Black Lion Audio PM8 Review

Is the Black Lion Audio PM8 MKII the right move if you want hardware mixing in your recording setup? My answer is: possibly, but only if you already know why you want a dedicated hardware stage in the chain. I would not treat it as a casual upgrade over working in the box. I would treat it as a workflow decision.

Why I Would Consider the Black Lion Audio PM8 MKII

The strongest case for the PM8 MKII is not that it replaces a DAW. It does not. The case is that some studios work better with a fixed hardware point for combining and organizing signals, instead of leaving every routing and level decision inside software.

If I were building a setup around outboard gear, multiple sources, or a more hands-on mixing path, I would at least shortlist the Black Lion Audio PM8 MKII. A dedicated mixer-style component can make the studio feel more deliberate: less clicking through menus, more committing to a signal path, and a clearer idea of where audio is going.

But I would be careful about expectations. A hardware mixer is not automatically a better mix. The rest of the system still matters: the interface, monitoring, cabling, gain structure, source quality, and the way everything is connected. My read is that the PM8 MKII makes sense only when it solves a real routing or workflow problem.

PM8 MKII Details I Would Check Before Buying

The recorded model number is PM8 MKII, so I would make sure any listing, invoice, or used-market description matches that exact version. With studio hardware, similar names and revisions can cause confusion, and I would not want to assume I was buying one version and receive another.

The PM8 MKII is listed as not discontinued, which is reassuring from a buying standpoint. It was first available on March 21, 2013, so I would also view it as an established product rather than a brand-new release. That can be a positive if you prefer mature gear, but it also means I would check carefully that it still fits the way you work today.

• I would shortlist it for: studios that want a dedicated hardware mixing role in the signal path.
• I would skip it for: users who mainly need software recall, editing, automation, or an all-in-one digital workflow.
• I would check first: how it connects with the interface, monitoring path, and any outboard gear already in the setup.

My Buying Take on the PM8 MKII

I would not buy the Black Lion Audio PM8 MKII just to make a setup feel more “pro.” I would buy it only if the studio already needs a dedicated hardware mixer-style component and the routing plan is clear. If you are happiest staying inside the DAW, this is probably not the box I would prioritize. If you are deliberately moving toward a more hardware-centered workflow, it belongs on the shortlist.