Four Channels of Classic 312 Punch

With its design inspired by a legendary vintage American console microphone preamp, the API 312A, Black Lion Audio's B12A Quad 4-Channel Preamp packs a big punch. With its transformer-coupled input and output stages and 70dB of gain on tap, the B12A Quad delivers large helpings of low-noise headroom. Now you'll finally be able to use your low-output ribbon microphones on quiet sources! The B12A Quad conveys a bold sonic assertiveness that reinforces any signal you pass through it. This is the sound that launched a thousand hits.

Big iron upgrades and more

The B12A Quad is a 4-channel version of the company's single-channel B12A Mk2. More than just another 312A clone, the B12A Quad combines vintage-inspired sounds and modern features in a rugged 1RU chassis with a smart feature set that will satisfy the most discerning audio engineers. A revised gain stage and lower noise floor deliver cleaner sound with less distortion, while CineMag input and output transformers keep things warm, creamy, and robust. Two front-panel DIs bring harmonic richness to guitars, basses, and synths, while stepped input gain and variable output attenuation give precise control over transformer saturation. Per-channel metering displays how hot your output signal is hitting the parallel TRS/XLR outputs, while an external power supply keeps noise out of its ranges. Here we dig the Black Lion B12A Quad. It's an incredible value and sounds great. Mount one or two of them on your rack and get to work.

Excellent hot-mod preamp value

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.

Characteristics

• 4-channel preamplifier with USA CineMag input and output transformers;
• Designed and assembled in the USA;
• Bandwidth (1kHz, 150 ohm unbalanced source, unweighted): 10Hz–30kHz;
• 70dB of gain handles any type of microphone, including low output ribbons;
• Gain and output controls per channel, phantom power, polarity inversion, 18dB pad, hi-Z switch and DI input.

Specifications

• Preamplifier type: solid state;
• Number of channels: 4;
• Phantom power: yes;
• Pillows: yes;
• Polarity switch: yes;
• Analog inputs: 2 x 1/4" (Hi-Z), 4 x XLR;
• Analog outputs: 4 x XLR, 4 x 1/4";
• Rack spaces: 1U;
• Power source: 5-pin AC adapter power supply (included).