Black Lion Revolution EXP: Expand Your Converter Count

The Black Lion Audio Revolution EXP is an 8x8 AD/DA converter and ADAT expander, adding 16 channels of conversion at up to 24-bit/192kHz. It brings eight channels of analog input and eight of analog output to a system over ADAT optical. Built with the same boutique approach as the Revolution interfaces, it grows an existing rig without replacing it. For studios outgrowing their input count, it is a clean, high-quality way to scale up.

What an ADAT Expander Does

ADAT is an optical format that carries eight channels of digital audio down one light-pipe cable. An expander like the EXP converts analog signals to and from that stream, adding I/O to an interface that has an ADAT port. Connecting it is as simple as running a single optical cable in each direction. That turns a compact interface into a much larger tracking front end.

Eight Channels of Balanced Analog I/O

The EXP offers eight balanced 1/4-inch TRS inputs and eight balanced TRS outputs for line-level sources. Each input includes a switchable -10 dB pad that tames hot signals before they reach the converter. Balanced connections reject noise over the long cable runs common in a studio. This is a line-level device, so it provides no microphone preamps of its own.

Premium AD and DA Conversion

Across its inputs and outputs the EXP delivers sixteen channels of premium AD and DA conversion at up to 24-bit/192kHz. Analog-to-digital conversion captures outboard sources cleanly, while digital-to-analog conversion feeds monitors or a summing setup. Consistent, low-noise conversion keeps every added channel matched to the quality of a Revolution interface. The goal is expansion with no drop in fidelity.

Flexible Sample Rates with S/MUX

Two pairs of ADAT ports carry all eight channels in both directions at up to 96 kHz. For higher rates, S/MUX, a scheme that spreads high-rate audio across ADAT lanes, supports four channels at 176.4 and 192 kHz. This lets the EXP match the sample rate of the session it joins. It adapts from everyday tracking to high-resolution work.

Locked Tight with Macro-MMC

Jitter is a tiny timing error in a converter's clock that can smear detail across a digital system. The EXP includes Black Lion's ultra-low-jitter Macro-MMC word clocking to keep every channel in lockstep. A pair of BNC connectors on the rear provide word clock input and output for syncing with the rest of a rig. Tight clocking is what keeps a multi-device setup sounding clear.

Boutique Build for Low Noise

This converter carries boutique components hand-selected for super-low noise and optimal sound. Careful part selection and layout keep the noise floor down across all sixteen channels. The same engineering philosophy behind Black Lion's interfaces guides its analog path. The result is an expander whose added channels sound as good as the ones you started with.

Where the Revolution EXP Fits

The EXP is built to expand a Revolution interface or any system with an ADAT port that needs more analog I/O. It suits engineers tracking drum kits, larger ensembles, or banks of outboard gear that exceed a base interface's inputs. Its 1U rackmount chassis installs cleanly in a 19-inch rack and runs from an external DC supply. It is the recommended companion for growing a Black Lion rig.