PG-XLM - Audio Equipment Black Lion Audio - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	500-series Microphone Preamp Module
Dimensions (W x H x D)	1.5 x 5.25 x 6.0 inches
Weight	1.2 lbs (0.54 kg)
Power Requirement	+/- 16V DC via 500-series rack power bus
Input Impedance	1200 ohms
Output Impedance	75 ohms
Gain Range	0 dB to 60 dB
Frequency Response	20 Hz - 20 kHz (+/- 0.5 dB)
Maximum Input Level	+21 dBu
Maximum Output Level	+26 dBu
Phantom Power	+48V, switchable
Phase Reverse	Yes, switchable
Low-Cut Filter	80 Hz, 12 dB/octave
Pad	-20 dB, switchable
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	100 dB (A-weighted)
THD+N	< 0.005%
Input Connector	XLR (female, balanced)
Output Connector	DB-25 (edge connector) or XLR (optional)
Construction	Steel chassis, anodized aluminum front panel
Cleaning	Use a dry, lint-free cloth. Avoid solvents.

Frequently Asked Questions - PG-XLM Black Lion Audio

What is the PG-XLM?

The PG-XLM is a 500-series microphone preamplifier module by Black Lion Audio, designed for professional studio use.

Does the PG-XLM require external power?

No, it draws power from the 500-series rack's +/- 16V DC power bus.

How do I engage phantom power?

Press the +48V switch on the front panel. Ensure microphones are connected before engaging.

What is the gain range?

The gain can be adjusted from 0 dB to 60 dB using the front-panel knob.

Can I use the PG-XLM with dynamic microphones?

Yes, dynamic microphones work well. Keep phantom power disabled when using them.

What does the phase reverse switch do?

It inverts the polarity of the signal by 180 degrees, useful for correcting phase issues with multiple microphones.

How do I clean the module?

Wipe the front panel with a dry, lint-free cloth. Do not use liquids or abrasives.

What is the output connector type?

The standard connection is via the DB-25 edge connector of the 500-series chassis. Some versions include an additional XLR output.

Is the PG-XLM repairable?

Yes, Black Lion Audio offers repair services. Contact support for authorized service and replacement parts.

What does the low-cut filter do?

The 80 Hz high-pass filter removes low-frequency rumble and reduces plosives, with a slope of 12 dB/octave.

USER MANUAL PG-XLM Black Lion Audio

Eighteen | User Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction....3

Engineering Objective ....

Package Contents ....3

Quick Start Guide ....4

Specifications ....4

Warranty 4

Front....5

Back 5

Safety Instructions ....6

Warnings 6

Disclaimer....7

Notice 7

Trademarks ....7

INTRODUCTION

The Black Lion Audio Eighteen Channel Strip is an homage to vintage channel strips, featuring a mic preamp with Cinemag transformers and two BLA1831 discrete op-amps, as well as a passive program EQ with a custom Cinemag inductor — all delivering the best of vintage vibes to your recordings!

This product was designed and engineered by Black Lion Audio in Chicago, IL USA. All units are assembled, calibrated and tested at our shops in Chicago and New York.

At Black Lion Audio, we believe in putting sound quality first. We strive to offer mind-blowing products at incredible prices. We are committed to continuously innovating in pursuit of the perfect sound. We live and breathe gear and can't imagine doing anything else. We hope you enjoy this product and share in our passion for all things audio.

Please be sure to follow the safety instructions on the following pages. We want you around to purchase more gear!

ENGINEERING OBJECTIVE

Black Lion Audio's Eighteen starts with a vintage-inspired preamplifier — providing a creamy, yet punchy response. They topped that off with a passive induction-based program equalizer and output controls for pushing the analog stages to pure overdriven-bliss that's still safe for your convertors and DAW.

Eighteen's preamplifier circuit isn't just another clone, but an homage built to pay proper tribute to some of the most classic designs ever made. That's why Black Lion created the BLA1831: a customized, discrete op-amp created through an extensive period of component testing — creating great vintage tone, while still matching a noise floor that's akin to modern equipment.

Eighteen packs an impressive, original passive inductor-based equalizer that you're sure to love — featuring a custom Cinemag inductor made just for Eighteen! The results are amazing; a quiet, and ultra-flexible equalizer that packs all of the vibe of your favorite program-style EQ's.

Eighteen's features don't stop there: it also features a custom-wound Cinemag transformer for the output, as well as output gain control for pushing the unit into pure overdriven-bliss. Black Lion Audio designed, engineered, assembles, and tests each unit by hand in the USA.

PACKAGE CONTENTS

• Eighteen
• IEC cable
  • 4x desktop feet & screws

QUICK START GUIDE

On your sound system, mute your monitors and then using balanced XLR cables, connect your Eighteen to your mixing bus or patch bay.

Set all controls to full counter-clockwise position, and all pushbuttons deselected or in the off position. Set the EQ button to the off position, bypassing the EQ section, and apply power. Unmute the monitors, and verify that signal is passing to and from the unit.

Set the Input and output switches to +3 and turn input up until you are getting roughly -4 on the meter from your microphone. If additional gain is needed, it can be achieve further gain in the output stage as well as compensate for signal loss in the EQ section.

Your Eighteen is now ready for use!

SPECIFICATIONS

Preamp Type:

Class AB BLA1831 Solid State

Gain:

Up to 65Db

Passives:

US made Cinemag transformers and inductors

Channels:

One

Phantom Power:

+48VDC

Voltage:

115VAC, 230VAC rear panel switchable

AC Mains Input:

IEC320-C14 standard plug.

