Black Lion B173 Quad

A Classic Preamplification Legend, Now in a Multi-Channel Studio Format

The B173 Quad follows the tradition of "1073-style" preamps: an approach that favors high headroom preamplification, musical harmonic saturation when pushing the gain, and a sense of texture often sought after during tracking. While this type of preamp is frequently used channel by channel, this 4-channel version allows you to achieve the same sonic aesthetic across multiple sources simultaneously, all within a practical 19-inch rack format ideal for studio setups.

Who It's For and What It's For: Recording, Light Reamping, and Conversion Front-End

This preamp is designed for sound engineers, demanding home-studiers, and project studios seeking a characterful front-end to drive a converter or audio interface. With its 4 channels, it is particularly relevant for drums (kick/snare/overheads), ensembles (stereo piano + vocals, quartet, percussion), or to unify the color on multi-mic recordings. The DI inputs on channels 1 and 2 also facilitate direct recordings (bass, guitar, keyboards) with a livelier grain than a standard instrument input.

"Class A" Sound with Transformers: Dynamics, Thickness, and Control

High Gain and Solid Headroom

With a microphone gain from 12 to 70 dB adjustable in steps, the B173 Quad suits both dynamic microphones requiring lots of gain and modern condensers. Its maximum output level of +28 dBu helps preserve dynamics and handle transients, while the 48 V phantom power switching per channel simplifies session use (no need to activate phantom power across the entire rack).

Cinemag Transformers: Character and Coherence

The Cinemag transformers on input and output contribute to the sound: fuller lows, present mids, and a pleasant harmonic compression when approaching limits. This allows you to sculpt the recording right at tracking by adjusting the input gain / output level relationship to achieve either a clean and spacious capture or a denser, more textured signal.

DI on Channels 1 and 2: Convenient for Electric Sources

Channels 1 and 2 feature an asymmetrical 6.3 mm jack instrument input, useful for quickly recording a bass line, guitar, or synth. The high DI input impedance ensures good compatibility with passive pickups and better attack preservation, while benefiting from the same characterful analog path.

Technical specifications

Number of channels

4

Rack unit

2

Channels 1 and 2	additional DI input	DI input impedance	1.1 MOhm (unbalanced)
Max input level	mic input +1 dBu / DI input +18 dBu	Max output level	+28 dBu
Frequency response	10 - 30000 Hz	Output impedance	600 Ohms
Microphone input gain	12 to 70 dB adjustable in steps	Height	2U
THD+N mic input	0.02% (+45 dB gain, +4 dBu output)	Width	19 inches
THD+N DI input	0.03% (+25 dB gain, +4 dBu output)	Depth	178 mm
Mic input noise	-105 dBu / DI input noise: -100 dBu	Weight	3.7 kg
Mic input impedance	200 Ohms