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Black Lion Audio  |  SKU: I307948-N

Black Lion B173 Single Channel Mic Preamp

$49900 USD
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About Inventory Status

Questions? Call or text us at 301-946-8808.

In stock: It is in stock and available to ship or pickup. Apparel must be shipped from another location and is not available for in-store pickup. We can usually ship or have these items available for pickup by the next business day if they don't require inspection, special handling, or setup. Our pickup location is 11151 Veirs Mill Rd. Silver Spring, MD 20902.

📆 Preorder: It is on the way to our warehouse. We can't predict when preorder items will arrive due to current supply chain issues. If you place an order for one of these items someone will contact you to estimate the delivery date.

Out of stock: We don't currently have it available but you're not out of luck yet. We still may be able to get it. If you order one of these items we will contact you with an estimated fulfillment date. You have the option to cancel the order if you change your mind.

Special order: The item is so special that it needs to be custom ordered for you. Some of these items are works of art and have to be made individually. Orders for special order items must be prepaid and we cannot accept cancellations or refunds.

█ Sold out: We don't think we can get this item because it was either discontinued by the manufacturer or was limited in quantity. If you want or need this item call or text us. Sometimes we can help you track down the item through other sources or help you find something similar.

About Item Conditions

Questions? Call or text us at 301-946-8808.

New: The item is brand new as received from the manufacturer with a full manufacturer warranty. Instruments such as guitars, snare drums, drum kits, brass and woodwind instruments may be opened for photography and quality control inspection and may not be in a factory sealed box.

Mint or Open Box: The item may have been opened and tested but has been repackaged. The original packaging may have superficial issues but the item itself and any originally included accessories are in perfect, like new condition.

Display Model: These items are so cool that we put them on display in our legendary shop. The condition is brand new as received from the manufacturer with manufacturer warranty. Rest assured, these items undergo a very careful inspection before shipping.

Demo: These items have been on our sales floor for demo purposes and will likely show signs of use. The original packaging may no longer be included, but you can be assured that you are receiving an awesome item and an awesome price.

Used: The item is used. These item may have varying degrees of wear. Please read the description for information about the condition of the item. Used items do not carry a warranty.

B or C Stock: Factory refurbished. These items were purchased from the manufacturer in a refurbished condition. They will show some cosmetic issues, but nothing that would impact performance. Being that these are sealed from the manufacturer, we generally do not open these to photograph the cosmetic issues. They are guaranteed to work and may have a limited warranty or you may purchase an extended warranty in some cases. Please see the listing description for item specific information.

Description


Inspired By Neve's Legendary 1073 Design - The Black Lion B173 Single Channel Mic Preamp

The B173 is Black Lion Audio’s homage to the highly revered Neve 1073 mic pre. The Black Lion B173 is a single channel mic pre-amp with input and output transformers, stepped gain, output level control, phantom power, and phase. It features a DI, 80dB of gain, and is housed in a 1U, 1/2 rack chassis. Don’t let the price tag fool you. This is not only a serious contender for the most “bang for your buck” preamp in existence, but sonically stands on its own at any price point. 



  • Inspired by Neve's legendary 1073 design
  • Cinemag Input Transformer
  • Edcor Output Transformer
  • 80dB Gain
  • D.I. Input (active, unbalanced)
  • Phantom Power
  • Phase Switch
  • Output Attenuator
  • XLR Microphone Input
  • TRS Line Output (balanced)


Mic Section

  • Max Microphone Input Level: +1dBu
  • Input Impedance: 200Ω
  • Pad: None
  • Gain (no pad): +13dB to +80dB
  • Equivalent Input Noise (noise floor): -105dBu
  • THD+N (@ +4dBu output):.10% @ +9 dBu; 12% @ +35 dBu; .13% @ +45 dBu; .16% @ +60 dBu; .85% @ +76 dBu
  • Bandwidth (1kHz, 150Ω source, unweighted): 10Hz to 30kHz

D.I. Section

  • Max D.I. Input Level: +18dBu
  • Input Impedance: 1.1MΩ
  • Pad: None
  • Gain: Up to +25dB of gain
  • Equivalent Input Noise (noise floor): -100dBu
  • THD+N (@ +4dBu output): .021% @ +10 dBu; .016% @ +20 dBu
  • Bandwidth (1kHz, 600Ω unbalanced source, unweighted): 10Hz to 30kHz

Output Section

  • Max Output Level: +28dBu
  • Output Impedance: 600Ω

Power Supply

  • 24VAC, 500mA External Supply


Manufacturer: Black Lion Audio
Model: B173
SKU: I307948-N-0-WHXA
UPC: 700254867007


We are Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center

Since 1958, Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center has been the trusted destination for musicians and audio professionals across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Family-owned and operated, our legendary music store delivers Everything in Music®—from instruments and recording gear to pro audio, rentals, and repair services.

Our team of musicians and industry experts lives and breathes gear, helping you build the perfect setup for your next performance, studio session, or installation. As an authorized dealer for top brands, we also offer our award-winning CHUCKSCLUSIVE line—exclusive, limited-edition instruments and collaborations recognized with the NAMM Top 100 Dealer Innovation Award for redefining what a music retail experience can be.

Chuck Levin’s isn’t just a store—it’s a community built by players, engineers, and creators who share a lifelong passion for sound. Stop by our legendary Wheaton, MD showroom or contact us anytime for expert advice, product questions, or the best possible deal on your next piece of gear.


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