Black Lion Audio Auteur Microphone Preamplifier

There are a lot of microphone preamps available these days. What makes Black Lion Audio's Auteur Microphone Preamplifier so special?

For one, it's a design that's somewhat unique in its approach. Being admirers of fully balanced transformerless circuits found in highly acclaimed recording consoles, BLA 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 large input signals with ease.

Black Lion Audio also like classic transformer-based designs because of the characteristic they lend to the audio signal. Because of this, they've 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. The preamp is dual channel and features phase, +48vdc phantom power, and 10dB output signal pad.

Elements of the Auteur's chassis and presentation are extremely simple, with a minimum of the fluff and promotion that tends to drive up the cost of equipment in the industry. It's housed in a 1U high 1/2 rack space chassis, and can be linked together with a second Auteur to fill up a full rack space. 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… read more you're looking for the sort of performance normally associated with high-end designs but need to acquire it at a modest price, the mic preamp will make a wise and affordable investment for your home or project studio.

Features:

- Dual-channel mic preamp
- Phase switch
- +48V phantom power
- 10 dB output signal pad
- 1U half rack space chassis
- Can be linked with a second Auteur to fill a full rack space read less