Fuse:

115VAC 60Hz uses T2AL; 230VAC 50Hz uses F2AL both are 20mmx5mm

THD+N (@ +4dBu output):

• .0056% @ -6Bu Gain
• .0037% @ +14dBu Gain
• .0081% @ +30dBu Gain
• .0164% @ +46dBu Gain
• .0370% @ +54dBu Gain
• .1589% @ +62dBu Gain

Switch & Meter Settings:

5 Step Switched Eq Low Freq Boost 20Hz, 30Hz, 60Hz, 100Hz, 200Hz +/-10%

5 Step Switched Eq High Freq Boost 4kHz, 6kHz, 8kHz, 10kHz, 16kHz +/-10%

5 Step Switched Eq High Freq Attenuation 5kHz, 8kHz, 10kHz, 15kHz, 20kHz +/-10%

Output VU meter - 0 at +8 output

Dimensions:

438mm (19") x 88mm (2U) x 250mm D

Weight:

8kg

LIMITED 3 YEAR WARRANTY

Black Lion Audio's Bluey is warranted by Black Lion Audio to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for the period of THREE (3) YEARS to the original purchaser. In the event of such defects, the product will be repaired without charge or, at our option, replaced with a new one if delivered to Black Lion Audio prepaid, together with a copy of the sales slip or other proof of purchase date. The warranty excludes problems due to normal wear, abuse, shipping damage or failure to use the product in accordance with the specifications.

All parts and labor are covered under this Limited Warranty. However, if it is determined by Black Lion Audio that the device was damaged or made defective through abuse, we reserve the right to charge the customer for the cost of the repair.

Black Lion Audio shall not be liable for damages based upon inconvenience, loss of use of the product, loss of time, interrupted operation or commercial loss or any other damages, whether incidental, consequential or otherwise. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights, which will vary from state to state.

This warranty is not transferable.

FRONT

1. INPUT: Controls mic preamp input gain
2. OUTPUT: Additional gain as well as compensation gain from EQ circuit
3. BOOST: Signal boost for low frequency signal section
4. LOW FREQUENCY: Frequency selector for low frequency signal section
5. ATTEN: Signal attenuation for low frequency signal section
6. BANDWIDTH: Controls the width of the bands affected by high frequency controls
7. BOOST: Signal boost for high frequency signal section
8. HIGH FREQUENCY: Frequency selector for high frequency signal section
9. ATTEN: Signal attenuation for high frequency signal section
10. ATTEN SEL: Frequency selector for high frequency attenuator
11. LINE: Switches between line level and mic level input
12. EQ ON: Bypasses EQ section when deselected
13. POLARITY: Swaps the polarity of the output signal
14. 48V: Provides +48v phantom power for use with condenser microphones
15. HPF 80HZ: Cuts most frequencies below 80Hz
16. LPF 10KHZ: Cuts most frequencies above 10kHz
17. MUTE: Stops unit from passing signal
18. POWER: On/off switch

BACK

1. POWER IEC INPUT
2. VOLTAGE SELECTOR: Set to correct voltage in country used in
3. BALANCED XLR OUTPUT
4. BALANCED XLR INPUT

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Use only attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer
12. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
15. This apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing, and no object filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.
16. Not that this apparatus is not completely disconnected from the AC mains service when the power switch is in the OFF position.
17. The mains plug or an appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device, so the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.
18. Any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this apparatus.
19. Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause permanent hearing loss. Individuals vary considerable in susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss, but nearly everyone will lose some hearing if exposed to sufficiently intense noise for a period of time. Be sensible.

WARNINGS

IMPORTANT!

Be sure to select the proper operating voltage (and install the correct fuse) on the rear panel before plugging in the power cord. Improper selection can result in damage to the unit that will not be covered under the warranty.

AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQ! NE PAS OUVRIR.

DO NOT EXPOSE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO AUTHORIZED PERSONEL.

The lightning flash with an arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.

DISCLAIMER

The Black Lion Audio Eighteen complies with all applicable / RoHS/ WEEE European Union directives.

Do not attempt to service this unit yourself, as it will void your warranty. Please check your unit carefully upon receipt and return to place of purchase immediately if there are any problems with the product. After that, the standard Black Lion Audio 3 YEAR warranty will apply to defects in materials and workmanship.

(U.S.A.) Should your Black Lion Audio product require service, please contact the Black Lion Audio Service Department. [phone]-or-contact us on our customer service site: www.blacklionaudio.com/contact

You must obtain an RA # (Return Authorization number) from us before shipping a unit back to us. This RA # must be clearly written on the outside of the box.

Please safely pack the units...It is best to use the original packing materials. Black Lion Audio cannot be responsible for any damages incurred in shipping to us due to poor packaging. PLEASE PACK CAREFULLY and FULLY INSURE THE SHIPMENT.

(INTERNATIONAL) For service or warranty assistance, please contact the Black Lion Audio distributor in your country through the dealer from whom you purchased this product.

NOTICE

This manual provides general information, preparation for use, installation and operating instructions for the Black Lion Audio Eighteen Preamp & Equalizer.

The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice. Black Lion Audio makes no warranties of any kind with regard to this manual, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Black Lion Audio shall not be liable for errors contained herein or direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.

TRADEMARKS

The Black Lion Audio 'lion face' logo, BLA, Eighteen are trademarks or registered trademarks of Black Lion Audio.

Copyright ©Black Lion Audio 2020

This manual and any associated intellectual property are subject to copyright protection. No part of this document may be reproduced in any form without explicit written consent from Black Lion Audio.

BLACK LION AUDIO

1801 W. Belle Plaine Ave.

Suite 105

Chicago, IL 60613

[e-mail]

blacklionaudio.com

Copyright ©2020 Black Lion Audio, Inc. All rights reserved. This manual and any associated artwork, product designs, and design concepts are subject to copyright protection. No part of this document may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission of Black Lion Audio Chicago, Inc.