Black Lion Audio 8-channel Auteur Preamp

The Black Lion Audio Auteur 8DAT is an eight-channel microphone preamp designed to deliver professional recording quality with the flexibility required for modern studios. Housed in a compact 2U rackmount enclosure, it combines a fast, transparent front end with eight Cinemag transformers, providing clean detail alongside the option of adding warmth and character to your recordings. With microphone, line and instrument inputs, it is well suited to capturing everything from drums and vocals to keyboards, guitars and other studio sources.

Each channel features independent +48V phantom power, polarity reverse and a -10 dB pad, giving you practical control over a wide range of microphones and instruments. Dedicated front panel instrument inputs make direct recording straightforward, while balanced XLR outputs and ADAT connectivity offer flexible integration with existing studio equipment. Eight insert connections via DB25 allow you to incorporate external processors, with front panel switching for convenient comparisons and parallel processing setups.

Beyond its analogue circuitry, the Auteur 8DAT features 24 bit conversion at sample rates up to 192 kHz and Black Lion Audio's Macro MMC word clock technology. This makes it a versatile choice for expanding an audio interface or building a larger recording system. With carefully selected components, balanced connections and a rugged aluminium front panel, the Auteur 8DAT brings professional performance and flexible connectivity to demanding studio environments.

• Eight Cinemag Transformer Preamps - Capture detailed, transparent audio with the option of adding analogue warmth, saturation and weight to vocals, drums and instruments.
• Flexible Analogue and Digital Connectivity - Connect microphones, line-level sources and instruments, with balanced XLR outputs, ADAT connectivity and eight DB25 insert connections for external processing.
• Macro MMC Word Clock and 24 Bit Conversion - Support sample rates up to 192 kHz and synchronise connected digital equipment using the integrated clocking system or an external word clock.

Versatile Eight Channel Recording:

The Auteur 8DAT provides eight channels of microphone preamplification in a space-saving 2U rackmount design, making it ideal for expanding a studio's recording capabilities. Its hybrid circuitry combines a fast, transparent IC-based front end with Cinemag transformers for a balance of clarity and tonal character. This flexibility makes it particularly useful for recording sources that benefit from both detail and added weight, including drum kits, vocals and acoustic instruments.

Every channel offers independent +48V phantom power, polarity reversal and a -10 dB pad. Dedicated front panel instrument inputs accommodate direct recording, while line inputs support additional studio equipment. With microphone gain ranging from +10 to +66 dB, the Auteur 8DAT offers the control needed to accommodate a variety of recording sources.

Professional Studio Integration:

The Auteur 8DAT offers a range of connections for integrating with existing recording equipment. Eight balanced XLR outputs provide analogue connectivity, while ADAT outputs allow the preamps to expand a compatible audio interface with additional recording channels. This makes the unit particularly useful for studios looking to increase their simultaneous input capacity without replacing their existing equipment.

Eight DB25 connections provide access to per-channel sends and returns, allowing external compressors, equalisers and other processors to be incorporated into the recording chain. These connections can also function as signal splits for parallel processing and mid-side configurations. Front panel insert switching makes it easy to compare processed and unprocessed signals, while eight-stage metering on every channel helps you monitor recording levels.

Advanced Clocking and Component Quality:

Black Lion Audio's Macro MMC clocking technology is designed to provide stable synchronisation for digital recording systems. The Auteur 8DAT supports sample rates of 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192 kHz, with 24 bit digital conversion. Its BNC word clock connections allow it to synchronise connected equipment, or accept an external clock when required.

The unit also incorporates converters developed from Black Lion Audio's Revolution interface designs, alongside carefully selected Vishay, Wima and Nichicon components. Filtered power rails, circuit-level power decoupling and balanced analogue connections help minimise unwanted noise throughout the signal path. Finished with black anodised aluminium faceplates and a robust rackmount construction, the Auteur 8DAT is built for reliable use in professional studios and mobile recording environments.

• Product Type: Eight-channel microphone preamp and ADAT converter
• Rack Format: 2U rackmount
• Microphone Preamps: 8
• Transformers: 8 Cinemag transformers
• Microphone Inputs: Balanced female XLR
• Microphone Gain Range: +10 to +66 dB
• Line Inputs: 1/4 inch TRS
• Line Input Gain Range: -6 to +50 dB
• Maximum Line Input Level: +16 dBu
• Instrument Inputs: 1/4 inch TRS, front panel
• Instrument Input Gain Range: +10 to +65 dB
• Phantom Power: Independent +48V per channel
• Additional Channel Controls: Polarity reverse and -10 dB pad
• Analogue Outputs: Balanced male XLR and DB25
• Maximum Output Level: +29 dBu
• Insert Connections: 8 sends and returns via DB25
• Digital Connectivity: ADAT outputs
• Word Clock: Macro MMC clocking with BNC input and output
• Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192 kHz
• Bit Depth: 24 bit
• Digital Reference Level: +16 dBu = 0 dBFS
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±0.1 dB
• THD+N: 0.003%
• Noise Floor: -90 dBu
• Maximum Microphone Input Level: +19 dBu
• Power Supply Rails: ±21V
• Current Draw: 1.52 A
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 483 x 86 x 229 mm
• Weight: 13 lb (approximately 5.9 kg)