Classic British ’73-style tone in a small half-rack box. The Black Lion Audio B173 mkII is a single-channel British-style mic/DI preamp with Cinemag transformers on the input and output stages. Black Lion calls it the most portable 1073-style preamp around.
Why customers choose it
Who it is for
Singers, home studios and producers who want one high-quality British-style preamp for vocals and instruments, and engineers adding colour to an interface’s clean preamps.
What’s in the box
- B173 mkII preamp
- 24 V AC adapter
Specifications
| Type | Solid-state mic/DI preamp |
|---|---|
| Channels | 1 |
| Gain | Up to 70 dB |
| Transformers | Cinemag, input and output |
| Phantom power | Yes |
| Polarity switch | Yes |
| Analog inputs | 1 x XLR (mic), 1 x 1/4-inch (Hi-Z) |
| Analog output | 1 x 1/4-inch TRS |
| Rack size | Half-rack |
| Power | 24 V AC adapter (included) |
| Dimensions | 9.5 x 1.75 x 6.5 in (W x H x D) |
| Weight | 3.2 lb |
Good to know
- The output is a 1/4-inch TRS jack – use a TRS cable to your interface’s line input.
- Uses an external 24 V AC adapter (included).
- Need four channels? See the B173 Quad.
FAQ
Can I use a ribbon mic?
Yes. Black Lion notes the 70 dB of low-noise gain suits low-output ribbon mics on quiet sources.
B173 mkII or B12A mkIII?
B173 mkII is British-style – warm and coloured. B12A mkIII is American-style – clean, fast and transparent.
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