Black Lion Audio Auteur vs RNP - Page 4

Eloheim · 25th March 2009

So I listened to Paul's pre comparison clips between the RNP, BLA and GR (nice riff btw!).

I was pretty surprised. For this application (acoustic guitar), at least, it sounded to me like there was much more similarity between the BLA and the GR, vs. the BLA and the RNP. Actually I may prefer the sound of the BLA over the GR! (Although it's not like I was listening in a state-of-the-art studio.)

Like others in this thread have suggested, the clips reveal that the RNP has some build-up in the lower-mids (not to my liking), and the hi's definitly sounded muted compared to the other two pres. Both the BLA and the GR feel a lot more open and defined on the top end, the GR even moreso. One specific thing I could really tell the difference on was the delay or vibrato effect on the highest part of the riff. With the GR you can really hear the reverberation.

That said, to me the BLA actually sounded more pleasing to the ear (at least in this solo'd example; as far as "sitting in the mix," I have no idea).

Once again I'd like to thank Paul for taking the time to create and distribute the excellent clips! And keep up the good work! thumbsup

So why hasn't anyone else responded here with their own opinions?? Come on now, I'm already a little out on a limb here picking the BLA over the GR (in this shootout), so why not join me?

Marty · 25th March 2009

Obitheincredible,
You could try contacting BLA here in Chicago. Their really nice people, so maybe they can help you out with your dilema. I would really like to see a two channel pre in 1U rack. Maybe they just haven't thought of that idea. Give em a call or shoot em an email - can't hurt.

Heartfelt · 25th March 2009

Only thing about the BLA, and I DO like it...

Is that the bottom is pretty big so you'd have to keep an eye on it with multiple tracks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eloheim

So I listened to Paul's pre comparison clips between the RNP, BLA and GR (nice riff btw!).

I was pretty surprised. For this application (acoustic guitar), at least, it sounded to me like there was much more similarity between the BLA and the GR, vs. the BLA and the RNP. Actually I may prefer the sound of the BLA over the GR! (Although it's not like I was listening in a state-of-the-art studio.)

Like others in this thread have suggested, the clips reveal that the RNP has some build-up in the lower-mids (not to my liking), and the hi's definitly sounded muted compared to the other two pres. Both the BLA and the GR feel a lot more open and defined on the top end, the GR even moreso. One specific thing I could really tell the difference on was the delay or vibrato effect on the highest part of the riff. With the GR you can really hear the reverberation.

That said, to me the BLA actually sounded more pleasing to the ear (at least in this solo'd example; as far as "sitting in the mix," I have no idea).

Once again I'd like to thank Paul for taking the time to create and distribute the excellent clips! And keep up the good work! thumbsup

So why hasn't anyone else responded here with their own opinions?? Come on now, I'm already a little out on a limb here picking the BLA over the GR (in this shootout), so why not join me?

aleatoric · 27th March 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heartfelt

Only thing about the BLA, and I DO like it...

Is that the bottom is pretty big so you'd have to keep an eye on it with multiple tracks.

I have been doing a lot of research on the BLA auteur and I consistently see posts from you saying the bottom is big and it wont stack well. Not saying if its true or not as I do not own one yet but still in pretty much every thread I read when I search Auteur there is a post with you saying its got a big low end. Other folks I have PM'd have never said that, just that its warm with a nice openess in the high and they prefer it over XXX preamp that costs a hell of a lot more. Like I said, I do not know because I don't have one, I would like to hear what others think about the Auteur's low end. Is it a super colored pre or pretty transparent?

Heartfelt · 27th March 2009

Sorry. it is easy to lose track of how many times you say something. I have no intention of bad mouthing the pre. It has a big lovely sound. Period. What you put in comes out bigger than it was. All users I have seen same something very similar.

Lots of pres are that way and people love them. The issue, as a low end user, is that we frequently find ourselves in the position of having 1 or a couple of quality pres. From that perspective, if every track has a large bottom, it "could" cause issues. That is all I am trying to say. I wish I could have afforded to have both, the Auteur and what I currently use. I just couldn't justify it yet. i wo

I am not saying it will not stack well but that it could cause an issue if unwatched. I'll be quite now, about it.

aleatoric · 28th March 2009

Cool, all understood. What preamp did you end up picking over the Auteur?

Heartfelt · 28th March 2009

a Daking

aleatoric · 28th March 2009

Nice. I hear good things about that one too.

Obitheincredible · 29th March 2009

Yep, I decided to get it, Probably will place my order next month. And then the month after that the new Kel's should be out so I will be getting those too!

TurboJets · 29th March 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heartfelt

a Daking

Is the Daking just one channel of his very latest console pre's?

I got to hear the latest console (well, in '07 it was new) and was really impressed with how open, transparent and smooth the sound was. Very clean and extraordinarily accurate.

Heartfelt · 29th March 2009

The Daking MP1 is a bit different in design from the Daking IV but I am told by people who own the consoles that all 3 pres have the same sound.

The diff on the MP1 is no transformer on the output. There is one on the input, however. There was a thread in the new products area where Mr Daking explained the difference and how they could still sound the same. Others agreed.

That is what I know.

burrencrawler · 29th May 2009

Anyone feel that the TRS outputs in the Auteur are a bit childish compared to good old proper XLR'S? I mean save me some time soldering new leads aswell please.

jsrockit · 29th May 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by burrencrawler

Anyone feel that the TRS outputs in the Auteur are a bit childish compared to good old proper XLR'S? I mean save me some time soldering new leads aswell please.

