Black Lion Audio – Eighteen Channel Strip EQ & Mic Pre

£822.00

This is the Black Lion Audio – Eighteen Channel Strip EQ & Mic Pre from Black Lion Audio, available now in Microphone Preamps category on MicPro. Read More below.

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Description

The Eighteen is a precision-engineered microphone preamplifier and equaliser that blends vintage warmth with modern performance. Designed with recording professionals in mind, it features premium Cinemag transformers and the custom BLA1831 discrete op-amp, ensuring superior sound quality and exceptional harmonic saturation. The Eighteen is perfect for users seeking both rich audio character and modern, low-noise operation.

Boasting a 2-band EQ, the Eighteen offers passive inductor-based controls for boosting and cutting frequencies, alongside a high-pass filter at 80Hz and a low-pass filter at 10kHz for complete tonal control. With essential features like 48V phantom power, polarity inversion, and a backlit VU meter, this preamp is as practical as it is powerful.

Its rugged build includes a 2U rackmount chassis and durable construction, making it a reliable companion in any studio setup. Whether you’re recording vocals, instruments, or other sources, the Eighteen ensures your sound is captured with unmatched precision and warmth, making it an invaluable tool for professional-grade audio.

Key Features:

  • CineMag Transformers & Custom Op-Amp:
    Achieve rich harmonic saturation and superior audio quality with vintage-inspired Cinemag transformers and the custom BLA1831 discrete op-amp, for precise sound reproduction.
  • 2-Band EQ & Filters:
    Shape your sound with a 2-band EQ, along with an 80Hz high-pass and 10kHz low-pass filter for precise tonal control across a variety of applications.
  • Versatile Preamp Control:
    Enjoy complete flexibility with adjustable output control, mic/line inputs, polarity switch, 48V phantom power, and a backlit VU meter for accurate monitoring.

CineMag Transformers & Custom Op-Amp:

The Eighteen is equipped with high-quality Cinemag transformers and a custom-designed BLA1831 discrete op-amp, bringing the warmth and richness of vintage audio circuitry to a modern environment. The result is a preamplifier capable of delivering incredibly detailed and full-bodied sound, with superior harmonic distortion that enhances recordings with subtle, musical saturation. Whether you’re working with delicate vocals or dense instruments, the combination of these components ensures exceptional sound fidelity and presence.

2-Band EQ & Filters:

The Eighteen’s passive inductor-based EQ provides intuitive control over your sound. With a 2-band equaliser, you can adjust the high and low frequencies simultaneously for a truly refined sound. The addition of an 80Hz high-pass filter and a 10kHz low-pass filter ensures you can shape the tonal character of your recordings with accuracy. These filters allow for optimal management of unwanted low-end rumble and high-end harshness, delivering a balanced sound every time.

Versatile Preamp Control:

This preamplifier offers users total flexibility with its versatile preamp controls. Drive the unit into harmonic saturation with the output control, or switch between mic and line inputs for a range of recording needs. The Eighteen also features practical tools like polarity inversion, 48V phantom power, and an intuitive backlit VU meter, providing complete control and visual feedback for accurate monitoring during recording sessions.

Specifications:

  • Preamp Type: Solid State Induction EQ Preamp
  • Channels: 1
  • Phantom Power: 48V
  • Polarity Switch: Yes
  • EQ: 2-band, 80Hz Highpass, 10kHz Lowpass
  • Inputs: 1 x XLR
  • Outputs: 1 x XLR
  • Rack Size: 2U
  • Dimensions: 9″ (H) x 15″ (D) x 22″ (W)
  • Weight: 14.5 lbs
  • Power: IEC AC cable

Brand

Black Lion Audio

Black Lion Audio is represented in the current MicPro catalogue by Eighteen channel strip or microphone preamp and Auteur MK3 microphone preamp. The listed range is relevant to recording front ends and microphone gain. When comparing these products, check channel count, gain, input and output format, headroom, metering, phantom power and rack or desktop requirements. It suits engineers shaping microphone signals before conversion, with the exact circuit and connections determined by the model. This description is kept catalogue-led, so the individual model listing remains the source for exact specifications, compatibility and included accessories.

Category

Microphone Preamps

Microphone preamps raise a low-level microphone signal to a usable line or converter level while adding gain, headroom and the character of the input stage. Compare available gain, equivalent input noise, input impedance, phantom power, pad, polarity or phase, metering, transformer or valve stages and any built-in EQ or compression. The catalogue includes standalone, rack, 500-series and multi-channel designs, so confirm the format and connections before purchase. A preamp should match the microphone’s output and the rest of the recording chain without adding unnecessary noise or gain stages.

Tags

Preamp

Preamp identifies equipment that raises a microphone signal to a stronger line or converter level. Compare gain, noise, headroom, impedance, phantom power and connections.