After a number of years providing modification services for audio interfaces and other audio gear, Black Lion Audio now offer an extensive range of their own products, and their first audio interface came in the form of the Revolution 2x2 — reviewed here in SOS April 2021. They’ve recently added another two devices to the range: the Revolution 6x6 and Revolution EXP. The first is a 6-in/6-out USB audio interface, and the second allows users to add an additional eight inputs and outputs to their ADAT-equipped interface.
Revolution 6x6
The latest interface to join the range is similar in appearance to the Revolution 2x2, with the only obvious difference being an additional headphone output and a button that allows the unit to act as a standalone A-D and D-A converter. There’s still a a pair of mic/line/instrument inputs on XLR-TRS combo sockets, a central level meter and a large main monitor volume control.
Over on the rear panel, a pair of quarter-inch TRS sockets provide a main monitor output, with a pair of RCA connectors offering S/PDIF in and out. There’s also a total of USB-C ports, two of which handle power and connectivity with a host computer, whilst the third provides a USB OTG (On The Go) connection, allowing the unit to pass audio to or from a mobile device.
The Revolution 6x6 is also equipped with the company’s proprietary Macro MMC clocking technology, which promises to deliver extraordinarily low jitter when using the unit as a system’s master clock. A pair of BNC connectors allow the unit to pass a clock signal to other devices, or receive one from another device if required.
Revolution EXP
The Revolution EXP occupies 1U of rack space, and provides its eight analogue inputs and outputs on 16 quarter-inch TRS sockets, with four Toslink connectors offering 16 channels of digital I/O. Each of the eight TRS input sockets are equipped with switches that engage a -10dB pad for accommodating hotter signal levels, and a set of four meter screens on the front panel offer a visual indication of level for every input and output.
Onboard A-D and D-A converters operate at 24-bit, and there’s support for sample rates up to 192kHz — the four Toslink connectors used for the ADAT input and outputs allow for the full channel count at rates up to 96kHz via S/MUX, with a reduced count at higher rates. A pair of BNC connectors provide a Macro MMC clock output, and a Word Clock input for those who’d prefer to sync the EXP to their existing equipment.
Pricing & Availability
Both units are available now, with the Revolution 6x6 priced at £579 including VAT, and the Revolution EXP costing £899 including VAT.
