Black Lion Audio Revolution 2x2 - User Manual

Revolution 2x2
The truly high-end, portable recording interface.
Quick Start Guide
SOFTWARE REGISTRATION CODE
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat regis-
ters, stoves, or other apparatus that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type
plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other.
A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong.
The wide blade or third prong is provided for your safety. If the pro-
vided plug does not t into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particular-
ly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit
from the apparatus. If the power cord becomes frayed, stop using
immediately.
11. Use only attachments/accessories specied by the manufacturer
12. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table specied by the
manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use
caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid in-
jury from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for
long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualied service personnel. Servicing is re-
quired when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as
power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or
objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been ex-
posed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been
dropped.
15. This apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing, and
no object lled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the
apparatus.
16. Note that this apparatus is not completely disconnected from the
AC mains service when the power switch is in the OFF position.
17. The mains plug or power inlet on the product is used as the discon-
nect device, so the disconnected device shall remain readily opera-
ble when reconnected.
18. Any changes or modications not expressly approved in this manu-
al could void your authority to operate this apparatus.
The lightning ash with an arrow-
head symbol within an equilateral
triangle is intended to alert the
user to the presence of uninsu-
lated “dangerous voltage” within
the product’s enclosure that may
be of sucient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electric shock
to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert
the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance
(servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.
The Black Lion Audio Revolution 2x2 complies with all applicable /
RoHS / WEEE European Union directives.
Do not attempt to service this unit yourself, as it will void your warran-
ty. Please check your unit carefully upon receipt and return to place
of purchase immediately if there are any problems with the product.
After that, the standard Black Lion Audio 3 YEAR warranty will apply
to defects in materials and workmanship.
U.S.A.
Should your Black Lion Audio product require service,
please contact the Black Lion Audio Service Department:
https://www.blacklionaudio.com/contact. You must obtain an RA #
(Return Authorization number) from us before shipping a unit back to
us. This RA # must be clearly written on the outside of the box.
Please safely pack the units…It is best to use the original packing
materials. Black Lion Audio cannot be responsible for any damag-
es incurred in shipping to us due to poor packaging. PLEASE PACK
CAREFULLY and FULLY INSURE THE SHIPMENT.
INTERNATIONAL
For service or warranty assistance, please contact the Black Lion Au-
dio distributor in your country through the dealer from whom you pur-
chased this product.
LIMITED 3 YEAR WARRANTY
Black Lion Audio’s Revolution 2x2 is warranted by Black Lion Audio to
be free from defects in materials and workmanship for the period of
THREE (3) YEARS to the original purchaser. In the event of such defects,
the product will be repaired without charge or, at our option, replaced
with a new one if delivered to Black Lion Audio prepaid, together with a
copy of the sales slip or other proof of purchase date. The warranty ex-
cludes problems due to normal wear, abuse, shipping damage or failure
to use the product in accordance with the specications.
All parts and labor are covered under this Limited Warranty. However,
if it is determined by Black Lion Audio that the device was damaged or
made defective through abuse, we reserve the right to charge the cus-
tomer for the cost of the repair.
Black Lion Audio shall not be liable for damages based upon inconve-
nience, loss of use of the product, loss of time, interrupted operation or
commercial loss or any other damages, whether incidental, consequen-
tial or otherwise. This warranty gives you specic legal rights, and you
may have other rights, which will vary from state to state.
This warranty is not transferable.

Summary

Important Safety Instructions

General Safety Precautions

Essential safety guidelines for apparatus operation, including water proximity, cleaning, heat sources, and power cord protection.

Safety Symbols and Warnings

Explanation of caution symbols indicating electrical shock risk and the importance of following instructions.

Compliance and Warranty Information

Details on EU directives compliance, warranty terms, and service procedures for USA and international users.

Getting Started with Revolution 2 x2

Product Registration and Software Download

Instructions for registering your product and downloading necessary software and drivers.

Connecting to Your Computer

Guidance on installing drivers for Windows and connecting the device for macOS users.

Playback and Monitoring Setup

Steps to prepare for playback, including mixer knob and headphone volume settings.

Recording Process

Instructions on how to connect a microphone and begin recording your first track.

Front Panel Overview

Detailed explanation of the controls and indicators on the front panel of the Revolution 2x2.

Rear Panel Connectivity

Description of the input and output ports located on the rear panel of the Revolution 2x2.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The Black Lion Audio Revolution 2x2 is a high-end, portable recording interface designed for musicians, producers, and audio engineers who require studio-quality sound in a compact and versatile package. This device serves as the central hub for capturing, monitoring, and processing audio, bridging the gap between analog instruments and digital audio workstations (DAWs). Its primary function is to convert analog audio signals from microphones and instruments into digital data that can be recorded and manipulated on a computer, and conversely, to convert digital audio from the computer back into analog signals for monitoring through headphones or studio monitors.

