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Black Lion Audio B172A Hybrid FET/Optical Compressor

€ 1.869,00Price Includes
VAT @ 21%
Not currently in stock, but available to order
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5-year warranty & 30-day money-back guarantee included

5-year warranty & 30-day money-back guarantee included
You can purchase from Gear4music with complete confidence and peace of mind. All of our products are new unless stated and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 5-year warranty as standard.

Once the product is delivered, you'll have 30 days to decide that you definitely want to keep it. If you decide it's not suitable, you can return it to us for an exchange or a refund, providing the product is in 'as new' condition and in its original packaging.

We do everything we can to make sure the right item reaches you in perfect condition. If your order arrives damaged, or is incorrect, let us know within 14 days of receiving it and we'll arrange for a free collection.

If your goods develop a fault within the warranty period, we'll quickly repair or replace the item for you. If the fault occurs within the first 180 days of your ownership, we'll collect the goods and deliver them back to you free of charge.

We're unable to accept returns of any custom-made items designed to work together as a unique package. Some items are only eligible for the money-back guarantee if they are returned to us unused and sealed in the original packaging.

For full information on our returns policy, please refer to our returns and refunds information page.

If you decide your order isn't suitable for any reason you can return it - just let us know within 30 days of receiving it. Please keep hold of all the original packaging until you're sure you want to keep the order.

Eligibility for Money Back Guarantee

Important: For hygiene and software licensing reasons, some items are only eligible for our Money Back Guarantee if they are returned to us unused and sealed in the original packaging with all software still "unregistered." Details of exclusions are shown within the product descriptions. Products include:
- Monitors and Headphones
- Earplugs and Ear Protection
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We can collect your return for a small fee, or you can send it back to us yourself. The collection fee can be found in the returns information on each product's page on Gear4music.

In the unlikely event that any item in this order is faulty, damaged or incorrect on receipt, notify us within 14 days and we'll arrange a free collection.

When returning an order please ensure products are appropriately packaged and protected, to prevent them from getting damaged.

Summary of returns policies and timescales

This table provides an overview of your statutory consumer rights, compared with our standard returns policy and optional extended money back guarantee and warranty.

UK & Europe EU Standard Gear4music Standard Gear4music Optional
Return Period 14 days 30 days up to 180 days
Standard delivery charges refunded? Yes Yes Yes, up to 30 days
Upgraded delivery charges refunded? Standard costs only Standard costs only Standard costs only
Free collection on cancellation No No Yes, up to 30 days
Free collection if defective, delivered damaged or incorrect item Yes, within 14 days Yes, within 14 days Yes, within 30 days

We are unable to accept returns of any custom made items designed to work together as a unique package and some items are only eligible for money back guarantee if they are returned to us unused and sealed in the original packaging. For full information on our returns policy, please refer to our returns and refunds information guide.

10 YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY SCHEME

The product price includes 5 years' warranty and 30 day money back guarantee.

However, the Gear4music extended warranty scheme provides an enhanced service, and is designed to offer a higher level of protection than many 'free' warranties offered by some retailers and manufacturers.

The highlights of this enhanced warranty service are:

  • Warranty is extended to 10 years from the date of delivery.
  • Our Money Back guarantee is extended from 30 days to 60 days (terms apply after 30 days)
  • Collection and delivery costs are included for the first 2 years in the event of an item becoming faulty
  • Claim 50% cash back on the cost of the policy after 10 years if it has not been used!
  • Warranty is transferable if the item is re-sold
  • Loan or replacement equipment will be provided if the product isn't repaired within 30 days
  • If an item can not be repaired, a similar alternative product or cash discount (as defined in this policy) will be offered
  • The policy can be cancelled within 30 days, and at any time after that for a pro-rata discount

Please note that this extended warranty is currently only available on products sold within the UK, EU or EEA, and is subject to the terms and conditions as detailed on the extended warranty certificate provided.

For customers in outlying areas of the country, the price of the Extended Warranty may be marginally higher, due to the potential for higher collection and redelivery transport costs.

This enhanced warranty is in addition to the standard Gear4music and manufacturer warranty policies, and the Gear4music terms and conditions of trade. No statement or condition of sale contained within these terms affects or restricts your statutory rights as defined under the Consumer Contracts Regulation 2014.

Key Features

  • Hybrid design delivers flexible dynamic control
  • Switchable signal routing for custom compression chains
  • Custom T4B opto element ensures smooth, natural compression
  • High-quality transformers provide warm, accurate signal processing
  • Stereo link function enables precise dual-unit operation

Black Lion Audio B172A Hybrid FET/Optical Compressor Overview

View this description in Dutch

The Black Lion Audio B172A is a hybrid compressor designed for engineers who want the best of FET and optical compression in one unit. Combining a Seventeen-style FET circuit with an opto section inspired by the legendary 2A, it offers both punchy peak control and smooth, transparent compression. The AB-BA switch allows you to reorder the circuits instantly or use them independently, giving you full control over your dynamics processing.


