Fast and robust, times four

The four-channel rackmount version of Black Lion Audio's ever-popular Auteur MK2 preamp, the AuteurQuad combines an ultra-high-speed front end and a transformer-coupled output stage. The combination, which we've seen in Black Lion before, offers lots of nuance and detail, well-balanced with a robust assertiveness and vintage flavor that holds up in a blend. The AuteurQuad has 65dB of gain on tap, so you can feel free to use your favorite ribbon mics on quieter sources. A DI input is provided on channels one and two for direct injection of electric guitars, bass, keyboards and the like. Per-channel pads, polarity inversion, and phantom power round out the feature set. Here, we really like the Black Lion AuteurQuad. It's versatile and sounds great. Stack your rack with a few of these for great multi-channel value!

Excellent value in a four-channel preamp

Since 2006, Black Lion Audio has been helping musicians and engineers improve the sound of their gear, and they've built a solid reputation for getting world-class sound from modestly priced gear. As a team that got its start making acclaimed mods, Black Lion, unsurprisingly, produces innovative audio gear of its own design that consistently outperforms its price range. The AuteurQuad is a four-channel version of the company's desktop model — which is itself a second-generation iteration of its well-received predecessor. As such, the AuteurQuad features a revamped gain stage that offers greater gain, lower noise and distortion, and a more extended frequency response than the original design. Through the AuteurQuad, the drums sound huge and punchy; the vocals are beautiful; guitars fly.

Characteristics

• 4-channel preamplifier with ultra-high-speed input stage and Edcor output transformer;
• Instrument DI connectors on channels 1 and 2;
• Mic/DI bandwidth: 10Hz–30kHz;
• 65dB of gain handles any type of microphone, including ribbons;
• Measurement on all 4 channels;
• Phantom power per channel, polarity inversion and pad;
• Pad: 10dB (mic), 13dB (DI).

Specifications

• Preamplifier type: solid state;
• Number of channels: 4;
• Phantom power: yes;
• Pads: -10dB;
• Polarity switch: yes;
• Analog inputs: 4 x XLR (microphone), 2 x 1/4 in. (Hi-Z);
• Analog Outputs: 4 x XLR, 4 x 1/4 in.;
• Frequency response: 10Hz-30kHz (bandwidth);
• Rack Spaces: 1U.