Locomotive Audio hand-builds tube mic preamps, vari-mu compressors and signal-conditioning tools in the USA, each reproducing a specific circuit from American consoles and tape machines of the 1940s–50s — the Ampex 601, RCA BA-11A, Gates SA-70, Universal Audio 175B. The catalogue spans both 500-series modules and standalone rack units.
Who it is for
- Studios building a signal path around a specific, named tube character — each family of models reproduces a different historical circuit, so choosing means choosing a specific colour from a specific era.
- Engineers working with old ribbon or tube microphones — the Copperline regulates phantom power up to 52V with a 5-second ramp, protecting delicate transformers from a voltage spike.
- Vari-mu compression instead of VCA or optical — the Model 14B, WT-Comp and Power Mu 500 are classic, musical gain reduction on tubes, not integrated circuits.
The line
- Rack preamps — Model 86B-2 (2-channel, Ampex 601), 40AM-2 (2-channel, octal, RCA BA-11A/Gates SA-70).
- 500-series preamps — Model 86B-1, 40AM-1, L72P1/L72P2 (a reproduction of the V72 module used at Decca and Abbey Road).
- Vari-mu compressors — Model 14B and WT-Comp (standalone rack units), Power Mu 500 (stereo, 500-series).
- Signal tools — Copperline (phantom/level/filtering conditioning), Z-Car (passive DI and re-amp).
How the models differ
| Model | Type | Modelled on | Channels | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model 86B-1 | preamp, 500-series | Ampex 601 | 1 | €999 |
| L72P1 | preamp, 500-series | V72 (Decca, Abbey Road) | 1 | €1,369 |
| WT-Comp | vari-mu compressor, rack | UA 175B / Altec 436A | 1 | €1,359 |
| Power Mu 500 | vari-mu compressor, 500-series | in-house design | 2 (stereo) | €1,699 |
| Model 86B-2 | preamp, rack | Ampex 601 | 2 | €2,399 |
| Model 14B | vari-mu compressor, rack | UA 175B/176 + Gates Sta-Level | 1 | €2,599 |
| 40AM-2 | octal preamp, rack | RCA BA-11A / Gates SA-70 | 2 | €2,699 |
| L72P2 | preamp, 500-series | V72 (Decca, Abbey Road) | 2 | €3,039 |
| Copperline | signal conditioning | — | 2 | €799 |
| Z-Car | passive DI / re-amp | — | 1 | €399 |
Which one to take
- A first tube preamp in 500-series format — the Model 86B-1.
- The character of the V72 module used at Decca and Abbey Road — the L72P1 (two-channel: L72P2).
- Vari-mu compression on a single channel, rack instead of 500-series — the WT-Comp.
- Stereo vari-mu for the mix bus or mastering — the Power Mu 500.
- Two channels for stereo pairs or overheads — the 86B-2.
- Old ribbon or tube mics sensitive to standard +48V — the Copperline.
Why buy here
The Locomotive Audio line is in stock. In our Warsaw showroom (Nowogrodzka 6A/102) you can compare the character of each circuit family on the same source. Selected gear qualifies for our free 30-day Test-Drive, and everything ships with 36 months of warranty and a 30-day no-reason return window. We ship across Poland and to every EU country.
