Black Lion Audio

Ok, so we’re wrapping up our review on Black Lion Audio and the signature modification on our Digi 002R. So far, everything has gone smoothly and to our satisfaction. We expect the end result to be the same or better.

When we left off we were about to ship the unit to Black Lion Audio in Chicago, IL. The shipping would be from West Texas to Chicago via UPS ground. I took the unit to a UPS store on Friday evening. I asked that they pack it very well and insured it for $1200.00. They stated it would be packed in a box with 4” of foam peanuts all around it.

The shipping weight was 18 Llbs, shipped on 7/28/09 and arrived on 8/3/09 at 9:50AM. All this for the low, low price of $57.63. You have to love the shipping prices these days. You could go cheaper if you insure it for less or not at all, but I wanted to make sure if it were damaged I could recover easily…or easier.

After that,  it was just a matter of waiting to hear back from BLA and pay the final 50% after they complete the modification. Then another wait for the unit to arrive back home safely. Then a full scale test!

I did notice, while browsing BlackLionAudio.com, that they have started modifying the Digi 96 I/O now. Wow, that would be nice…and it will be nice to remember. Maybe one day? However, I found the statement on their web site to be exactly what I want out of my unit. It reads as follows:

Within just a few years, we’ve built a reputation for providing high quality sound in a cost-effective manner. Given the current economic climate, it’s no wonder that major label project studios, audio software companies, and high-profile tracking and mix down engineers make up a significant portion of our client base.

You can hear our work on major television commercials for Fox and Chevrolet, and you’ll hear our work on upcoming episodes of “HawthoRNe” this fall. Our work has been utilized by prestigious organizations such as The Los Angeles Opera, major label projects by Jars of Clay, Rod Stewart, and The Donnas, as well as independent artists like Danielson Famile, David Bazan (Pedro The Lion), Sereena Maneesh, and mewithoutYou.

Our customers are made up of both home studios and professional engineers. We are proud of our satisfied customer base and make every effort to provide them with value. Feedback from our customers has a common theme. They are surprised at the dramatic improvement in sound that our modifications are able to achieve.

That is what people of our caliber are wanting. Professional sound quality at the budget we can afford. Looks like Black Lion Audio is working to help us achieve that goal. It looks like they have already done just that with some people above our caliber of budget from the reading above.

Ok – skipping toward the present a little. While I was working around the house on a Friday (some 4 days after my unit arrived in Chi’ town and only 2 days after the scheduled modification) I get a call on my cell…”This is Luke from Black Lion Audio” “Just wanted to tell you we’ve completed your signature modification.” My reply was “Sweet!”.

I asked about the invoice for the remaining 50%, to which he said we’ll send that out in a few minutes. I thanked him, he thanked me, and I ran in the house to grab the Mac Book. A few minutes later, I had it paid in full, via Pay Pal. I then sent a quick email asking for tracking information. I want to make sure I know when it will be here. Can’t wait!

7 ANXIOUS DAYS LATER…

UPS so kindly dropped it off on my front porch with out as much as a ring of the doorbell. I just happened to see them drive off from my upstairs window. I won’t complain now…because I could really rant about that, and this review is long enough.

I took pictures of the packaging as I opened the box up. I had read on many forums, that some people

were not satisfied withthe return shipping. I even read that some units were damaged. Not pointing blame, just wanted to document how mine was received. As you can see, it was packed fairly well…at least in my opinion.

There was some included documentation. The expected invoice copy, Black Lion Audio MicroClock mk2 Owner’s Manual, and an attention notice for customers with Tweak Head & Signature Series Modifications.

As expected, you’ve most likely seen and invoice, and an owners manual. I will note the owners manual is more for the eternal clock they manufacture. Now, I’ll skip to the “Attention” notice.

It basically warns the users that with the addition of the new power supply your 002 or 003 will run a little hotter. They recommend sufficient ventilation for the units.  They state that the new power supply will run at roughly 40-45 degrees Celsius. For the rest of us Americans – that means approximately 104 – 113 degrees Fahrenheit. They do mention this is well within the manufacturer’s allowable spec’s “however, minimizing heat is the wiser approach.”. It also states that the new power supply comes with an internal fuse. Should the fuse blow, they recommend replacing it with a 1 amp 250v slow blow type fuse.

Here are a few pics of the inside to compare against the stock internal pics – this is for all you electro-geeks!

I actually took the pictures down. After it being brought to my attention by a friend, it might have been possible for someone to find the tricks of the trade. I did not want to harm Black Lion Audio’s business in any way.

Ok, enough already! Let’s know what this thing sounds like. Turn it up!

I hooked it back up in my project studio and first brought up some old mixes I did a while back. Call me crazy, but I heard all sorts of things I did not like – they were hidden before. I did some quick mixing and through it on the iPod, where the other old mixes lived. I even took the iPod out to the truck and had a listen. Wow, why did I not do this sooner.

I then decided I would track just me and an acoustic guitar doing some tunes. I sat up two mics, and hit record. I was amazed at how clear the vocals came through, as well as the guitar. It sounded more real to me – not recorded. Sorry, but that is the only way I can truly describe it. It sounded real! Like what my ears hear when I am in the room listening to the instrument or singer.

Just for fun, I recorded me plunking on the bass – DI’d into the 002 R. Something I would have never dreamed of doing before. It came across much tighter and fuller. None of the muddy, thinness that was there before. I placed three mics on a drum set – one out front in line with the kick about head height, and two on each side of the kit as overheads. Wow, I was convienced that I could seriously track a drum set like this with the sound I was getting. I guess Drum-a-gog will still be used, but not near as much.

Pearl Snap Music is in the design phase of a new studio, it will be around 1600 square feet of recording space ready to deliver quality recordings for independent musicians. The Black Lion Audio Signature Series modified 002 Rack is now, more than ever, ready to be the center of the studio.

I hope this review will help you gain a better – straight from the non-affiliatted client. In fact Black Lion Audio does not know about this review. This is just my honest opinion and experience. I think it is a smart move for anyone who wants a little more out of their 002 R, 003 R, or other units that Black Lion Audio modifies. Give them a call.

Now I need to email them to let them know I a truly happy with everything, and let them know I tracked the entire experience here on PSM.

Thanks Black Lion Audio!

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