Well, it is a two channel pre amp for under $500. You can't have everything.

Obitheincredible · 29th May 2009

I prefer the trs outs myself.

Robbie777 · 29th May 2010

Would the Focusrite ISA One compare to the above pre's? I can get new one for $435 shipped...

yikes, im one year off on this thread

Todd · 29th May 2010

The Black Lion is colored. It has a bottom and top boost. Like a "smile" EQ.
The RNP is pretty even in comparison. The RNP is also a GREAT bass DI.

I prefer the RNP. I can sell you my Black Lion if you want.

I do mainly acoustic guitars (steel and nylon string), bass, miscelaneous percussion, and vocals.

Todd · 29th May 2010

I made a quick clip of a Taylor 310 through the RNP.

My Autuer is being loaned out at the moment, sorry. At least anybody who hasnt heard the RNP can get an idea.

Its here. FMR RNP acoustic test file

25th March 2009	#91
Eloheim Lives for gear Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 655	Re: Paul's shootout So I listened to Paul's pre comparison clips between the RNP, BLA and GR (nice riff btw!). I was pretty surprised. For this application (acoustic guitar), at least, it sounded to me like there was much more similarity between the BLA and the GR, vs. the BLA and the RNP. Actually I may prefer the sound of the BLA over the GR! (Although it's not like I was listening in a state-of-the-art studio.) Like others in this thread have suggested, the clips reveal that the RNP has some build-up in the lower-mids (not to my liking), and the hi's definitly sounded muted compared to the other two pres. Both the BLA and the GR feel a lot more open and defined on the top end, the GR even moreso. One specific thing I could really tell the difference on was the delay or vibrato effect on the highest part of the riff. With the GR you can really hear the reverberation. That said, to me the BLA actually sounded more pleasing to the ear (at least in this solo'd example; as far as "sitting in the mix," I have no idea). Once again I'd like to thank Paul for taking the time to create and distribute the excellent clips! And keep up the good work! thumbsup So why hasn't anyone else responded here with their own opinions?? Come on now, I'm already a little out on a limb here picking the BLA over the GR (in this shootout), so why not join me? __________________ Roughly Translated......Comin to your neighborhood Last edited by Eloheim; 25th March 2009 at 07:04 AM.. Reason: Wrong name :(

29th March 2009	#99
Obitheincredible Lives for gear Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Posts: 577	Yep, I decided to get it, Probably will place my order next month. And then the month after that the new Kel's should be out so I will be getting those too! __________________ ObiAudio.com

29th May 2010	#105
Robbie777 Gear addict Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Newport News Posts: 470	Would the Focusrite ISA One compare to the above pre's? I can get new one for $435 shipped... yikes, im one year off on this thread Last edited by Robbie777; 29th May 2010 at 01:45 AM.. Reason: old thread oops

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25th March 2009	#92
Marty Gear interested Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 9	Obitheincredible, You could try contacting BLA here in Chicago. Their really nice people, so maybe they can help you out with your dilema. I would really like to see a two channel pre in 1U rack. Maybe they just haven't thought of that idea. Give em a call or shoot em an email - can't hurt.

27th March 2009	#95
Heartfelt Lives for gear Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 2,434	Sorry. it is easy to lose track of how many times you say something. I have no intention of bad mouthing the pre. It has a big lovely sound. Period. What you put in comes out bigger than it was. All users I have seen same something very similar. Lots of pres are that way and people love them. The issue, as a low end user, is that we frequently find ourselves in the position of having 1 or a couple of quality pres. From that perspective, if every track has a large bottom, it "could" cause issues. That is all I am trying to say. I wish I could have afforded to have both, the Auteur and what I currently use. I just couldn't justify it yet. i wo I am not saying it will not stack well but that it could cause an issue if unwatched. I'll be quite now, about it.

28th March 2009	#96
aleatoric Lives for gear Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 1,485	Cool, all understood. What preamp did you end up picking over the Auteur?

29th March 2009	#101
Heartfelt Lives for gear Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 2,434	The Daking MP1 is a bit different in design from the Daking IV but I am told by people who own the consoles that all 3 pres have the same sound. The diff on the MP1 is no transformer on the output. There is one on the input, however. There was a thread in the new products area where Mr Daking explained the difference and how they could still sound the same. Others agreed. That is what I know.

29th May 2009	#102
burrencrawler Gear nut Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 86	Anyone feel that the TRS outputs in the Auteur are a bit childish compared to good old proper XLR'S? I mean save me some time soldering new leads aswell please.

29th May 2009	#104
Obitheincredible Lives for gear Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Posts: 577	I prefer the trs outs myself.

29th May 2010	#106
Todd Banned Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 565	The Black Lion is colored. It has a bottom and top boost. Like a "smile" EQ. The RNP is pretty even in comparison. The RNP is also a GREAT bass DI. I prefer the RNP. I can sell you my Black Lion if you want. I do mainly acoustic guitars (steel and nylon string), bass, miscelaneous percussion, and vocals.

29th May 2010	#107
Todd Banned Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 565	I made a quick clip of a Taylor 310 through the RNP. My Autuer is being loaned out at the moment, sorry. At least anybody who hasnt heard the RNP can get an idea. Its here. FMR RNP acoustic test file