Black Lion Audio: PG-1 MKII Power Conditioner

Since setting up my mix studio in Portland, I’ve been a bit annoyed by the noise floor of my Ocean Way Pro2A monitors [Tape Op #116]. It wasn’t until I saw an ad for Black Lion Audio’s new PG-1 mkII power conditioner that I thought that perhaps it wasn’t the monitors causing the buzz in the first place. Black Lion Audio claims this unit filters “an average of 99.7% of high-frequency noise” due to superior quality capacitors (Panasonic and Wima) than those commonly found in similarly priced power conditioners. Long story short, a PG-1 mkII is now racked up in my mixing desk, powering my monitors (and various other gear), and the noise is almost entirely inaudible. This power conditioner works exactly as promised and has a few other awesome features as well.

For starters, there are three types of grounded power outlets (eight total) on the back of the unit: two Analog Audio, four Digital Audio, and two High Current Audio. Each of these filtered outlets is meant to eliminate different types of noise from various gear (such as converters, active speakers, dynamics processors, etc.). The High Current filter is also timed to turn on six seconds after powering up and also turn off first when powering down. I leave my monitors “on” continually, then use the power conditioner to control power switching. With my speakers plugged into the PG-1 mkII’s timed outlets, I’ve also eliminated the occasional power-up “snap” I used to get when using my old un-sequenced power conditioner. The front panel includes a lamp socket and a Dimmer knob, an LED monitor that displays real-time voltage status, a USB Type-A outlet that provides charging power for your (or your clients’) devices, plus two filtered convenience grounded outlets that remain active even when the unit is shut down – brilliant for charging a laptop overnight or plugging in a guitar amp for practice without turning on the rest of the studio.

I love it when gear works well and solves previous problems. The PG-1 mkII power conditioner is simple but effective and has indisputably made my studio sound better. If you’re experiencing RFI/EMI [radio frequency interference/electromagnetic interference] issues with gear or are simply looking for a reliable power conditioner for your studio, I highly recommend this product – it worked for me!