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American-style mono tube preamp for the 500 Series format offering up to 75 dB of gain, smooth tube warmth from its 6BR7 and 12AY7 tubes, high-quality MuMetal shielded transformers, intuitive two-knob control for tube saturation and tone adjustment, a 3-colour LED output level indicator, a 20dB pad, an 85Hz high-pass filter, switchable mic input impedance, a front-panel high-impedance DI, and a legacy-inspired design with enhanced modern features like added input headroom, phantom power, and a polarity switch, perfect for professional-grade audio capture and creative sound design.
At a glance
- American-style mono tube preamp with 1950s-inspired circuitry
- Up to 75 dB of gain for smooth, warm audio capture
- High-quality MuMetal shielded transformers with nickel-steel outputs for ultra-clean sound
- 6BR7 input tube and 12AY7 output tube for authentic tube warmth
- Intuitive two-knob control system for adjusting tube saturation and tonal character
- Real-time 3-colour LED output level indicator:
- 20dB pad for added control in high-gain recording situations
- 85Hz high-pass filter to remove unwanted low frequencies
- Switchable mic input impedance for compatibility with various microphone types
- High-impedance DI on the front panel, ideal for direct instrument input
- Legacy-inspired design, based on the Locomotive 286A and Ampex 601
- Enhanced features for modern use, including added input headroom, phantom power, polarity switch, and DI input
The Locomotive Audio MODEL 86B-1 500 Series Preamp is a versatile, American-style mono tube preamp that combines vintage 1950s-inspired tube circuitry with modern features, delivering up to 75 dB of gain, smooth tube warmth, an intuitive two-knob control system, high-quality MuMetal shielded transformers, a high-impedance DI, a 20dB pad, an 85Hz high-pass filter, switchable mic input impedance, and real-time output level LED monitoring for precise, professional-grade audio capture.
Versatility Redefined with the 86B-1
The 86B-1 Mono Tube Preamp embodies versatility, offering engineers and producers the perfect blend of warmth, clarity, and a classic tonal profile that suits everything from vocals and acoustic instruments to punchy drums and richly saturated overdrive.
Rooted in Classic Tube Circuitry
Inspired by iconic 1950s American tube circuits, the 86B-1 brings a rich harmonic profile that revitalises modern audio signals with authentic warmth and character, transforming any track into a vibrant soundscape filled with depth and colour.
Precision Components for Superior Sound Quality
The high-quality transformers, equipped with MuMetal shielded inputs and nickel-steel outputs, provide top-grade shielding for ultra-clean audio capture. Premium tubes, including a 6BR7 input tube and a 12AY7 output tube, allow the 86B-1 to achieve a smooth, warm tone with up to 75 dB of gain, ideal for capturing the full nuance of your audio.
Real-Time Output Level LED
The three-colour LED output indicator provides immediate visual feedback for precision monitoring: green indicates the optimal level, yellow signals that levels are approaching the peak, and red warns of clipping.
Advanced Features for Professional Sound Design
The 86B-1 is tailored for modern audio engineers, with a streamlined two-knob control system that lets you adjust tube saturation and tonal character effortlessly, making it suitable for a range of recording scenarios.
The 20dB pad offers added control in high-gain situations, allowing for flexibility across different recording environments. The 85Hz high-pass filter eliminates unwanted low frequencies, providing a cleaner sound. Switchable mic input impedance adapts to various microphone types for a more tailored performance, while the high-impedance DI on the front panel is perfect for direct instrument inputs, enhancing the preamp's versatility.
Built on a Legacy of Quality and Innovation
Since its introduction in 2014 as a modern successor to the Ampex 601, the Locomotive 286A evolved into the 86B-1, retaining the vintage pentode and dual triode design but enhancing it with essential modern features like added headroom, phantom power, polarity, and a DI input—perfectly suited for the demands of today’s studios.
Unlock Creative Potential
The 86B-1 preamp offers an extensive tonal range, allowing professionals to achieve extraordinary sound quality, enrich their tracks with unique warmth, and explore new creative possibilities with every use.