
( Brand: Black Lion Audio ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: SEVENTEEN500 ), ( Part Type: Amplifier ), ( Effect/enhancement: Compression/limiting )
The Lion Audio 17500 1176-style FET Limiting Amplifier is a high-performance, professional-grade audio processing unit inspired by the legendary UA 1176LN Limiting Amplifier. This 500-series module, part of the Seventeen Series from Lion Audio, offers a flexible, versatile, and powerful solution for controlling and shaping audio signals in various recording and mixing applications.
The heart of this 17500 module is its Class-A FET (Field-Effect Transistor) circuit design, which delivers the distinctive fast-attack, smooth-release compression characteristic of the original 1176 Limiter. The unit features a simple yet effective control layout, with Input and Output level knobs, a Gain control, an Attack control, a Release control, and a Ratio switch.
The Input and Output level controls allow you to adjust the overall gain structure of the signal, ensuring proper levels for optimal compression performance. The Gain control sets the amount of compression applied to the input signal, with values ranging from 0dB (no compression) to 24dB (heavy compression). The Attack control determines how quickly the compression kicks in, with settings from 1ms to 20ms, allowing you to shape the transient response of the signal. The Release control sets the time it takes for the compressor to return to its bypassed state after the input signal drops below the threshold, with settings ranging from 10ms to 200ms. The Ratio switch offers three compression ratios: 4:1, 8:1, and 12:1, providing flexibility to suit different audio material.
The 17500 module is housed in a rugged, anodized aluminum chassis, ensuring durability and reliability in professional studio environments. The unit features true bypass operation, ensuring that no coloration is added to the signal when the compressor is bypassed. Additionally, the module features a front-panel LED display, which indicates the current gain reduction level, providing visual feedback for easy monitoring and adjustment.
The Lion Audio 17500 1176-style FET Limiting Amplifier is the perfect addition to any 500-series rack, offering the iconic sound and versatility of the legendary UA 1176LN Limiting Amplifier in a compact, affordable, and flexible package. Whether you're recording vocals, mixing drums, or mastering tracks, this compressor provides the power and flexibility you need to shape and control your audio signals with ease and precision.
The Lion Audio 17500 is a 500-series 1176-style FET limiting amplifier that is popular among audio engineers and producers for its versatility and high-quality sound. In this analysis, we will discuss the pros and cons of investing in this compressor.
Pros:1. Authentic 1176 Sound: The Lion Audio 17500 replicates the iconic sound of the UREI 1176 compressor, which is renowned for its fast attack and release times, distinctive coloration, and ability to add "glue" to mixes.
2. High-Quality Build: This compressor features a rugged, all-metal construction, ensuring durability and reliability in a studio environment.
3. Versatile Applications: The 17500 is suitable for a wide range of applications, from mixing and mastering to vocal and instrumental recording.
4. Easy to Use: The compressor is straightforward to set up and operate, with a simple interface and easily accessible controls.
5. Affordable: The Lion Audio 17500 is priced competitively compared to other high-end compressors, making it a cost-effective investment for professional studios and home recordists alike.
Cons:1. Limited Features: Compared to more advanced compressors, the 17500 is relatively feature-limited. It lacks some advanced controls and options that may be desirable for more complex mixing and mastering tasks.
2. Noise Floor: Some users have reported a noticeable noise floor when using the compressor at high gain settings. However, this issue is generally considered minor and can be mitigated by proper gain staging.
3. Limited Input Headroom: The 17500 has a relatively low input headroom, which may require careful level management to avoid clipping.
4. Requires 500-Series Rack: To use the 17500, a 500-series rack is necessary, which may add additional cost and complexity to the setup.
Conclusion:The Lion Audio 17500 1176-Style FET Limiting Amplifier offers an authentic 1176 sound, high-quality build, versatility, ease of use, and affordability. While it has some limitations, such as a limited feature set and limited input headroom, these shortcomings are generally outweighed by its strengths. If you are looking for a versatile and high-quality compressor with the iconic 1176 sound, the Lion Audio 17500 is an excellent investment.
Recommendation:If you are seeking a compressor with an authentic 1176 sound, the Lion Audio 17500 is a compelling option. Its high-quality build, versatility, and affordability make it an excellent choice for both professional studios and home recordists. However, if you require more advanced features or higher input headroom, you may want to consider other compressor options.
We ve found this control scheme to be more intuitive; akin a volume knob decreasing level the left and increasing right. Black Lion could have stopped there but why. Featuring a re designed and improved IC-based front end, Seventeen 500 renders incredible detail nuance normally not possible with 76-style comp while adding some features unavailable on original 76s. You also get a wet/dry mix knob for parallel compression straight out of the box.
Designed and built in Chicago, this US-based company does a great job of packaging studio standard into double-wide 500 series module. Turning the Attack knob to left counter-clockwise will yield faster attack times; slower times result when turning right clockwise. It provides a clean, punchy, modern sound under light compression and more colorful vintage character when pushed. What makes Seventeen 500 different.
That front-end, when coupled with our custom designed, made-in-Chicago output transformer, is why Seventeen delivers a huge bottom end that balances out its open top very nicely. Seventeen 500 is Black Lions 500-series spin on what the classic 76 compressor could have been.