Black Lion Audio PM8 MKII – 8-Channel Analog Summing Mixer

The Black Lion Audio PM8 MKII is a high-quality 8-channel analog summing mixer featuring transformer-coupled inputs and three independent master outputs. Designed to deliver true analog depth, width, and separation, the PM8 MKII avoids the phase errors, clock-related issues, and digital artifacts that are common in DSP-based summing.

Its three separate master outputs include:

• Passive Output
• Transformerless Output
• Transformer-Coupled Output

This flexibility allows you to choose between completely transparent summing or adding tasteful color and saturation through the onboard grain-oriented silicon-steel transformers on both input and output stages. These transformers provide subtle harmonic enhancement, including gentle low-frequency “thickening” below ~250Hz.

The PM8 MKII also features mute, pan, and volume controls on every channel, plus a DB25 link connection for chaining a second PM8 MKII when you need additional summing channels. Its vintage-inspired design includes updated retro knobs, a new anodized front panel, and large ¾-Watt bus resistors to ensure excellent channel isolation and low thermal noise — a characteristic typically found only in larger consoles.

Analog Summing Excellence

Unlike digital summing, which can introduce mathematical rounding artifacts and clock-related errors, the Black Lion Audio PM8 MKII delivers a pure, three-dimensional analog image. The three selectable master output paths (passive, transformerless, transformer-coupled) provide flexible workflow options, and each output pair includes dedicated monitor outputs for convenient A/B comparison.

Vintage-Style Construction

The PM8 MKII is built with a sturdy, vintage-inspired chassis designed for professional studio environments. It features retro-style knobs, individual channel mute buttons, a master volume control, a monitor volume control, and a 2-position power switch. The rear panel offers combi XLR inputs and standard DB25 connectivity, making integration into any studio patchbay simple and efficient.

User Reviews

“I’m using two PM8 summing mixers for my eight Pro Tools stems, and I love the width, depth, and amazing separation! I also landed two soundtrack placements that were mixed through your PM8s and Auteur pres!”
— Brad Nyght (Producer, Composer, Drummer)

“Installed the BLA PM-8 in my rack, wired it, and I’ve been on a high ever since. I haven’t even switched outputs yet—loving the ‘Transformer’ output right now. Going to wire up the alternate outputs next for more flexibility on my patchbay.”
— George Landress, Mixer/Engineer/Producer (No Doubt, Jon B, Chaka Khan, The Killers)

Features

• Four master outputs: Passive, Transformerless, Transformer-Coupled, plus dedicated monitor outs
• DB25 linking for pairing multiple PM8 MKIIs
• Individual monitor volume control
• Transformer-coupled input and output stages for optional color
• High-isolation ¾-Watt bus resistors
• New anodized front panel
• Updated retro-style knobs
• Robust rackmount chassis