Locomotive Audio Power Mu 500

Locomotive Audio Power Mu 500 is a two-channel (stereo) vari-mu tube compressor in the 500-series format, with two NOS dual triode tubes per channel handling gain reduction the classic, musical way, instead of a VCA or optical circuit. It's the only stereo 500-series compressor in the Locomotive Audio lineup.

Precise 21-step knobs instead of smooth pots

Input and output gain are set with 21-position stepped knobs, giving repeatable, recallable settings from session to session, and separate AC and DC threshold controls let you shape both the onset of compression and its knee and effective ratio, rather than relying on one all-purpose threshold knob. Custom interstage transformers are built to keep compression smooth without harsh artifacts under heavy gain reduction.

Stereo-link and a sidechain filter for bus duty

A stereo-link switch ties both channels together for coherent mix-bus or mastering compression, a sidechain high-pass filter protects low frequencies from over-compression, and a hardwire bypass plus a separate power switch (to extend tube life when the unit isn't in use) round out the feature set packed into one 500-series module. Stepped gain knobs make it easy to recall exact settings between sessions, which matters more on a mix bus or mastering chain than on a single vocal track, where repeatability counts.

KEY FEATURES

• 2-channel (stereo) vari-mu tube compressor, 500-series
• NOS dual triode tubes, two per channel
• 21-step input and output gain knobs
• Separate AC and DC threshold controls
• Sidechain high-pass filter
• Stereo-link switch
• Hardwire bypass and a separate power switch
• Custom interstage transformers

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Type: 2-channel vari-mu tube compressor, 500-series
• Attack: 10-75ms
• Release: 150ms - 1.5 seconds
• Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz
• S/N: >70dB
• Weight: approx. 2.3kg (5lb)
• Power: +16V/260mA, -16V/300mA