Black Lion Audio Eighteen Microphone Preamp & Induction EQ

The Eighteen microphone preamp and induction EQ from Black Lion Audio is a vintage-inspired channel strip designed to add rich analog character to your recordings. Featuring a creamy preamplifier, a passive inductor-based equalizer and output controls for dialing in harmonic saturation. The Eighteen helps you craft recordings with the depth and dimension of yesteryear.

A Heartfelt Homage to Vintage Gear

The Eighteen’s preamplifier circuit pays tribute to the classic preamps of the past. Rather than cloning outdated designs, Black Lion Audio created their own discrete BLA1831 op-amp through extensive testing to achieve a perfect blend of vintage tone and modern low noise. With controls for polarity inversion, 48V phantom power, high-pass filtering and more, you have flexibility to shape your source’s sound.

Sculpt Your Sound With Inductor EQ

At the heart of the Eighteen’s equalizer section lies a custom Cinemag inductor, providing two bands of broad, musical EQ and a low-pass shelving filter. Unlike typical equalizers that can sound harsh or unnatural, the Eighteen’s inductor-based EQ lets you enhance the natural resonance and dynamics of your tracks. Subtly boost highs for extra articulation, attenuate boomy low mids or dial in a high-pass filter for a vintage-style roll-off.

Push Into Overdrive

For adding pleasing harmonic distortion, the Eighteen includes an output gain control. Turn up the output level to overdrive the analog circuitry, saturating your signal with rich, creamy overtones that remain studio-friendly. Whether you want to impart a subtle vintage vibe or push the Eighteen’s circuitry to the edge of overdrive, its output gain puts you in the driver’s seat.

Handcrafted in the USA

The Eighteen microphone preamp and induction EQ is designed and hand-assembled in the USA using premium components for top-quality sound and build. If you’re after the sonic character of vintage gear in a reliable, professional channel strip, the Eighteen delivers.