The Black Lion Audio Seventeen 500 is a 500-series compressor that reimagines what the classic 1176 could have become with modern components and design. Unlike traditional models, the Black Lion Audio Seventeen 500 features a newly designed IC-based front-end that delivers a wide dynamic range, offering clean and punchy results during light compression, and a more saturated, vintage tone when driven harder. This modern circuit is paired with a custom-made output transformer, built in Chicago, which contributes to the unit’s powerful low end and open, articulate top.
The Black Lion Audio Seventeen 500 also incorporates several enhancements not found in the original 1176 design. These include a wet/dry mix knob for instant parallel compression, a stereo link function for use in dual-channel setups, and a frequency-adjustable sidechain high-pass filter to preserve low-end integrity when compressing. These tools make it not only more versatile than vintage models but also better suited to contemporary production environments.
Internally, the Black Lion Audio Seventeen 500 utilises Black Lion’s proprietary power decoupling technology, which keeps the noise floor exceptionally low. High-grade Nichicon signal capacitors further contribute to the ultra-clean signal path. Additionally, the unit supports the famous “all-buttons-in” mode, with a user-friendly design that simplifies engaging multiple ratio settings at once.
The Black Lion Audio Seventeen 500 combines a deep respect for the sonic legacy of the 1176 with thoughtful upgrades that expand its tonal range and usability, delivering a modern tool with vintage soul.
Features
- 500-series version of Black Lion Audio’s take on the classic ’76 FET compressor/limiter
- Improved and redesigned IC-based front end delivers:
- Clean, punchy, modern sound under light compression
- Colourful vintage character when pushed
- Proprietary power decoupling for an impressively low noise floor
- Employs high-grade Nichicon signal capacitors
- Frequency-adjustable sidechain high-pass filter
- Wet/Dry mix knob allows for parallel compression not available on vintage rackmount units
- Stereo-linkable
