B12A MKIII

B12A MKIII – Legendary American-sounding microphone preamp

The Black Lion Audio B12A MKIII is a solid-state microphone preamp inspired by the iconic American API 312A sound, delivering exceptional warmth and dynamics. Compact and rugged in its half-rack format, it is equipped with the same Cinemag input and output transformers as the B12A Quad, ensuring up to 70 dB of gain and true studio-grade sound reproduction.

With its front-panel Hi-Z input, the B12A MKIII is perfectly suited for guitars, basses, keyboards, and synthesizers, delivering a rich and detailed harmonic response. Its stepped gain control allows for precise adjustments and easy recall, while its essential features (phantom power, phase inversion, -18 dB pad) provide great versatility in any setup.

Designed and assembled in the USA, the B12A MKIII stands out with its professional build quality, extremely low noise floor, and ability to enhance both vocals and instruments. It’s the ideal solution for sound engineers and musicians seeking a compact, reliable preamp with a strong sonic character.

Features and Specifications:

• Type: Solid-state microphone preamp, API 312A inspired
  
  
• Channels: 1
  
  
• Transformers: Cinemag (input) + Cinemag (output)
  
  
• Gain: +26 dB to +70 dB (mic), +10 dB to +53 dB (D.I.)
  
  
• Inputs: 1 x XLR (mic), 1 x 1/4″ Hi-Z jack
  
  
• Output: 1 x balanced 1/4″ TRS
  
  
• Functions: 48V phantom power, phase inversion, -18 dB pad, Hi-Z switch
  
  
• Frequency response: 10 Hz – 30 kHz
  
  
• Max output level: +28 dBu
  
  
• Mic input impedance: 200 Ω
  
  
• D.I. input impedance: 1.1 MΩ
  
  
• Power supply: External 24V AC adapter (included)
  
  
• Format: Half-rack, 1U height (1.75″)
  
  
• Dimensions: 24.1 x 16.5 x 4.4 cm
  
  
• Weight: 1.45 kg

Key Points:

• 1-channel mic preamp inspired by the American API 312A sound
  
  
• Cinemag input and output transformers for rich, precise tone
  
  
• Front-panel Hi-Z input for guitars, keyboards and synthesizers
  
  
• Essential controls: 48V, phase, -18 dB pad, stepped gain
  
  
• Rugged half-rack format with low-noise external power supply