Black lion audio BLUEY 500
The Legendary ‘Blue Stripe’ in Version 500
Happy accidents are not planned; they happen naturally. Sometimes, these magical moments even affect the equipment itself.
Among the original ‘Blue Stripe’ limiters used by Chris Lord-Alge, the renowned sound engineer, one model stands out, particularly dedicated to vocals. It is the famous ‘Bluey’, present on the vocals of Bruce Springsteen and Green Day. Black Lion sent its team to analyze ‘Bluey’ and discover what made it unique. The verdict: years of ‘happy accidents’ and unusual repairs have allowed this device to survive, accidentally creating an 1176 of unprecedented power.
Black Lion has meticulously studied every detail of the model to recreate this beast of a limiter and make it accessible to all. The Bluey 500 from Black Lion Audio: designed and manufactured in the USA.
Blue becomes gold.
Chris Lord-Alge, a mixing legend with a long list of records to his credit, has a special passion for his 1176 Blue Stripes. Among all his models, one stood out with a magical touch all its own. He named this rare unit ‘Bluey’.
Concerned that this precious model was falling apart, Chris contacted the expert modification team: Black Lion Audio. Intrigued by Chris’s praise, lead engineer Jesus Ortiz flew from Chicago to Los Angeles to find out what made this Blue Stripe so special. He uncovered a series of modifications made over the years to keep the unit in good condition, which ultimately resulted in a one-of-a-kind 1176.
Black Lion Audio meticulously analyzed each component and worked hand-in-hand with Chris Lord-Alge to recreate the unique sound of ‘Bluey’.
New features, new sounds.
To recreate the beloved sonic texture of ‘Bluey’, Black Lion not only used custom Cinemag transformers, but also replicated the insert path of Chris’s console, integrating it directly into the Bluey. This innovation allows everyone to rediscover the feeling of working on an analogue console!
But that’s not all: an active wet/dry control for parallel compression has been added, as well as a stereo link function.
The Bluey 500 is equipped with a vintage-style PCB, 1% resistors, polyester capacitors, and a linear power supply. This ensures not only exceptional sound, but also rock-solid durability. Like all Black Lion products, the Bluey 500 is hand-assembled and tested in the USA.
A replica of Chris Lord-Alge's beloved 1176 compressor used on all of his lead vocals.
Cinemag Remake of the Original UTC Transformer
This model features Cinemag transformers, following the design of the original UTC transformers.
Wet/Dry Mix Knob for Parallel Compression
Adds parallel compression via a Wet/Dry knob, a feature not found on the original.
Stereo Link Capable
Allows two units to be linked together for stereo operation.
Input and Output Buffers from Chris Lord-Alge's Console Inserts
The buffers are directly inspired by the console inserts used by Chris Lord-Alge, ensuring fidelity to the original sound.
Hand-assembled and tested in the USA.
Technical specifications:
Modified 500 series "Blue Stripe" compressor: Based on the legendary Chris Lord-Alge model.
Discrete circuit with Cinemag transformers: Modeling of the original UTC transformers for an authentic sound.
Parallel compression: Extended functionality with a Wet/Dry button to mix the dry and compressed signal.
Ratio switching by four switches:
Ratios: 4:1, 8:1, 12:1, 20:1.
Continuously adjustable attack and release: Allows precise control of the compression.
Stereo link: Possible connection to couple two devices in stereo mode via the Link socket.
Input: 1x XLR (balanced).
Output: 1x XLR.
Link: Cinch (unbalanced) for stereo coupling.
Occupation: Two slots of a 500 power supply chassis.
Dimensions: 149 x 77 x 134 mm.
Weight: 1.56 kg.
Euroguitar Referenz : 114706
