There are lots of mic preamps available these days. What makes ours so special?
For one, it’s a design that’s somewhat unique in its approach. Being admirers of the fully balanced transformer-less circuits found in highly acclaimed recording consoles, we chose to use a similar topology. We 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 input signals as large as +15dB with ease.
We also like classic transformer-based designs because of the characteristic they lend to the audio signal. Because of this, we 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 in our opinion. The preamp is dual channel and features phase, +48vdc phantom power, and 10dB output signal pad.
Like all of the other models in our Micro Series, the elements of chassis and presentation are extremely simple, with a minimum of the fluff and promotion that tends to drive up the cost of equipment in our industry. 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 you’re looking for the sort of performance normally associated with high-end designs but need to acquire it at a modest price, our mic preamp will make a wise and affordable investment for your home or project studio.
Here are the specs:
Channels::Two
Gain::0-66dB
THD+Noise:-110dB @ 1 kHz
Headroom: 30dB
Input impedance: 8k
Output impedance: 600 ohms
Input connection: XLR
Output connection: TRS
Power: 24VAC external supply
User Reviews
"Wow, you nailed this preamp.
I love how solid it sounds, with lots of size. My favorite is its 2-4k range, it's very smooth and sits in the speakers without sounding strained or pointy.
There’s a very nice (not cloudy) weight in the chest area of the voice.
I have not done an a/b yet, I’ve just used it with a Violet Amethyst and so far it’s a killer combo!
Wow, it's very cool, great work...I think it’s sonically perfect and another amazing choice in any studio."
-Brad Cobb www.odark30studio.com
"The first time I used the Black Lion Auteur Mic Pre was recording Peter Asher (Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor) playing his mid-sixties Gibson J200 acoustic. The tone was incredible, with crystal clear highs, and a nice defined bottom end that wasn't muddy at all. The mid range was smooth, and we didn't need a bit of compression. I love my Auteur Mic Pre."
-Jay Ruston (Everclear, The Donnas, Meatloaf, Jars Of Clay, Morrissey)
Sound Clips
Here are sound clips of the Auteur alongside some of our favorite mic preamps. These are single takes, multed at the source. They were tracked into a Signature Series 002 using Logic Pro. We recommend downloading them, and loading them into your DAW software. Control Click on Mac, then pick "save link as". On a PC, right click and then pick "save target as"
Vocals-
Black Lion Audio Auteur
Vintech 1272
Guitar-
Black Lion Audio Auteur
Chandler Germanium
Black Lion Audio Auteur
Little Labs LMNO Preamp, transformer input selected
Black Lion Audio Auteur
Little Labs LMNO Preamp, transformer output selected
Black Lion Audio Auteur
Chandler TG2
Drums-
Black Lion Audio Auteur
Chandler Germanium
Little Labs LMNO Preamp, transformer input selected
Chandler TG2
Drum loop chain is MPC2000XL->Radial DI->Mic Preamps. Drum loop was composed by Aaron Smith for DJ Krush.
Our Auteur Mic Preamp can be purchased direct from us for a price of $465.00 + shipping. At this point, we are completely sold out of Auteur Mic Preamps.
Return Policy - 15 days
Contact us at 773-549-1885
Or send us an email
