Black Lion B12A Quad

A "312A" Approach: The DNA of a Classic in a 4-Channel Rack

Designed around a "312A" preamp architecture, this 4-channel preamplifier follows the tradition of quick, clean, and musical takes, with comfortable gain reserve and wide frequency response. The goal is clear: to offer a coherent analog front-end capable of handling percussive sources like snare drums or toms, while remaining refined enough for vocals or acoustic guitars. The 1U format and external power supply make it a logical choice for a modern studio rack, whether working in a demanding home studio or control room.

Who Is This 4-Channel Preamp For and What Are Its Use Cases?

This model is aimed at sound engineers, producers, and musicians who want to multiply microphone inputs without sacrificing quality, with straightforward ergonomics and useful controls. The 4 channels facilitate drum recording (overheads, snare, kick, room), capturing small ensembles, or vocal production by layering multiple takes with a consistent tonal character.

The additional DI inputs on channels 1 and 2 meet current needs: recording a bass direct, a guitar for reamping, or synths, while keeping the possibility to use the other two channels for microphones. This hybrid configuration is ideal for quick sessions alternating between mic and line/instrument inputs without reconfiguring the entire patch.

Key Features: Control, Headroom, and Low Noise Serving the Recording

70 dB Gain and Handling Strong Sources

With a microphone gain range from 26 to 70 dB, the preamp covers both sensitive microphones and more demanding models. For high-level sources, each channel has a -18 dB attenuator on the mic input, useful to avoid upstream overload and maintain adjustment headroom. The maximum output level of +26 dBu also contributes to excellent headroom in an analog chain.

Built-in DIs for Instruments and Modern Sources

Channels 1 and 2 feature a dedicated DI input, with DI gain from +10 to 53 dB and an input impedance of 1.1 MOhm (unbalanced), promoting healthy interaction with guitar and bass pickups. The maximum DI input level of +18 dBu allows accommodating active instruments and some line outputs without stress, depending on the level sent.

Essential Recording Tools: 48 V, Phase, and Multi-Mic Coherence

In multi-mic recording, details save time: the switchable 48 V phantom power per channel ensures compatibility with condenser microphones, phase inversion facilitates alignment between multiple mics (snare top/bottom, stereo pair, close and room mic), and the -18 dB pad secures the most energetic takes. All this relies on a very low noise signal circuit, useful when pushing gain on more delicate sources.

Technical specifications