Authentic Vintage Sound Quality
Experience the rich, warm tones of classic German V72 modules, enhanced with modern engineering for reliable performance in professional recording and mixing environments.
KEY FEATURES
The Locomotive Audio L72P-2 is a dual triode tube microphone preamp and line amplifier inspired by the legendary German broadcast V72 modules, combining authentic transformer and plate choke design, up to 54 dB of stepped gain, dedicated line inputs, modern tube flexibility, and low-distortion performance to deliver solid low end, thick low-mids, and smooth high frequencies for professional recording and mixing environments.
Authentic V72-Inspired Sound with Modern Engineering
The L72P-2 captures the character of the original German V72 broadcast amplifiers while introducing the flexibility and reliability modern studios require. Locomotive Audio focused heavily on recreating the sonic behaviour of the vintage modules through painstaking transformer and plate choke development rather than relying on generic off-the-shelf components.
The amplifier produces a punchy and controlled low end, dense and creamy midrange detail, and an open yet smooth high-frequency response. With harmonic distortion kept extremely low throughout the circuit, the tonal character comes primarily from the custom magnetic components, closely matching the response of original vintage units.
Custom-Wound Transformers and Plate Choke
Locomotive Audio designed and wound authentic reproductions of the original input transformer, output transformer, and plate choke in-house. These components define the overall behaviour of the amplifier and contribute heavily to its transient response, phase accuracy, and tonal depth.
The input transformer features the classic six-chamber design, while the plate choke uses a three-chamber nickel-core construction modelled after vintage Siemens modules. The screened multi-section output transformer incorporates four copper shields between windings to maintain smooth and extended high-frequency performance.
The company tested multiple winding variations, analysing inductance, capacitance, phase response, square wave behaviour, and frequency response until the final specification matched the original V72 characteristics.
Selectable Input Transformer Configurations
The standard L72P-2 ships with the “S” version input transformer configuration associated with later studio versions used by facilities such as Abbey Road and Decca. This configuration offers a slightly flatter high-frequency response while maintaining the signature low-mid thickness associated with the original design.
Users may also select the “non-S” broadcast-style transformer version, which introduces a subtle increase in upper-frequency presence. An internal jumper allows adjustment of the input transformer load resistance between 400k and 200k ohms, recreating a commonly used vintage modification.
Extended Gain Range and Modern Connectivity
Unlike the original V72 modules, which offered 34 dB of fixed gain, the L72P-2 provides up to 54 dB of gain in precise 4 dB stepped increments. This wider operating range allows the unit to handle a broader variety of microphones, instruments, and line-level applications.
Dedicated rear-panel line input XLRs improve integration into modern studio workflows, making the unit equally capable as a line amplifier during mixing and summing duties. The stepped output attenuation control operates in 2 dB increments, enabling engineers to drive the amplifier harder while maintaining accurate output level management.
Modern Tube Design for Reliability and Low Noise
Locomotive Audio redesigned the amplification stage around dual triode tubes rather than the original EF86 and EF804 pentodes. The company chose a cascode tube arrangement to replicate the sonic behaviour of vintage pentode circuitry while avoiding the noise, microphonics, scarcity, and reliability concerns often associated with older tube types.
The circuit comes optimised for 6922/E88CC tubes, closely matching the response of the original V72 modules. Users may also substitute compatible dual triode options such as 12AU7 tubes for additional tonal variation and future servicing convenience.
Designed for Professional Recording and Mixing
The L72P-2 suits engineers seeking vintage broadcast tone combined with practical modern functionality. Its low-distortion topology, extended gain structure, transformer-driven character, and flexible tube platform allow it to excel on vocals, drums, guitars, bass, orchestral sources, and mix bus processing.
The amplifier complements modern productions while preserving the organic warmth, dimensionality, and transient handling associated with classic European valve equipment.
Why Choose the Locomotive L72P-2?
- Delivers authentic V72-style tone with enhanced modern flexibility
- Produces thick low-mids and smooth highs without harshness
- Handles both microphone and line-level duties in professional studio workflows
- Offers reliable and quieter tube performance compared to vintage pentode designs
- Provides greater gain range than original V72 modules for modern recording applications
- Uses meticulously recreated transformers and plate choke for genuine vintage response
- Allows engineers to shape tone through selectable transformer configurations and tube options
- Built for long-term studio use with premium components and a lifetime warranty
- Dual triode tube microphone preamp and line amplifier inspired by vintage German V72 modules
- Up to 54 dB of gain in stepped 4 dB increments
- Dedicated rear-panel line input XLR connections
- Stepped output attenuation control in 2 dB increments
- Authentic reproduction input transformer design
- Authentic reproduction output transformer design
- Authentic reproduction nickel-core plate choke
- Six-chamber input transformer construction
- Three-chamber plate choke design
- Multi-section screened output transformer with four copper shields
- Low-distortion amplifier topology
- Optimised for 6922/E88CC tubes
- Compatible with additional dual triode tube types including 12AU7
- Cascode tube configuration designed to emulate vintage pentode response
- Selectable “S” and “non-S” input transformer voicing options
- Internal jumper for selectable transformer load resistance
- Thick low-mid response with smooth high frequencies
- Strong transient handling and phase accuracy
- Suitable for microphone and line-level applications
- Lifetime manufacturer warranty
- UK over £99 FREE
- UK under £99 £10
- EU £36
- Rest of World £80
Large/Heavy items: Extra charges may apply (e.g., consoles, large monitors). We’ll contact you before processing if so.
We ship with DPD and UPS across the UK, EU and worldwide. Same-day within the M25 is available depending on stock.
This item, like everything we supply, comes with the complete support of our expert team. Our excellent technicians have been specifying, building and supporting studios for over twenty years. If you have any problems with installation, setup or everyday use, they’re never more than a click away, and always happy to help.
You can contact them here.
KEY BENEFITS
Custom Transformers for Superior Performance
Enjoy exceptional transient response and tonal depth with custom-wound transformers and plate chokes, meticulously designed to replicate the original V72 characteristics.
Flexible Gain and Connectivity Options
Benefit from an extended gain range of up to 54 dB and dedicated line inputs, allowing seamless integration with various microphones and instruments in contemporary studio setups.