{"product_id":"black-lion-audio-b172a-hybrid-fet-optical-compressor","title":"Black Lion Audio B172A Hybrid FET and Optical Compressor","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003c!-- Video Section with Keyword Title --\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin: 20px auto 10px auto; text-align: center; max-width: 800px;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 20px; margin-bottom: 12px;\"\u003eBlack Lion Audio B172A Hybrid Compressor Demo\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ciframe style=\"width: 100%; max-width: 800px; height: 450px; display: block; margin: 0 auto; border-radius: 8px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ujsuy3bniUA?si=UNVGoxGN54SCCGOr\"\u003e\n  \u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- Section 1 --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"par-section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"par-image\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Black Lion Audio B172A hybrid FET optical compressor\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0646\/4031\/9643\/files\/Black_Lion_Audio_B172A_Dual_compressor_front_view.png?v=1771551529\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"par-text\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e1176 + LA-2A in One Chassis, Routable Either Direction\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe B172A combines Black Lion's Seventeen FET compressor (1176-style) with a new LA-2A-style optical circuit in a single 2U unit. A\/B routing sends signal FET-first then opto. B\/A reverses it — opto catches peaks, FET finishes. Center position runs both independently in dual-mono mode (bass on FET, vocal on opto simultaneously).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach circuit has stereo link capability, so a pair of B172As can run linked stereo on both FET and opto sides. Every top studio wires these two compressors in series for vocal tracking — the B172A puts that exact chain in one box with flexible routing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- Section 2 --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"par-section reverse\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"par-image\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Black Lion Audio B172A T4BLA custom optical cell opto compressor\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0646\/4031\/9643\/files\/Black_Lion_Audio_B172A_dual_compressor_side_scaled_view.png?v=1771551529\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"par-text\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCustom T4BLA Optical Cell Built From Scratch\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlack Lion engineered the T4BLA optical element specifically for the B172A after years refining hardware mods. It's designed to be the best T4B-style optocell available — period. The opto side gives you classic Gain and Peak Reduction knobs plus Limit\/Compress ratio switch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFET side (Seventeen circuit): Input, Output, Attack (20 µs–800 µs), Release (50 ms–1200 ms), Ratio (4:1–20:1). Attack knob left = faster, right = slower. Release knob left = faster, right = slower. Both sides: balanced XLR + 1\/4\" I\/O.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- Section 3 --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"par-section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"par-image\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Black Lion Audio B172A CineMag transformer Chicago wound output\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0646\/4031\/9643\/files\/Black_Lion_B172A_Dual_Compressor_rear_view.png?v=1771551529\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"par-text\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCineMag Input, Chicago-Wound Outputs, Premium Caps\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCineMag input transformer on the 2A (opto) side. Black Lion's own Chicago-wound output transformers on both FET and opto circuits. High-grade signal path and power decoupling capacitors throughout. Up to 40 dB gain ±1 dB. Dual 1\/4\" link jacks (one for FET, one for opto) connect to a second B172A for stereo operation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned and engineered in Chicago. Standard IEC AC power. 2U rackmount. As an authorized dealer, Pro Audio Reserve ensures you receive a genuine Black Lion Audio product backed by full manufacturer warranty and long-term support.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHighlights\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1176-style FET + LA-2A-style opto in single 2U chassis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA\/B or B\/A routing switch (or dual-mono center position)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFET side: Seventeen circuit — Input, Output, Attack (20 µs–800 µs), Release (50 ms–1200 ms), Ratio (4:1–20:1)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOpto side: T4BLA custom optical cell — Gain, Peak Reduction, Limit\/Compress switch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eT4BLA designed as best T4B-style optocell available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCineMag input transformer (2A\/opto side)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlack Lion Chicago-wound output transformers (both circuits)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigh-grade signal path and power decoupling capacitors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUp to 40 dB gain (±1 dB)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDual stereo link: FET links to another B172A's FET, opto links to another B172A's opto\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDual-mono mode: run two sources independently (FET + opto)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eI\/O per circuit: XLR + 1\/4\" balanced\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 x 1\/4\" link jacks (FET link, opto link)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2U rackmount, standard IEC AC power\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDesigned and engineered in Chicago, IL\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBlack Lion Audio B172A Specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #f2f2f2;\"\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc; width: 35%;\"\u003eSpecification\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConfiguration\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eHybrid FET + optical compressor (dual circuit, single chassis)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFET Circuit\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eSeventeen (1176-style)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOptical Circuit\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eLA-2A-style with custom T4BLA optical cell\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRouting Options\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eA\/B (FET→Opto), B\/A (Opto→FET), Dual-Mono (independent)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFET Attack Range\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e20 µs – 800 µs (continuously variable, CCW = faster)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFET Release Range\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e50 ms – 1200 ms (continuously variable, CCW = faster)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFET Ratio\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e4:1 to 20:1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOpto Controls\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eGain, Peak Reduction, Limit\/Compress switch\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Gain\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eUp to 40 dB (±1 dB)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFET Input Transformer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eBlack Lion design\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOpto Input Transformer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eCineMag\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOutput Transformers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eBlack Lion Chicago-wound (both circuits)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOptical Cell\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eT4BLA (custom Black Lion design)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStereo Link\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eYes (FET and opto independently linkable to second B172A)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInputs (Per Circuit)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e1 x XLR, 1 x 1\/4\" (balanced)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOutputs (Per Circuit)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e1 x XLR, 1 x 1\/4\" (balanced)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLink I\/O\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e2 x 1\/4\" (FET link, opto link)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePower Source\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eStandard IEC AC cable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRack Spaces\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e2U\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWidth\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e19\"\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDesigned\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eChicago, IL USA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat's in the Box\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #f2f2f2;\"\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eIncluded Items\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eBlack Lion Audio B172A Hybrid FET\/Optical Compressor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003ePower Cable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eUser Manual\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Black Lion Audio","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48024187371675,"sku":null,"price":1399.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0646\/4031\/9643\/files\/Black_Lion_Audio_B172A_Dual_compressor_front_view.png?v=1771551529","url":"https:\/\/proaudioreserve.com\/products\/black-lion-audio-b172a-hybrid-fet-optical-compressor","provider":"Pro Audio Reserve","version":"1.0","type":"link"}