The Black Lion Audio Auteur 8DAT is an 8-channel microphone preamp housed in a 2U enclosure, designed to deliver the brand’s characteristic hybrid of transparent, IC-based front-end performance and warm, transformer-driven saturation. It features independent +48V phantom power, polarity reverse, and a -10 dB pad on every input, alongside dedicated instrument-level inputs for direct recording. The Black Lion Audio Auteur 8DAT integrates ADAT outputs, DB25 connections for per-channel sends and returns, and a Macro-MMC word clock to synchronise recording rigs with ultra-low jitter.
The Black Lion Audio Auteur 8DAT provides eight channels of preamplification in a compact 2U format, utilising a fast, transparent IC-based front-end combined with Cinemag transformers for a colourful back end. This design allows for versatile tonal shaping, offering the snap of American-style preamps with the option for British-style saturation and warmth. The Black Lion Audio Auteur 8DAT is particularly suited for sources requiring detail and added weight, such as drums and vocals.
Each of the eight inputs features independent +48V phantom power, polarity reverse, and a -10 dB pad. A dedicated instrument-level input is available on the front panel for DI recording, while analogue XLR outputs allow connection to a mixer. ADAT connections enable the addition of eight channels of preamplification to an existing audio interface. Eight insert connections via DB25 facilitate the integration of hardware processors, switchable from the front panel for A/B testing. These connections also function as mults for parallel processing or mid-side applications, and all channels include eight-stage metering.
The Black Lion Audio Auteur 8DAT supports sample rates up to 192 kHz and employs Black Lion Audio’s patented Macro-MMC clocking system to ensure perfect sync and ultra-low jitter for connected devices via BNC connections. This clocking minimises phase distortions that can affect high-end clarity and transients. The Black Lion Audio Auteur 8DAT accepts external clock input if preferred. It incorporates converters derived from the brand’s Revolution interfaces, designed for maximum signal integrity and low noise.
Construction features highly-filtered power rails and full-circuit power decoupling to reduce noise contamination. The internal circuitry utilises over two dozen high-end Vishay, Wima, and Nichicon capacitors and thin film resistors. All analogue I/O is fully decoupled and balanced to the core of the converter. The chassis is built with black-anodized aluminium faceplates for a durable and sophisticated appearance suitable for studio or road use.
Features
- 8 channels of microphone preamplification in a 2U enclosure
- Independent +48V phantom power, polarity reverse, and -10 dB pad on every input
- Dedicated instrument-level input option on the front for DI recording
- ADAT outputs for integration with existing audio interfaces
- DB25 connections for per-channel Sends and Returns, switchable from the front panel
- Insert connections double as mults for parallel processing or mid-side applications
- Eight-stage metering on all channels
- Patented Macro-MMC word clock with BNC connections for ultra-low jitter synchronisation
- Supports sample rates up to 192 kHz
- Black-anodized aluminium faceplates