Black Lion Revolution 14x16

A 1U Interface Tailored for Black Lion Audio's "Studio Control" Approach

The Revolution 14x16 concentrates Black Lion Audio's DNA into a 1U interface: a "audio quality first" approach, a meticulously crafted clock, and connectivity designed to integrate hardware without complications. While many compact interfaces stick to the bare essentials, the Revolution 14x16 emphasizes monitoring, cue management, and synchronization to become the nerve center of a production, recording, or hybrid mixing studio.

Who the Revolution 14x16 Is For and Where It Excels

This USB-C audio interface targets demanding home studio users, producers, and engineers who want an interface capable of handling "real" sessions: recording vocals and instruments, reamping, integrating external compressors and equalizers, and creating multiple hassle-free headphone mixes. Thanks to its class-compliant compatibility, it integrates easily into many environments, and its 1U rack format is ideal for both fixed studios and mobile racks.

The presence of three headphone outputs allows working with several people (or keeping a dedicated headphone for control), while avoiding microphone bleed during takes. And if your studio grows, the ADAT expansion adds headroom to integrate additional preamps, converters, or an I/O expander.

Key Features: Auteur Preamps, Inserts, Monitoring, and Clock

Two Auteur Channels: From Punch to Color, Depending on Your Gain

Channels 1 and 2 feature the Auteur preamps designed by Black Lion Audio, long reserved for dedicated preamp units. The idea is to offer two complementary personalities: at low gain, a fast attack and a clear sound particularly suited to drums and rhythm guitars; increasing the gain adds a denser warmth and a color inspired by "British" circuits, flattering on vocals and basses.

The Auteur preamps use transformers, with Cinemag units, adding harmonic weight and musical saturation when pushing the level. The inputs for channels 1 and 2 remain practical to use: accessible on the front or rear to suit your ergonomics (permanently wired rack or quick front panel connections).

Inserts/Returns and Hardware Integration: A True Hybrid Playground

The Revolution 14x16 is designed to "play well with others." It offers 4 switchable insert/returns to connect external processors, with the ability to quickly compare your signal (useful for validating hardware processing on vocals, bass, or a bus). The returns can also serve as line inputs for keyboards, synths, and line-level sources. Another strong point: the interface can be used as a standalone mic preamp without a computer via the Insert/Return connections, an asset for certain live, broadcast, or studio rack workflows.

A second pair of assignable analog outputs allows routing two signals wherever you want (to an external headphone amp, recorder, outboard gear, or an alternate monitor pair), while the S/PDIF complements the connectivity for digital devices.

Mix Edit, 3 Headphone Amps, and Meters: Comfort During Sessions

Monitoring is a central point: three clear headphone amplifiers with generous level facilitate group recording and artistic direction in the booth. The Mix Edit function allows quickly creating a dedicated low-latency headphone mix by combining hardware inputs and software playback without wasting time on complicated routings.

The metering section offers a bright display with 8 steps, configurable to monitor input levels, output levels, or even rear insert levels. Finally, the Monitor and Headphone outputs are mono-summable, handy for checking a mix's mono compatibility.

Macro-MMC Clock and BNC Sync: Stability, Transients, and Coherence

At the heart of the Revolution 14x16, the Macro-MMC (patented) clock aims for solid synchronization and very low jitter to preserve transient accuracy and high-frequency clarity. The BNC connections allow syncing other equipment, and if your studio already uses an external clock, the interface also accepts a clock input.

Included Software Suite: Start Immediately

The Revolution Software Suite gathers tools to record and produce from day one, including: Fender Studio Pro+ (90 days), Sonarworks SoundID Reference for Headphones (90 days), Audified GK Amplification 3 LE, Audified Mixchecker, and Psychic Modulation EchoMelt3.

Technical specifications

Category

audio interface

Rack unit

1

ADAT expansion	+8 inputs / +8 outputs	Max input level at max gain	-53.513 dBu
Digital connectivity	S/PDIF	Frequency response 20 Hz to 20 kHz at min gain (input level -1 dBFS)	+/-0.052 dB
Synchronization	BNC connections + clock input support	Frequency response 20 Hz to 20 kHz at max gain (input level -1 dBFS)	+/-0.143 dB
Mic preamps	4 (including 2 Auteur on channels 1 and 2)	THD + N at 1 kHz at min gain (20 Hz-20 kHz bandwidth, unweighted, input level -1 dBFS)	0.0023653%
Monitoring features	Mix Edit, mono-sum Monitor and Headphone	SNR at 1 kHz at min gain (20 Hz-20 kHz bandwidth, A-weighted, input level 0 dBFS)	111.263 dB
Meters	8 steps, input/output/inserts modes	Dynamic range at min gain (20 Hz-20 kHz bandwidth, A-weighted, level 0 dBFS)	106.998 dB
Input impedance	6.1 kOhms	Crosstalk	-90.991 dB
Max input level at min gain	+6.487 dBu