Locomotive

How hard will you push the valves? Locomotive Audio puts valve gain and compression at the centre of the recording chain, from its 86B mic preamps to the 14B and Weight Tank compressors. Our collection brings together rackmount hardware and 500 series options for tracking and mixing. Start with the source, then decide how much character to add (the gain controls have a say).

The 86B-2 draws on 1950s American valve circuitry, with a Line mode for sending recorded signals through its valves and transformers. The 14B takes inspiration from compressors including the Gates Sta-Level and UA 175B, adding a sidechain low-cut filter to reduce compression triggered by low frequencies. Rack or modular? The Power-Mu 500 brings stereo valve compression and stepped controls to our 500 series units, with input and output controls for setting how hard you drive it.

Have a particular Locomotive model in mind? Send the details through Find Me Gear, and we’ll help track it down. In-stock equipment is ready to ship UK-wide.