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Master clock, standalone DAC (Digital-to-Analogue Converter), headphone amp, and, as implied by name, a six-input/six-output class-compliant USB interface
As a class-compliant, bus-powered USB audio interface with industry-leading signal quality, Black Lion Audio has put everything it has learned about interfaces from years of boutique modding into Revolution 6×6. Indeed, it is ‘modded out of the box’ — as the boutique audio company in question is keen on saying — so crystal-clear audio that will musically move both users and listeners alike is a given. Get this, though: there is some seriously rarefied tech going on under its hood, including Macro-MMC (Master Music Clock) based on Black Lion Audio’s hallowed history of creating dedicated master word clocks, as well as modifying many embedded clocks found in other recording interfaces; it not only ensures the best possible performance from Revolution 6×6’s converters, but also allows for external gear connectivity via WORD CLOCK INPUT and OUTPUT on BNC for maximum sync and ultra-low jitter — albeit any devices synced via Macro-MMC are communicating as accurately as possible to minimise the phase distortions that can muddy the high-end and negatively affect transients. The upshot of this technology is reduced jitter and enhanced harmonics for a glossy, airy top-end that would otherwise remain unheard in lesser interfaces.
Proprietary PG-1 filtering technology that is based on Black Lion Audio’s experience in engineering ‘best-in-class’ power conditioners is deployed on Revolution 6×6, while it also features highly-filtered power rails in every active stage — something that is not even found in the most well-respected, high-end equipment. All are working in perfect harmony with full-circuit power decoupling across the entire circuit — convertors, internal power, preamps, and even the clock itself — to further reduce noise contamination.
Capture and playback are optimised, too, thanks to Revolution 6×6 sporting the most cutting-edge ICs (Integrated Circuits) alongside high-end Vishay, Nichicon, and Wima capacitors throughout, with all internal gain-staging also optimised for the best possible signal-to-noise ratio. All analogue I/O is fully decoupled and balanced — right to the very core of the convertor! Simply said, Black Lion Audio’s finest A/D (Analogue-to-Digital) and D/A (Digital-to-Analogue) technology implemented in Revolution 6×6 provides its users with record-making power, the likes of which has hitherto been unavailable in such a small, portable, and affordable interface.
Indeed, the recording revolution continues with Revolution 6×6 packing a lot of easily accessible bang for the buck into its diminutive dimensions — think two front panel-positioned high-headroom mic preamps (CHANNEL 1 and CHANNEL 2) with instrument input alongside an eight-segment VU LEVEL meter for real-time monitoring; main output (MONITOR) gain knob; direct input/mono summing (MONO HP); INPUT/PLAYBACK mix knob for real-time performance monitoring; and HP1 and HP2 high-fidelity headphone amplifier connections, while connectivity continues on the rear panel with decoupled main analogue outputs (RIGHT and LEFT MONITOR OUT) for superior monitoring quality; world-class WORD CLOCK; high-end S/PDIF INPUT and OUTPUT with embedded clock signal; USB OTG (On-The-Go) for two-input, two-output connectivity with Android and Apple mobile devices — perfect for livestreamers and mobile musicians who record to or stream from phones and tablets; and low-latency USB TO COMPUTER with bus power (also allowing two USB devices to be simultaneously connected to Revolution 6×6 and send audio to/from either).
It is well worth mentioning here, then, that not every task necessarily needs a computer, which is why Revolution 6×6’s DAC, word clock, and D/A conversion features can all be used without a computer; clearly it is simply a case of pressing the button marked STAND-ALONE (HOLD TO ENGAGE) — hook up a media player via S/PDIF to enjoy good old-fashioned hi-fi listening with good ‘new-fashioned’ hi-fi conversion, or connect Revolution 2×2 to a computer over USB to bypass questionable laptop converters, for example.
And as if all that was not enough to whet anyone’s recording appetite, all the tools they need to start creating are bundled with Revolution 6×6 as the Revolution Software Suite, starting with Presonus’ award-winning Studio One Artist recording and sequencing DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), with selected plug-ins from Izotope — Elements Suite (comprising Nectar, Neutron, Ozone, and RX for tone-shaping, mastering, and repair); Psychic Modulation — EchoMelt3 (BPM-based modulation and echo); Brainworx Audio — bx-digital (mid-side EQ with filter and de-ess options); and Lindell Audio — 6X500 (colourful preamp model with two-band EQ).
Either way, it is apparent that Black Lion Audio’s Revolution 6×6 is, indeed, a truly high-end, portable recording interface, one which is irrefutably worthy of taking that respected Revolution nomenclature to even higher heights!
Revolution 6×6 should start shipping through Black Lion Audio’s growing global network of dealers/distributors (https://www.blacklionaudio.com/dealers) with a MAP (Minimum Advertised Price) of $549.00 USD and an SSP (Suggested Selling Price) of €699.00 EUR (including VAT) towards the end of October 2023.
For more in-depth info, please visit the Revolution 6×6 dedicated webpage here: https://www.blacklionaudio.com/store/products/interfaces/revolution6x6/
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