The Black Lion Audio B172A brings two of the most iconic compressor circuits together in a single chassis, offering powerful dynamic control with unmatched flexibility. On one side is the Seventeen, Black Lion’s take on the legendary 1176 FET limiter. On the other is their custom-designed version of the classic LA-2A optical compressor. Whether used individually or together in sequence, this combination allows engineers to tame transients and apply smooth, musical compression using a method that has become a studio standard.
The Black Lion Audio B172A features a Dual Mono Link system that allows the signal to pass through both compressors in any order. This is managed by the AB-BA switch, which offers three positions: one for routing through the FET section first, another for routing through the optical section first, and a third that disables linking so the two compressors can be used completely independently. Each circuit also supports stereo linking, enabling two Black Lion Audio B172A units to be paired for stereo processing.
Black Lion Audio spent significant time selecting the best possible components for each part of the circuit. The optical section includes a CineMag input transformer, while both sections use Chicago-wound output transformers developed in-house. High-quality capacitors are used throughout the signal path and in the power supply for clean, reliable performance.
A key component of the optical side is the T4BLA, a custom optocell developed specifically for this unit. Black Lion’s extensive experience in modifying and refining studio gear allowed them to tweak the behaviour of the T4 element to deliver consistent, transparent compression with the smooth release characteristics that define the LA-2A sound.
The Black Lion Audio B172A is a thoughtfully engineered solution for those who want fast, aggressive FET compression and rich, slow-reacting optical compression in one box. With flexible routing options and stereo capabilities, it provides a versatile and high-quality dynamics tool that integrates two of the most essential compressor flavours in recording history.
Features
- 76- (Seventeen) and 2A-style compression in a single 2RU chassis
- A/B, B/A, and Independent signal routing switchable on faceplate
- Cinemag 2A input transformer
- Chicago-wound 76 and 2A output transformers
- Custom-designed Black Lion Audio T4B opto element
- High-grade signal path and power decoupling capacitors
- Stereo linkable
