the sound of modern recordings.
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