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Many modern studio environments – usually those without a mixing console – are often woefully underequipped when it comes to analogue I/Os. However, there are plenty of reasons to want to integrate analogue hardware – such as summing units, outboard gear, effect pedals, and synthesizers – so many users need additional channels. This is where the Black Lion Audio Revolution EXP comes into play: Depending on the sampling rate used – and it is capable of up to 192kHz! – this expander upgrades any ADAT-compatible audio interface with up to eight additional line I/Os, with all signals synchronised via word clock or Black Lion Audio's proprietary Macro MMC Clock. Its minimalistic features are limited to the bare necessities, making the device very easy to use. The expander, developed in the USA and manufactured in China, also scores highly on workmanship – which is of a quality customary for Black Lion Audio products – and uncompromising audio quality.
The Black Lion Audio Revolution EXP is a very thoughtfully designed and high-spec 1U strip with an external power supply. The user interface is clean as can be: It displays nothing more than the input and output levels, and its only functions are to choose the clock source and the sample rate. The sample rate automatically determines the number of channels that can be used: Depending on the audio quality (max. 192kHz), eight, four, or two I/Os are available. If both ADAT interfaces are used, there will always be at least four I/Os available. The sensitivity of the balanced line inputs can be individually reduced by -10dB using the buttons on the rear. Black Lion Audio's internal Macro MMC Clock guarantees improved sound quality for the entire digital audio setup thanks to the minimised jitter levels, and a USB-C port enables software updates.
The Black Lion Audio Revolution EXP will upgrade an ADAT-interfaced DAW setup with a number of extremely high-quality analogue I/Os – nothing more and nothing less. For all discerning sound techs and music creators looking for exactly this functionality, the Revolution EXP is an outstanding investment. There are numerous competitors that offer more I/Os and additional features – sometimes at lower prices, too. Ultimately, it is up to each individual user to determine whether their priority is versatility, or the uncompromising quality and ease of use of the Black Lion Audio Revolution EXP.
Black Lion Audio is a US company from Chicago that has become known for the modification of industry-renowned microphone preamplifiers, digital-to-analogue converters, and signal processors. However, the manufacturer's portfolio also includes innovations such as the PG-1 Type F Power Conditioner, which was developed completely in-house. The Black Lion Audio team has always taken great care to only produce devices with a high standard of sound and workmanship, which has earned the manufacturer an international reputation within the audio industry. With the 2021 release of the Revolution 2x2, Black Lion Audio also expanded its existing product range with a compact audio interface, which brought to bear all of the manufacturer’s accumulated experience and expertise.
As a dedicated expansion box, the Black Lion Audio Revolution EXP requires an audio setup with an ADAT interface to operate, which it will expand by a given number of analogue inputs and outputs, according to the sampling rate used. The I/Os of the Revolution EXP can be used straight out of the box and for a huge range of functions: As additional instrument inputs, as outputs for external summing units or surround setups, and as inserts for hardware effects and/or outboard gear. For all those who appreciate outstanding audio quality, prioritise high sampling rates, and are happy to dispense with internal sound processing features, the Revolution EXP could be exactly the right tool for effectively expanding an existing DAW setup.