B12A Quad
Four channel American-style preamp with phantom power, phase, 13 dBu pad, and Hi-Z input.
US PRICE: $1199
Clean gain for drums, vocals, and more.
The Black Lion Audio B12A Quad fits four B12A preamps into a single 1U rackmount chassis.
Suitable for everything from drum mics to acoustic instruments, the B12A Quad 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 Quad 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 Quad isn’t scared of a little heat, however. When driven, the B12A Quad 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 on channels 1 and 2 for direct recording of guitars, basses, synths, and more. Drive them a little bit to add a harmonically rich sheen. On the back, you get XLR ins and your choice of XLR or TRS outputs.
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. You also get an Output control on every channel to avoid overdriving the input of your interface or mixer when you’re batting for more saturated, higher-gain tones.
Per-channel metering displays how hot your output signal is hitting its parallel TRS/XLR outputs; the external power supply keeps noise out of your tracks.
Technical
Documentation
Preamp TypeSolid State
Number of Channels4
Phantom PowerYes
PadsYes
Polarity SwitchYes
Analog Inputs2 x 1/4″ (Hi-Z), 4 x XLR
Analog Outputs4 x XLR, 4 x 1/4″
Rack Spaces1U
Power Source5-pin AC Adapter power supply (included)
Product Images
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