{"title":"Black Lion Noise Gates \u0026 Compressors","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"black-lion-level-loc-411595","title":"Level-Loc","description":"\u003ch3\u003eA rare classic brought back to the heart of the studio, in the spirit of the original\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Black Lion Audio Level-Loc follows in the footsteps of a hardware compressor that became legendary among sound engineers for its anything but transparent behavior. Originally designed by Shure, then gradually becoming rare on the market, the Level-Loc earned the status of a \"character box\": a tool capable of transforming a clean signal into a dense, aggressive, and immediately recognizable texture. This reissue, developed in collaboration with Shure, aims to preserve the tonal qualities of the original while bringing practical improvements adapted to current workflows, where vintage units could impose connectivity and control constraints.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWho is it for and what are its uses in recording and mixing?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe current Level-Loc is primarily aimed at those seeking an \u003cstrong\u003eeffects compressor\u003c\/strong\u003e with a bold character, capable of going far beyond simple dynamic reduction. Producers, mixers, sound designers, demanding home studio users: if you like to make a track \"speak\" rather than smooth it out, this processor becomes a choice ally.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt excels on \u003cstrong\u003edrums\u003c\/strong\u003e (room mics, overheads, parallel bus), \u003cstrong\u003ebasses\u003c\/strong\u003e that need to gain density, \u003cstrong\u003esynths\u003c\/strong\u003e that deserve more grain, or vocals intended for creative treatment. In mixing, it is used as a color to be dosed, to bring a sense of energy, closeness, and movement. In recording, it can serve to imprint an immediately usable sonic signature, provided you embrace a \"commit\" approach: the Level-Loc is not designed to remain invisible.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eRadical compression and saturation: color serving the groove\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch4\u003eAn effects compressor, not a \"transparent\" compressor\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe strength of the Level-Loc lies in its ability to produce \u003cstrong\u003eaudibly present compression\u003c\/strong\u003e, with pumping, squashing effects, and detail enhancement that give the impression the source is moving closer to the listener. Where a \"clean\" mix compressor often aims to control without being noticed, the Level-Loc instead seeks to \u003cstrong\u003esculpt an attitude\u003c\/strong\u003e. On drums, it can accentuate the attack and bring up the room ambiance; on a loop, it can reinforce the sense of pulse; on a parallel bus, it can add that extra aggression that helps a mix hold up in a modern context.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eBuilt-in saturation to thicken and texture\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs a \u003cstrong\u003esaturation module\u003c\/strong\u003e, the Level-Loc allows adding harmonic content and grain musically, avoiding a \"digital\" harshness and bringing substance. This saturation can help reinforce the body of an instrument, give a sense of volume without just raising the level, or transform a too tame source into a livelier and denser element. Used subtly, it adds relief; pushed further, it becomes a true sound design tool, ideal for deconstructed drums, lo-fi textures, or impact effects.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eModern connectivity and control options: vintage spirit with a current workflow\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eOne of the major benefits of this reissue is to provide \u003cstrong\u003econnectivity and control options\u003c\/strong\u003e better suited to today's studios, while retaining the main goal: to recover the tonal character that made the original Level-Loc famous. The result: a processor that keeps its \"special sauce\" dimension but integrates more naturally into a modern production chain, whether in tracking, insert processing, or creative use within parallel routing.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Black Lion","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54360164237587,"sku":"411595","price":645.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0984\/0872\/6803\/files\/2226bf187845019fae564c9dd6323963426ca380_BLACK_LION_LEVELLOC.jpg?v=1787382513"},{"product_id":"black-lion-b172a-411988","title":"B172A","description":"\u003ch3\u003eA \"two legends in one\" approach in the Seventeen philosophy\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis hybrid Seventeen compressor follows the great tradition of studio dynamic processors that have shaped vocal, bass, drum takes and mix buses: on one side, the responsiveness and bite of a \u003cstrong\u003eFET compressor\u003c\/strong\u003e inspired by a model that has become a reference; on the other, the smoothness and \"glue\" sensation of a \u003cstrong\u003eT4BLA\u003c\/strong\u003e optical cell with naturally musical behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRather than opposing these two schools, Seventeen combines them in a single 19-inch unit to offer a compressor capable of switching from surgical transient control to softer, enveloping compression. The architecture has also been \u003cstrong\u003eoptimized\u003c\/strong\u003e with a \u003cstrong\u003enew output transformer\u003c\/strong\u003e, a key point for those seeking a more solid, stable sound that works well both tracking and mixing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eStudio uses: tracking, mixing, bus, and sound design\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eDesigned for demanding studios and home studios, this 2U rack compressor is ideal if you want a single device capable of covering multiple roles: \u003cstrong\u003evocals\u003c\/strong\u003e (dynamic control without losing emotion), \u003cstrong\u003ebass\u003c\/strong\u003e (foundation, sustain, controlled attack), \u003cstrong\u003eguitars\u003c\/strong\u003e (density and presence), or \u003cstrong\u003edrums\u003c\/strong\u003e (snap and cohesion depending on settings). Thanks to its two channels, you can process two sources simultaneously or build a coherent chain on a pair (e.g., overheads, stereo synths, or keyboard buses).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn mixing, the ability to choose the \u003cstrong\u003ecompressor sequence\u003c\/strong\u003e opens very practical options: placing the faster section first to tame peaks, then the optical section to smooth and \"glue\" the whole, or reversing the order for a more organic, less directive feel. In \u003cstrong\u003edual-mono\u003c\/strong\u003e mode, the unit becomes a pair of independent compressors, perfect for maximizing rack usage by multiplying processing on separate tracks.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor stereo setups, the presence of a \u003cstrong\u003elink connection\u003c\/strong\u003e allows coupling two units to achieve coherent compression on a stereo signal (mix bus, drum subgroup, stems, or mastering processing depending on your workflow). This is a real advantage for maintaining a stable image, preventing the center from \"pumping\" differently than the sides, and keeping controlled dynamics without unbalancing the panorama.