Black Lion Audio Seventeen FET Limiting Amplifier

What is the Black Lion Audio Seventeen FET Limiting Amplifier?
The Black Lion Audio Seventeen FET Limiting Amplifier is a modern take on the classic 1176 FET compressor. Designed with input from pro audio legend Tobias Lindell, the Seventeen combines vintage warmth with contemporary upgrades. This high-performance limiter uses a redesigned IC-based front end paired with a custom-made output transformer, resulting in a clean, modern sound when used lightly, or a rich, harmonically complex vintage tone when pushed harder. Whether you're compressing vocals, drums, or bass, the Seventeen adds professional-grade control to your recordings with a distinct sonic character.

Improved Compression with Custom Circuitry and Output Transformer
The Seventeen FET Limiting Amplifier stands out for its custom-designed output transformer, which provides deep, powerful low-end punch without sacrificing clarity. This transformer is crafted in Chicago and complements the unit’s upgraded IC front end to deliver unmatched sonic quality. The combination of modern and vintage components ensures a broad tonal range, from transparent compression to a thick, vintage character that saturates when pushed harder. Whether you're looking to subtly tame transients or push for a more aggressive sound, the Seventeen adapts to your needs, making it a versatile addition to any studio setup.

Unique Features for Enhanced Flexibility
Black Lion Audio packed the Seventeen with features that set it apart from traditional FET limiters. The frequency-adjustable HPF sidechain and separate highpass and lowpass filters allow for precise control over the compression's response. These features are ideal for tailoring the sound to specific instruments or frequencies, giving you the ability to focus on key elements of your mix while minimizing unwanted interference. The wet/dry mix knob allows you to dial in New York or parallel compression, providing even more flexibility to add subtle or heavy compression without losing dynamics.

Stereo Linking and Customizable Attack and Release Times
The Seventeen offers stereo link functionality, which allows you to connect two units for consistent processing across stereo tracks, perfect for maintaining a balanced sound on full mixes or drum overheads. Attack and release times are continuously variable, giving you total control over how fast or slow the compression responds. The Seventeen's attack time ranges from 20ms to 800ms, allowing you to fine-tune how quickly it reacts to transients, while the release time adjusts from 1200ms down to 50ms for smooth, natural decays or faster responses for punchier tracks. These controls are essential for dialing in the perfect sound for any source material.

Built for Low Noise and High Performance
Thanks to Black Lion Audio's proprietary power decoupling technology, the Seventeen achieves an incredibly low noise floor, ensuring that your recordings stay clean and free from unwanted hum or distortion. The high-grade Nichicon capacitors used in the Seventeen are among the best available, providing exceptional clarity and reliability. This attention to detail in both the circuitry and component selection guarantees that the Seventeen delivers pristine sound, whether you're applying light compression or using it for heavy limiting and distortion.

Compact and Durable Design
Despite its advanced features, the Seventeen is designed to fit comfortably into most studio racks. With a 2RU size and dimensions of 3.5 inches in height, 6 inches in depth, and 19 inches in width, it offers a solid build without taking up excessive space. Weighing in at 14.5 lbs, the Seventeen is a durable, professional-grade unit that will perform reliably through countless sessions. Its sturdy design and high-quality components ensure that it remains a key part of your studio setup for years to come.