a blow molding apparatus for expanding plastic preforms into plastic containers may include a blow piston extending in a longitudinal direction and a blow nozzle extending from the blow piston in the longitudinal direction . the blow nozzle may be configured to apply a gaseous medium to a preform for the expansion thereof . a connection device may be structured and arranged to supply the gaseous medium to the blow molding apparatus via at least two connection lines , and a control block may be arranged between the connection device and the blow piston . the control block may be configured to control the supply of the gaseous medium during the expansion process using at least partially varying pressure levels and may have a plurality of channels for guiding the gaseous medium . the plurality of channels may be separated from each other at least in sections and may be distributed in a circumferential direction of the control block . at least two valves may be on an outer circumference of the control block . the valves may be distributed in a circumferential direction around the control block , and may be controlled independent of one another for controlling the supply of the gaseous medium to the blow nozzle . a distribution member may be configured to guide the gaseous medium into said channels . the distribution member may be arranged between the connection device and the control block if viewed in the flow direction of the gaseous medium . the channels may extend within the control block at least in sections substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the blow piston .