Locomotive Audio Model L72P1

Locomotive Audio Model L72P1 is a mic preamp in a 500-series module remaking the V72 tube amplifier module, originally built for the German Radio Network and later used at studios including Decca and Abbey Road. In place of the original's pentode tube it runs a cascode dual-triode circuit, chosen for parts reliability and availability. It's the single-channel counterpart to the two-channel L72P2 from the same V72-inspired preamp line.

More gain than the 1950s original

It runs a standard 6922/E88CC tube, also compatible with 6DJ8/ECC88, 6N32P and 12AU7/ECC82, making it easy to tune the tube choice to taste. Gain adjusts in 4dB steps up to 54dB, well beyond the original V72 module's fixed 34dB maximum, and an output attenuator in 2dB steps lets you match levels precisely without losing tonal character.

Transformers wound to match a specific spectrum

A 6-chamber input transformer (available in "S"/studio or "non-S"/broadcast versions), a 3-chamber nickel-core plate choke, and a multi-section output transformer with four copper shields between windings are all wound in-house at Locomotive to match the original V72's response. A dedicated line input, -20dB and -34dB pads for line-level sources, an 85Hz high-pass filter and 48V phantom power round out the module. The choice between the "S" (studio) and "non-S" (broadcast) input transformer versions gives an extra degree of tonal tailoring for a specific use, something the original V72 module never offered.

KEY FEATURES

• Single-channel mic preamp, 500-series format
• Recreation of the V72 module (German Radio Network, Decca, Abbey Road)
• Cascode dual-triode circuit instead of the original pentode
• 6922/E88CC tube, compatible with 6DJ8/ECC88, 6N32P, 12AU7/ECC82
• Gain up to 54dB in 4dB steps (original: 34dB max)
• Output attenuator in 2dB steps
• Dedicated line input, -20dB / -34dB pads
• 85Hz high-pass filter, 48V phantom power

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Type: single-channel tube preamp, 500-series
• Tube: 6922/E88CC (compatible: 6DJ8/ECC88, 6N32P, 12AU7/ECC82)
• Gain: up to 54dB, 4dB steps
• Output attenuator: 2dB steps
• Input pads: -20dB / -34dB (line sources)
• High-pass filter: 85Hz
• Power: 48V phantom