The American legend

The B12A amplifier circuit from Black Lion Audio uses the very special circuit topology of American preamps to congenially capture their extremely fast, clean transient response. With the B12A mkIII, the manufacturer has realised advantages such as extremely accurate circuit design, high-quality components and a consistent construction with two Cinemag transformers for the first time in a compact single-channel version. The elegant 9.5-inch housing has all the important controls, such as gain control, 48 V phantom power, phase change and pad switch, directly on the clearly arranged front panel. With the B12A mkIII, Black Lion Audio updates the real, unadulterated US sound without annoying artefacts.

 Musical sound through Cinemag transformers

The sound of classic consoles was decisively shaped by their special transformers, which offer an exceptionally musical reproduction. Nevertheless, many modern circuit designs dispense with these elaborate components for cost reasons. Black Lion Audio, originally specialised in repairing and improving classic studio technology, is aware of the importance of transformers in the signal path. With a clear focus on an uncompromisingly musical sound, only high-quality components were used in the development of the B12A mkIII preamp. The preamp is equipped with input and output transformers from the renowned US manufacturer Cinemag.

 Equipped for all signals

The preamp has a rear-mounted XLR input and a TRS jack socket directly on the front panel. Via a Hi-Z switch, the latter can be switched to high-impedance operation and thus offers DI functionality, so that passive guitars and basses also benefit from the rich, warm sound of Black Lion Audio's sound machines. The signal is passed on to subsequent equipment via a further, symmetrically wired TRS jack socket. The preamp has massive gain reserves of 70 dB and has been optimised in its circuit design to further reduce the already low noise floor. For trouble-free use with high-level signal sources, the B12A mkII has a pad switch. To effectively minimise interference from the mains, the unit is equipped with a high-quality external power supply.

Features:

• Cinemag input and output transformers

• HI-Z input on the front

• detented gain potentiometer

• +48V phantom power

• practical 9,5" housing

• External 24 VAC power supply

• Inputs 1 x XLR, 1 x jack (unbalanced)

• Output 1 x jack (balanced)

• Height: 1U

• Width: 9.5" (rack mountable)

• Weight: 1.45 kg