Locomotive Audio Power-MU 500 – High-End Vari-Mu Tube Stereo Compressor for 500 Series

The Locomotive Audio Power-MU 500 is a premium vari-mu stereo compressor designed for the 500 series format. Geared towards discerning audio professionals, it delivers the rich warmth and musicality characteristic of tube compression, combined with modern features like stepped controls for precise recall of settings. Whether it's for delicate "glue" on the stereo bus or aggressive compression for dense harmonic coloration, the Power-MU 500 provides world-class analog sound with full operational control.

Smooth and Musical Tube Compression

At the heart of the Power-MU 500 are two NOS 6N3P tubes per channel, ensuring true vari-mu operation and the rich, warm, harmonically complex sound that only tubes can deliver. Custom interstage transformers guarantee a smooth and musical compression response, avoiding harsh artifacts and preserving the natural character of the signal even with high gain reduction.

Advanced Control and Total Recall of Settings

Thanks to AC and DC threshold controls, the Power-MU offers detailed management of attack, ratio, and compression knee. It can transition from transparent and gentle dynamic management to more aggressive and punchy limiting, adapting to any mixing context.

The 21-position stepped knobs for input, output, and threshold allow for precise and repeatable recall of settings, making it ideal for professional workflows and mix revisions.

Essential Features for the Modern Studio

The Power-MU 500 includes:

• Sidechain low-cut filter (Off–350 Hz)
• Stereo link switch
• Hardwire bypass
• Dual-mode VU meter for gain reduction and output monitoring
• Custom backlit Sifam VU meter
• Heavy-duty steel chassis

The combination of these elements reflects a very high level of construction, designed to withstand intensive professional use.

Why Choose the Locomotive Audio Power-MU 500?

• True stereo vari-mu compression in 500 series format
• NOS tubes and custom transformers for a classic tube sound
• Stepped controls for precise and instant recall
• Stereo link for stable image coherence
• Sidechain low-cut filter to avoid pumping on low frequencies
• Hardwire bypass and power switch to preserve tubes and components
• Extremely robust, lifetime-guaranteed construction

Technical Specifications

• Tubes: 2 × NOS 6N3P
• Input impedance: 22 kΩ
• Output impedance: < 100 Ω
• Attack time: 10 ms – 75 ms
• Release time: 150 ms – 1.5 s
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• THD+N: < 1%
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 70 dB
• Power consumption: +16 V / 260 mA, –16 V / 300 mA
• Weight: 5 lbs (approx. 2.27 kg)

The Locomotive Audio Power-MU 500 is designed for mix and mastering engineers who want to add professional-grade color, depth, and control to their audio chain. From "glue" on the drum bus to full track mastering, this compressor is a benchmark solution for stereo tube compression in the 500 series format.