Black Lion Audio, the US firm renowned for its quality audio gear (see our feature on their Neve and Api-inspired Portable Preamps), has announced the upcoming release of their new flagship audio interface, the Revolution 14×16. This USB-C interface offers a comprehensive set of features aimed at both professional and home studio users, expanding on the previous and smaller Revolution models.
Auteur Preamps and Connectivity
The Revolution 14×16 incorporates two of Black Lion Audio’s Auteur preamps on channels 1 and 2. These preamps, featuring Cinemag transformers, aim to provide versatile sonic characteristics. At lower gain settings, they offer a faster response, while higher gain levels introduce more coloration.
The interface provides 14 inputs and 16 outputs, including:
- 4 mic/instrument preamps (2 Auteur, 2 standard)
- 4 switchable insert/returns for external hardware integration
- S/PDIF digital I/O
- ADAT expansion for an additional 8 inputs and outputs
Monitoring and Clocking Features
For monitoring, the Revolution 14×16 includes three headphone amplifiers and a Mix Edit feature for creating custom low-latency headphone mixes. The interface also features eight-stage metering with flexible monitoring options.
Black Lion Audio has implemented their Macro-MMC clocking technology, which they claim improves synchronization and reduces jitter for connected devices.
Design and Audio Quality
The Revolution 14×16 incorporates several design elements aimed at enhancing audio quality:
- PG-i filtering technology and filtered power rails
- Full-circuit power decoupling
- Use of Vishay, Wima, and Nichicon capacitors
- Thin film resistors
- Optimized internal gain-staging
- Fully decoupled and balanced analog I/O
Software Package
The interface comes bundled with several software tools:
- PreSonus Studio One Pro+ (90-day trial)
- Sonarworks SoundID Reference for Headphones (90-day trial)
- Audified GK Amplification 3 LE
- Audified MixChecker
- Psychic Modulation EchoMelt3
Availability and Pricing
Black Lion Audio plans to release the Revolution 14×16 towards the end of October 2024. It will be available through their dealer network at a Minimum Advertised Price of $1,299.00 USD and a Suggested Selling Price of €1,699.00 EUR (including 19% VAT). Check out the official web page for further info.
The Revolution 14×16 represents Black Lion Audio’s effort to create a versatile, expandable audio interface suitable for various studio setups. Its feature set aims to address the needs of both recording and mixing workflows, offering a combination of analog and digital connectivity options alongside monitoring and clocking capabilities.