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eKey features: fine control, transformers, and operating modes\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch4\u003eHybrid FET + T4BLA: speed and musicality\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe FET section provides fast, punchy compression, excellent for taming attacks and adding density with a strong character. The T4BLA optical section reacts more progressively, with a compression curve renowned for its musicality: it easily delivers a sensation of more consistent, more \"finished\" volume while preserving presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eContinuously variable attack and release: precise adjustment per source\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe continuously adjustable \u003cstrong\u003eattack\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003erelease\u003c\/strong\u003e controls go beyond fixed positions: fast to catch a snare peak or an overly aggressive consonant, slower to let a groove breathe, or release adapted to tempo to control pumping sensation. This fine calibration helps achieve professional results faster, with better repeatability between sessions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eTransformers: depth, control, and studio integration\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eCinemag LA-2A type input transformer\u003c\/strong\u003e contributes to signal texture and stability, while the optimized circuit with \u003cstrong\u003enew output transformer\u003c\/strong\u003e aims for better overall coherence and more natural integration in an analog chain. Combined with comprehensive connectivity (balanced XLR and jack), the unit easily fits between preamps, converters, consoles, summing mixers, or patchbays.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:2rem\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"flex:1 1 300px\"\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width:100%\"\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequency response\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e15 Hz - 20 kHz, +\/-1 dB\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTHD+N\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e0.3 percent\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width:100%\"\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInputs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e2x XLR (balanced), 2x jack (balanced)\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOutputs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e2x XLR (balanced), 2x jack (balanced)\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLink\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e2x jack (unbalanced)\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"flex:1 1 300px\"\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width:100%\"\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePower supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003einternal 115\/230 V AC\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e2U\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWidth\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e19 inches\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDepth\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e250 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e8 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Black Lion","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54360811634963,"sku":"411988","price":1649.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0984\/0872\/6803\/files\/40cf66c031158b92f9119798a54d6be519276550_1BLACK_LION_B172A.jpg?v=1787399107"},{"product_id":"black-lion-bluey-limiter-308607","title":"Bluey Limiter","description":"\u003ch3\u003eA \"studio\" reinterpretation of a classic, born from a circuit evolution\u003c\/h3\u003eThe Black Lion Bluey follows the tradition of FET compressors with a sharp and musical character, while embracing a very particular history: it revives the modified \"Blue Stripe\" spirit, based on a legendary unit owned by Chris Lord-Alge. Originally, the unavailability of certain components forced circuit changes, giving birth to a unique compressor, recognizable by the way it grabs the signal, pushes it forward, and makes it \"hold\" in the mix.\u003cbr \/\u003eTo capture the precise feel associated with the original Bluey, Black Lion did not settle for a simple clone: the manufacturer also \u003cstrong\u003erecreated the console's insertion path\u003c\/strong\u003e used around this unit and integrated it directly into the device. The result: an immediate \"console\" sensation, with texture and coherence noticeable from the very first dB of gain reduction.\u003cbr \/\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFor whom and for what: from tracking to finishing, when you want uncompromising character\u003c\/h3\u003eThe Bluey is designed for engineers and producers seeking a compressor with personality, capable of transforming a decent take into a \"record-ready\" track. It excels on \u003cstrong\u003evocals\u003c\/strong\u003e (presence, stability, grain), \u003cstrong\u003edrums\u003c\/strong\u003e (snappy snare, more aggressive room, parallel bus), \u003cstrong\u003eguitars\u003c\/strong\u003e (enhanced attack, controlled sustain), and \u003cstrong\u003ebasses\u003c\/strong\u003e (foundation and articulation).\u003cbr \/\u003eIn the studio, it naturally fits into a chain with preamp and conversion, as the main tracking compressor or as a mixing tool to sculpt transients. Its rack format and XLR connectivity make it easy to integrate into a patch, console insert, or modern outboard chain.\u003cbr \/\u003e\u003ch3\u003eKey Features: vintage feel with expected additions for modern production\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch4\u003eActive wet\/dry mix: hassle-free parallel compression\u003c\/h4\u003eOne of the most useful new features of the Bluey compared to a more traditional approach is its \u003cstrong\u003eactive wet\/dry mix\u003c\/strong\u003e. You can dial in firm compression (controlled attack, emphasized sustain), then precisely blend in the direct signal as needed. This is ideal for achieving a dense, \"finished\" sound while retaining the original punch, especially on vocals, drums, and instrument buses.\u003cbr \/\u003e\u003ch4\u003eStereo Link: image coherence and controlled pumping\u003c\/h4\u003eThe Bluey includes a \u003cstrong\u003eLink connection\u003c\/strong\u003e to couple two units and work in stereo with a more consistent behavior. On overheads, room buses, stereo synths, or subgroups, this helps maintain a stable image, preventing compression from unbalancing the panorama when left\/right content differs.\u003cbr \/\u003e\u003ch4\u003eComponents and construction: designed to last, designed to sound\u003c\/h4\u003eBlack Lion focuses here on reliability and consistency: \u003cstrong\u003evintage-inspired PCB layout\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003e1% tolerance resistors\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003epolyester capacitors\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003einternal linear power supply\u003c\/strong\u003e. The whole aims for a musical and repeatable response, session after session, while delivering that \"glued\" compression feel on the signal. 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