Black Lion Audio B173 Quad

The B173 Quad (four channel mic pre) packs a massive punch, delivering the muscular lows, assertive mids, and glossy highs characteristic of a vintage 1073 in a budget-friendly 2RU unit. The B173 Quad features high-end parts and discrete Class A circuitry with transformer-coupled input and output stages. With 70dB of gain on tap, the B173 Quad serves up heaping portions of low-noise headroom. Now you’ll finally be able to use your low-output ribbon mics on quiet sources! The B173 Quad imparts a bold sonic assertiveness that beefs up any signal you pass through it.

The B173 Quad is a 4-channel version of the legendary single-channel model. More than just another 1073 clone, the B173 Quad combines vintage-inspired sonics and modern features in a rugged 2RU chassis with a smart feature set that will satisfy the most demanding audio engineers. A revised gain stage and lower noise floor deliver cleaner sound with lower distortion, while CineMag input and output transformers keep things warm, creamy, and beefy. Two front-panel DIs impart harmonic richness to guitars, basses, and synths, while stepped input gain and variable output attenuation give you exacting control over transformer saturation.

Legendary vintage British console mic preamp, the 1073, the B173 Quad packs a massive punch, delivering the muscular lows, assertive mids, and glossy highs characteristic of a vintage 1073 in a budget-friendly 2RU unit. The B173 Quad features high-end parts and discrete Class A circuitry with transformer-coupled input and output stages. With 70dB of gain on tap, the B173 Quad serves up heaping portions of low-noise headroom. Now you’ll finally be able to use your low-output ribbon mics on quiet sources! The B173 Quad imparts a bold sonic assertiveness that beefs up any signal you pass through it.

Features
• 4-channel preamp with USA CineMag input and output transformers
• Designed and assembled in the USA
• Bandwidth (1kHz, 150Ω unbalanced source, unweighted): 10Hz–30kHz
• 70dB of gain handles any type of microphone, including low-output ribbons
• Per-channel gain and output controls, phantom power, polarity reverse
• DI input and hi-Z switch on channels 1 and 2

Technical Specifications