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BLA promises “a distinctive approach” in this 2-channel half rack preamp
Black Lion Audio has been around for years and started out as a mod specialist upgrading audio gear from M-Audio, among others, with higher grade components for better performance. One of their first products was a master clock for digital recording. Today they have a large catalog of products from interfaces, to patch bays, to compressors, to preamps. One of their newest offerings is the Auteur MKIII mic/line/instrument preamp.
What is the Black Lion Audio Auteur mkIII
The Auteur is a 2-input preamp coupled with a Cinemag transformer for massive, colorful sound. The Auteur can facilitate any audio input with its combination of pads, switches, dials and phantom power. It produces a flavored sound with clear highs and augmented bass. Primarily designed as a recording front end, the unit features balanced in and outs that can plug directly into the line input of an interface or a mixer for live use.
How does it sound?
Vocals: The Auteur mkIII sounded crisp and clean on a wide variety of microphones. It imparts a warmth to the sound that is similar to the sound of a good tube mic. It performed well with my Shure SM58, Audix CX-111, JZ Vintage 11 and Sennheiser 835. The only mic that I preferred not to use through the Auteur was the Lauten Audio LA-320. The warmth of the Auteur plus the warmth of the LA-320 just added up to too much warmth.
Bass Guitar: Again, added warmth. A slight bit of shimmer was added to the top and added roundness to the bottom when turned almost at full on the Auteur. The interface line in had to be set to the lowest gain setting to not be driven into the red. The Auteur could be driven to distortion but this also clipped the interface input. I tried compensating by lowering the volume of the passive pickup instrument but this did not sound as good (passive instruments typically sound more open and lively with their controls on 10). With the right settings, this makes a great front end for recording bass guitar.
Functionality
The main function of the unit – to make input sources sound good – worked fine. But, there was a bit of a learning curve – but not too steep. To make the input work for bass or guitar, you have to push the HI-Z and LINE switches to the in position. For LINE input press only the LINE switch to the in position. The switches make an audible pop when pressed. The GAIN starts to distort at about 85% of the knobs travel – but this is to be expected.
The pad, polarity and phantom power all functioned as expected. The only real issue I have is that its not easy to tell if the switch is depressed or not. I have the same issue with my SSL 2+. The switches are small and the throw is slight, so, with the exception of the phantom power that has a light, it’s difficult in lower light to see the up vs down position.
The build quality and fit and finish of the Black Lion Audio Auteur mkiii is top notch. The unit is hefty made with a steel chassis and black anodized brushed aluminum faceplate. The white silkscreened nomenclature is easy to read against the solid black background. Knobs turn smoothly and input and output jacks are of good quality. For a devise with no vents, it does not generate much heat – just slightly warm even after being on for hours.
Who is it for?
Anyone who needs greater control and/or a better preamp than what is built into your recording interface. Perfect for working with low gain or high gain instruments. Perfect for adding additional mic inputs to an interface or mixer that has line only inputs.
Where to buy: 
Pros
- excellent sound – if you like that flavor
- versatile gain controller
- built like a tank
Cons
- no tone shaping
- no meters
- no manual
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