Built for professional studios, the B172A features a CineMag input transformer, Chicago-wound output transformers, and high-grade capacitors for superior audio quality. It also includes Black Lion Audio's custom-designed T4B opto element, providing a refined optical response. With stereo linking for paired operation, this compressor is a powerful and versatile tool for shaping your sound.

Product Ref: 326265

Full Description

View Full Description

Two legendary compressors in one

The B172A brings together two of the most respected compression circuits in recording history. On one side, you have a Seventeen-style FET limiter known for its fast attack and aggressive character. On the other, an optical compressor inspired by the classic 2A; delivers smooth and natural compression that enhances vocals, bass, and more.

This combination lets you harness the power of both compression types, either separately or in series. Use the FET to catch transients, then smooth out the signal with the optical circuit—or reverse the order for a different compression response. This flexibility makes the B172A an invaluable tool for mixing and tracking.

Flexible signal routing

The B172A’s AB-BA switch puts complete control over your compression chain at your fingertips. Switch between FET-first or opto-first routing directly from the front panel. Each configuration offers a unique sonic response, allowing you to tailor the compression to the needs of your mix.

If you need independent operation, simply set the switch to the third position to disengage the internal routing. This lets you use each compressor separately, making the B172A effectively two processors in one. Additionally, stereo linking lets you pair two B172A units for consistent compression across stereo sources.

Premium transformers for top-tier sound

Black Lion Audio has carefully selected high-quality transformers to ensure superior signal integrity. The optical side features a CineMag input transformer, known for its detailed and transparent sound. Meanwhile, both circuits use custom Chicago-wound output transformers, providing warmth and character while maintaining clarity. These premium components contribute to the B172A’s ability to handle everything from subtle levelling to heavy dynamic shaping without unwanted distortion.

Custom-designed T4B opto element

The optical side of the B172A features Black Lion Audio’s custom T4B opto element, the T4BLA. Designed to be the best T4B optocell available, it delivers consistent, musical compression with a natural release curve. The development of this component involved extensive fine-tuning to ensure optimal performance, making it a standout feature of the B172A.

This careful design approach means the optical compression behaves predictably and musically, ideal for vocals, bass, and other sources that benefit from smooth dynamic control. With the T4BLA, Black Lion Audio has refined an industry-standard design into something even more precise and reliable.

Built for professional use

The B172A is engineered for durability and high-end performance. Housed in a 2U rackmount chassis, it features a solid build designed for long-term studio use. High-grade capacitors in the signal path and power decoupling ensure clean operation, while a well-thought-out layout makes controls intuitive and easy to adjust.

With its powerful compression options, premium components, and flexible routing, the B172A is a must-have for engineers who demand versatility and quality in a single unit. Whether shaping transients, smoothing dynamics, or applying compression in a stereo mix, this hybrid compressor delivers the tools needed for professional results.

Features

  • Dual compression design combining Seventeen (1176-style) FET limiter and 2A optical compressor
  • Independent or series operation with switchable A/B and B/A signal routing
  • Custom Black Lion Audio T4B opto element for enhanced optical compression
  • CineMag input transformer for the 2A circuit ensures high-quality signal transfer
  • Chicago-wound output transformers for both circuits deliver vintage warmth
  • High-grade signal path and decoupling capacitors for superior audio fidelity
  • Stereo linkable for paired operation with another unit
  • AB-BA switch allows quick internal rerouting of compression order
  • Dual-mono link option for flexible stereo processing
  • Independent use of each compressor for versatile dynamic control
  • Classic compression combination used in professional studios for decades
  • Compact 2RU rackmount design for easy studio integration

Specifications

  • Type: FET / Optical Compressor
  • Number Of Channels: Stereo, Dual Mono Link
  • Controls: Ratio, Attack, Release, Peak Reduction
  • Ratio: 4:1 To 20:1
  • Inputs: 2 X XLR, 2 X 1/4″
  • Outputs: 2 X XLR, 2 X 1/4″
  • Other I/O: 2 X 1/4″ (Link)
  • Attack: Continuously Variable 20uS To 800uS
  • Release: Continuously Variable 50mS To 1200mS
  • Additional Features: A/B Or B/A Signal Routing
  • Rack Spaces: 2U
  • Power Source: Standard IEC AC Cable
  • Width: 19″
  • Product Code: B172A
  • Please Note:
    • The Attack control on the B17A works a little differently than you may have encountered on other ‘76-style compressors
    • Turning the Attack knob to the left (counter-clockwise) will yield faster attack times; slower times result when turning to the right (clockwise)
    • Turning the Release knob to the left (counter-clockwise) will yield faster release times; slower times result when turning to the right (clockwise)

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