B12A mkIII
Single-channel American-style preamp with phantom power, phase, 18 dBu pad, and Hi-Z input.
US PRICE: $399
Clean gain for drums, vocals, and more.
The Black Lion Audio B12A MKIII is the most portable 312A American-style preamp around!
Suitable for everything from drum mics to acoustic instruments, the B12A MKIII delivers 70 dB of clean gain thanks to the robust Cinemag transformer on the input stage. In fact, we doubled up on Cinemags in this unit; the output stage is Cinemag-driven as well! All that clean gain makes it perfectly suitable for use with low-output ribbon mics.
American-style design for punch and transparency.
Historically, American-style mic preamps are known for cleanliness and transparency. Think low noise and low distortion. They don’t lend a ton of color to the sound they are recording; some people describe them as “honest.”
The B12A MKIII has a quick transient response that doesn’t round off the edges of a sound’s attack. It accurately reproduces the attack, or initial transient of a percussive sound source, making it ideal for recording drums, percussion, and staccato rap vocals.
The B12A MKIII isn’t scared of a little heat, however. When driven, the B12A MKIII will deliver subtle color to the input signal by pushing the upper-middle frequencies forward and adding a bit of bite/grit to the signal. This can sound great to add a bit of heat or aggression suitable for rock productions, and can warm up digital synths, drum machines, and other electronic instruments.
All the features you need and more.
You also get a front panel D.I. input for direct recording of guitars, basses, synths, and more. Drive it a little bit to add a harmonically rich sheen. You get one TRS output on the back.
The stepped input gain control allows for perfect recall. Essential features like +48v phantom power, phase inversion, and a 18 dB pad round out the offering.
And if you need more channels… the B12A is also available in a four-channel configuration, the B12A Quad!
Technical
Documentation
Preamp TypeSolid State
Number of Channels1
Phantom PowerYes
Pads-18dB
Polarity SwitchYes
Analog Inputs1 x XLR (mic), 1 x 1/4″ (Hi-Z)
Analog Outputs1 x 1/4″ TRS
Rack SpacesHalf-rack
Power Source24V AC Adapter (included)
Height1.75″
Depth6.5″
Width9.5″
Weight3.2 lbs.
Product Images
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