Black Lion Audio B172A Hybrid F.E.T. Opto Compressor

SKU: BLB172A MFR: B172A
Earn VIP Reward Points

Key Features

  • Get pristine sound with the B172A Compressor, styled on the classic 1176 F.E.T. design.
  • Achieve dynamic control using the compressor's adjustable attack and release settings.
  • Use versatile XLR and 1/4" inputs/outputs for seamless integration into your studio setup.
  • Easily link two units via stereo link connections for precise stereo image control.
  • Dial in the perfect sound with intuitive gain and peak reduction controls on this compressor.
  • Switchable 115/230 VAC power ensures reliable performance with this dynamic processor.
See More Product Details
Special Order?Estimated to Ship: 08/17/2025
Free Shipping

See Options

1

Protect your gear with Adorama Protect.* Learn more

2 Year

$139.99

3 Year

$184.99

5 Year

$339.99

Available to U.S. customers only.

Need help? Ask our experts.

Overview
Compare
Specs
Protection
Q&A

Questions & Answers

Reviews about this item

Review Summary

Select a plan in the Add Protection section above and purchase with this product by clicking “Add to Cart”.

image-protection

TRUSTED PROTECTION PLANS, EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE.

Invest In Your Gear and Peace Of Mind!

Accidents happen. Protect your favorite Adorama products and purchase a protection plan to stay covered from accidental damage, mechanical or electrical failures, and more.

Repair or Replacement

Repair or Replacement

If we can’t fix it, we’ll replace it at no additional cost.

Accidental Damage

Accidental Damage

Protect your product from drops, spills, and more.

Peace of Mind

Peace of Mind

Enjoy your gear without fear. We have you covered!

Failure Protection

Failure Protection

When regular use of your product over time results in mechanical or electrical failure.

Zero Deductible

Zero Deductible

We will never charge you a deductible after the purchase of a plan.

Customer-Focused Support

Customer-Focused Support

Our claims process is simple & easy and our customer service team is happy to help.

Adorama Protect powered by Extend is available for purchase to customers in the United States. Not available for international or U.S. territories purchases. Plans on open box items do not cover pre-existing damage.
Adorama Protect plans are available for ABS clients. If you have any questions or require assistanse, please call 800-223-2500

Black Lion Audio B172A Specifications

  • Compressor Character

    17: Styled on F.E.T. 1176
    17: Styled on F.E.T. 1176

  • Connections

    2x XLR Inputs
    2x 1/4" Inputs
    2x XLR Outputs
    2x XLR Outputs
    2x 1/4" Stereo Link Connections

  • Controls

    17: Input, Output, Attack, Release, Ratio, Bypass, Meter
    2A: Gain, Peak Reduction, Bypass, Meter, Limit/Compress
    Global: Power Switch, AB-BA Switch

  • Number of Channels

    Up to 2 (1 for Both Compressors, 2 for Each Compressor Used Separately)

  • AC Power

    115/230 VAC, 50/60 Hz (Switchable)

  • UPC Code

    719452994613

About Black Lion Audio B172A

From the innovative minds at Black Lion Audio comes the B172A Hybrid F.E.T. Opto Compressor, a professional-grade studio essential that marries the best of classic compression with modern reliability. The B172A stands as a testament to Black Lion Audio's commitment to high-quality audio processing, offering a seamless integration of the acclaimed '76 F.E.T. circuitry and the revered 2A optical section. This advanced compressor is designed for discerning audio professionals who demand durability and innovation in their recording or live performance setups.

The B172A's ingenious design allows for the iconic 1176 and LA-2A circuits to coexist within a single chassis, providing unparalleled flexibility in signal routing. Users can choose the order in which the signal flows through the F.E.T. and optical sections, a feature that caters to the varied compression techniques preferred by industry veterans. Whether you're looking to capture the audio's transient peaks or apply more substantial compression, the B172A offers the versatility needed to achieve the desired sound.

Black Lion Audio's dedication to excellence is further exemplified by the custom T4BLA optocell, an element meticulously crafted to outperform any other T4B optocell on the market. The T4BLA is the result of Black Lion Audio's extensive modification expertise, ensuring that every nuance in the optical element contributes positively to the compressor's overall performance.

The B172A's flexibility extends to its AB-BA switching capability, allowing for quick internal routing changes and the ability to use each compressor independently, thanks to the 'link off' position. Additionally, each circuit features stereo linking capabilities, enabling a pair of B172As to operate in perfect tandem for stereo applications.

Black Lion Audio's painstaking selection of components is evident in the inclusion of a Cinemag input transformer on the LA-2A side, along with Chicago-wound output transformers on both circuits. The use of high-grade signal path and decoupling capacitors ensures that the B172A not only provides access to two timeless dynamics processors but does so with the utmost fidelity and sonic integrity.

In summary, the B172A Hybrid F.E.T. Opto Compressor is an indispensable tool for studio owners and live sound engineers alike, offering a unique combination of classic sound characteristics with cutting-edge design. It's a durable, advanced, and innovative solution for those who seek the very best in audio compression technology.

Black Lion Audio B172A Features

  • 1176 (Our Seventeen) & LA-2A style compression in a single 2U chassis
  • A/B or B/A signal routing on faceplate
  • Cinemag LA-2A input transformer
  • Chicago-wound 1176 & LA-2A output transformers
  • Custom designed Black Lion Audio T4B element, a.k.a. the "T4BLA"
  • High grade signal path and power decoupling capacitors
  • Linkable

Warranty Information

This product has a limited warranty of 36 months.

Product Documents

User Manual

Key Features

  • Get pristine sound with the B172A Compressor, styled on the classic 1176 F.E.T. design.
  • Achieve dynamic control using the compressor's adjustable attack and release settings.
  • Use versatile XLR and 1/4" inputs/outputs for seamless integration into your studio setup.
  • Easily link two units via stereo link connections for precise stereo image control.
  • Dial in the perfect sound with intuitive gain and peak reduction controls on this compressor.
  • Switchable 115/230 VAC power ensures reliable performance with this dynamic processor.

What's in the box:

  • B172A Hybrid F.E.T. Opto Compressor
  • Black Lion Audio 3 Year Warranty