Function Description

The Revolution 2x2 features two high-quality XLR-Combo inputs on the front panel, capable of accommodating a wide range of audio sources. These inputs are designed to connect microphones, instruments (such as guitars and basses), and line-level equipment. Each input is equipped with a dedicated preamp gain knob, allowing users to precisely control the input level and ensure optimal signal-to-noise ratio. An instrument input switch is available for each channel, enabling users to toggle between instrument-level and line-level signals for the 1/4" input, ensuring proper impedance matching for various sources.

For microphone recording, the device provides a 48V phantom power button, which supplies the necessary power for condenser microphones. Input meters for each channel offer visual feedback on the incoming signal levels, helping users prevent clipping and achieve clean recordings.

Beyond its analog inputs, the Revolution 2x2 also incorporates digital connectivity through S/PDIF. An input select button allows users to switch between analog and S/PDIF digital inputs, expanding the device's versatility for integrating with other digital audio equipment.

For monitoring, the Revolution 2x2 offers both headphone and main monitor outputs. The headphone output, located on the front panel, has its own dedicated volume control, allowing for independent monitoring levels. The main monitor outputs, situated on the rear panel, are designed to connect to studio monitors, with a monitor knob on the front panel to adjust the overall analog output level. A main output meter provides visual indication of the output level.

A key feature for monitoring is the direct mixer knob. This allows users to blend the live input signal with the playback signal from the computer in real-time, facilitating zero-latency monitoring during recording. Turning the knob to the left prioritizes the input signal, while turning it to the right emphasizes playback. Additionally, a mono button is available for direct input monitoring, which sums stereo inputs to mono. This is particularly useful for checking phase compatibility or for monitoring mono sources, though it's important to disengage it when monitoring stereo inputs to maintain the stereo image. This mono summing only affects input monitoring, not playback.

The device connects to a computer via a USB-C connector on the rear panel, ensuring high-speed data transfer and compatibility with modern systems. A USB status LED on the front panel indicates the status of the USB connection.

Usage Features

Getting started with the Revolution 2x2 involves a straightforward process. For Windows users, an ASIO driver installation is required to ensure optimal performance and low latency. MacOS users benefit from class-compliant Core Audio support, meaning no additional driver installation is necessary—the device is plug-and-play.

Before recording or playback, users are advised to set the direct mixer knob to the 12 o'clock position to hear both inputs and playback. Connecting headphones to the dedicated output and adjusting the headphone volume to a comfortable level is also a crucial initial step.

When recording, users connect their microphone or instrument to the XLR-Combo inputs. They then speak or play into the source while slowly turning the corresponding input trim knob clockwise, observing the input meters to achieve a healthy signal level without clipping. Engaging the mono button for input monitor summing can be beneficial for certain recording scenarios. Once levels are set, recording can commence within the chosen DAW.

The Revolution 2x2 is designed for portability, making it suitable for both studio and on-location recording. Its robust construction ensures reliability in various environments.

Maintenance Features

The Revolution 2x2 is built for durability and ease of maintenance. Cleaning should be done with a dry cloth only, avoiding liquids that could damage internal components. The device should not be exposed to rain or moisture, and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, should be placed on it.

Users are strongly advised against attempting to service the unit themselves, as this will void the warranty. All servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required if the apparatus has been damaged in any way, including a damaged power supply cord or plug, spilled liquid, fallen objects, exposure to rain or moisture, abnormal operation, or if the unit has been dropped.

The power cord should be protected from being walked on or pinched, especially at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where it exits the apparatus. If the power cord becomes frayed, immediate discontinuation of use is recommended.

The device is designed to comply with RoHS and WEEE European Union directives, indicating its adherence to environmental standards regarding hazardous substances and waste electrical and electronic equipment.

The mains plug or power inlet on the product serves as the disconnect device, ensuring that it remains readily operable for reconnection. This means that while the power switch may be in the OFF position, the apparatus is not completely disconnected from the AC mains service until the plug is removed.

Any changes or modifications not expressly approved in the manual could void the user's authority to operate the apparatus. The Black Lion Audio Revolution 2x2 comes with a limited 3-year warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship for the original purchaser. This warranty ensures repair or replacement of the product if defects occur, provided it is delivered prepaid with proof of purchase. The warranty does not cover problems due to normal wear, abuse, shipping damage, or failure to use the product according to specifications. While parts and labor are covered, damage caused by abuse may incur charges for repair. The warranty is non-transferable and does not cover consequential damages or commercial loss.

Black Lion Audio Revolution 2x2 Specifications