Black Lion Audio
Black Lion Audio Seventeen 500
Best FET compressor for producers seeking vintage character with modern precision.
The Black Lion Audio Seventeen 500 is a 500-series FET limiting amplifier that reimagines the classic '76 compressor. It merges vintage character with modern clarity, boasting a redesigned IC-based front end for exceptional detail and nuance. This design offers a clean, punchy sound for light compression and a rich vintage tone when pushed harder. A custom output transformer delivers a substantial low end, perfectly balanced by an open top end. Key enhancements include built-in parallel compression via a wet/dry mix knob and a frequency-adjustable sidechain filter for precise control.
$398.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
26
/ 81
#26 in Noise Gates & Compressors
Price vs Category Average
-68%
Below average
Type
FET Limiting Amplifier
/ FET Limiting Amplifier
Who it's for
- Engineers seeking authentic vintage harmonic richness and punch
- Producers needing versatile FET compression for diverse tracking tasks
- Studio owners maximizing limited rack space for professional processing
Who should skip it
- Users without an existing powered 500-series chassis
- Engineers requiring transparent or subtle dynamic leveling
- Mixers preferring spacious layouts for rapid, tactile adjustments
Performance breakdown
Character Versatility
Transitions seamlessly from transparent modern tracking to aggressive vintage FET saturation.
Parallel Processing
Integrated wet/dry mix knob makes blending compressed signals effortless and intuitive.
Sidechain Precision
Frequency-adjustable filter provides surgical control over how the compressor reacts.
Build Integrity
High-grade Nichicon capacitors and robust circuitry ensure long-term studio reliability.
Sonic Detail
Redesigned IC front end captures nuanced transients with impressive modern clarity.
Integration Flexibility
Stereo-linkable operation allows for cohesive bus compression in 500-series racks.
Key Specs
Type
FET Limiting Amplifier
Form Factor
500-series Module
Channel Count
1
Processing Type
FET
Circuit Type
FET
Model Number
seventeen500
Parent Category
500-Series
Connectivity
Stereo linkable
Features
- Modern take on classic '76 FET compressor
- Redesigned IC front end for detail
- Clean modern or colorful vintage character
- Proprietary low noise floor power decoupling
- Built-in parallel compression
- Frequency-adjustable sidechain filter
- Supports classic "all-buttons-in" mode
- Stereo-linkable operation
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Black Lion Audio Seventeen 500 for delivering aggressive, character rich compression reminiscent of classic FET designs. Its core strength lies in exceptional value, offering professional dynamics processing at an accessible price. Users frequently highlight its versatility, noting how effectively it adds punch to drums and presence to vocals and bass. The sound is consistently described as forward and possessing desirable studio mojo that helps mixes stand out. Build quality reflects Black Lion Audio's reputation for robust engineering. Many feel this unit competes with much more expensive compressors, establishing it as an essential, high value workhorse for any studio setup.
Know before you buy
While it captures the classic FET character, the Seventeen 500 features a redesigned IC-based front end that provides more detail and nuance than vintage circuits. It also adds modern conveniences like a wet/dry mix knob for parallel compression and a frequency-adjustable sidechain filter.
Yes, the Seventeen 500 is stereo-linkable. You will need two units and a compatible 500-series chassis that supports linking to process stereo signals.
The sidechain filter allows you to prevent low-frequency content, like a heavy kick drum, from triggering the compressor too aggressively. This keeps your compression smooth and prevents the 'pumping' effect that often occurs with standard FET compressors.
Yes, it fully supports the iconic 'all-buttons-in' mode, allowing you to achieve that signature aggressive, distorted FET compression sound.
It is highly versatile for both. The clean front end makes it excellent for tracking vocals or instruments where you want subtle control, while the parallel compression and sidechain features make it a powerful tool for shaping drum buses or complex mixes.
As a 500-series module, it draws power directly from your 500-series rack. It is designed with proprietary power decoupling to ensure a low noise floor, which helps maintain signal integrity even when the unit is pushed hard.
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