Locomotive Audio L72P-2

Locomotive Audio L72P-2 – Stereo Tube Microphone Preamplifier

The Locomotive Audio L72P-2 offers two channels of classic V72-style tube preamp sound in a modern format designed for professional studios. Inspired by the legendary amplifier modules used in German broadcast consoles of the 1950s and 60s, the L72P-2 is designed to reproduce the characteristics that made the V72 circuit one of the most revered preamps in recording history: solid and deep low frequencies, rich and creamy mids, smooth high frequencies, and an instantly recognizable musicality.

Aimed at audio engineers, producers, and mixing professionals who desire authentic vintage character with the flexibility required by modern studios, the L72P-2 combines internally wound input and output transformers, a meticulously recreated plate choke, versatile gain controls, dedicated line inputs, and readily available modern tubes.

The result is a stereo tube preamplifier ideal for recording, stereo miking, processing line-level signals, and for adding the weight, depth, and character typical of vintage German consoles to contemporary productions.

The Heart of the V72 Sound

At the core of the L72P-2's design are three fundamental components:

• Custom input transformer
• Custom output transformer
• Dedicated plate choke

According to Locomotive Audio, these three elements represent the most important factor in recreating the original V72 sound, as much of the tonal coloration of this low-distortion amplifier comes precisely from the design of the transformers and the choke.

The internally manufactured transformers and plate choke are designed to provide:

• Solid and punchy low frequencies
• Rich and full low-mids
• Smooth and refined high frequencies
• Natural harmonic saturation typical of classic German tube preamps

More Gain and Greater Flexibility

The L72P-2 offers up to 54 dB of gain, precisely adjustable in 4 dB steps, providing a wider operational range compared to the original vintage modules, which typically delivered around 34 dB of gain.

For even more accurate level control, a 5-position rotary output attenuator is included, allowing the final signal to be adjusted in 2 dB increments. This enables pushing the preamplifier for greater saturation and sound coloration while keeping the level sent to the rest of the audio chain under control.

Dedicated Line Inputs for Reamping and Processing

To integrate seamlessly into modern workflows, the L72P-2 includes dedicated XLR connectors for line-level signals.

This solution allows audio from a DAW or other equipment to be routed directly through the preamplifier, using it as an analog color processor without the risk of phantom power accidentally being applied to the source.

In this way, the L72P-2 proves equally effective during both recording and mixing, adding tube character to already recorded tracks.

Modern Tube Technology

Unlike historical modules that used EF86 or EF804 pentode tubes, which are increasingly rare and expensive today, the L72P-2 uses:

• 2 x 6922 / E88CC tubes
• Dual-triode cascode configuration

This design choice allows the sonic behavior of pentode tubes to be replicated while avoiding problems of:

• High noise
• Microphonics
• Poor availability
• High costs

The unit is optimized for 6922/E88CC tubes but can also use other common dual triodes, such as 12AU7s.

Two Different Sonic Personalities

The L72P-2 comes standard with the input transformer in the "S" configuration, which offers a slightly more linear high-frequency response compared to the traditional broadcast version.

The difference is subtle but allows choosing between two historically accurate interpretations of the V72 sound.

Available are:

• "S" input transformer (standard)
• Non-"S" input transformer (optional)

Furthermore, an internal jumper allows selecting the input transformer load between:

• 400 kΩ
• 200 kΩ

offering further possibilities for tonal customization.

Applications

The L72P-2 is particularly suitable for:

• Vocals
• Drums
• Acoustic instruments
• Electric bass
• Guitars
• Synthesizers
• Stereo recordings
• Mix bus processing
• Coloration of line signals

Key Features

• Stereo V72-style tube microphone preamplifier
• Inspired by classic German broadcast modules
• Deep and solid low frequencies
• Rich and creamy mids
• Smooth and musical high frequencies
• Internally wound input and output transformers
• Custom plate choke
• Gain up to 54 dB in 4 dB steps
• Greater flexibility than original V72s
• 5-position output attenuator
• Level adjustment in 2 dB steps
• Dedicated XLR line inputs
• Ideal for analog processing and reamping
• Two 6922/E88CC tubes in cascode configuration
• Also compatible with tubes like the 12AU7
• "S" input transformer as standard
• Non-"S" version available on request
• Selectable transformer load (400 kΩ / 200 kΩ)
• Low-distortion design with coloration achieved through transformers and chokes

The L72P-2 represents a modern reinterpretation of the renowned V72 sound, offering all the depth, weight, and musicality of vintage German broadcast consoles in a reliable solution that integrates perfectly into contemporary studios.