Locomotive Audio's single channel 14B compressor and limiter is based on a very old, but still very exciting concept of rebiasing the input tube with a sidechain control voltage. After all, some of the most famous compressors in history, such as the Fairchild 670, Gates Sta-Level and Collins 26U, employed this very technique. The results are a sound that cannot be replicated with other ways of gain reduction. The Locomotive Audio 14B and its added modern features allow it to achieve a unique sound in its own right. Starting with the semi-remote cutoff 6BC8 tube, a 12AY7 then drives two powerful push-pull 6V6 output tubes. The 14B is quite a versatile unit, with the ability to run soft and gentle or hard and aggressive. A sidechain low cut control offers even more flexibility, especially when used on the mixbus and linked with another 14B. This versatile unit can be used on all kinds of source material including vocals, drums, guitars, bass, piano and horns. With its high quality Cinemag input and interstage transformers, the 14B has the ability to define mid-range clutter and control the peaks at the same time. Any material run through this unit will be enhanced, even when not compressing.
Select Your Build Type
The Locomotive Audio 14B Compressor is now available in two build options:
ORIGINAL HANDWIRED
Authentic to the design aesthetic of classic vintage vari-mu and optical compressors of the 1940s − 1960s, the Locomotive Audio 14B-HW (Handwired) is built with the same labor intensive care and attention to detail. Every wire and component is selected and soldered by hand, ensuring each unit is special. Adding this artistic centerpiece to your rack is truly inspiring.
PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD
Smart layout design gives the Locomotive Audio 14B-PCB (Printed Circuit Board) version the same superior sonic result as the Handwired version, but instead, with a more efficient build process. Using the same components and audio path as the Handwired version, the resulting specifications and performance are identical. We are happy to finally offer this lower cost option.
Features
Stereo Link switch
Sidechain Low Cut filter control: Off and 70-350Hz
Hard-wire bypass switch
Compression turned off with full counterclockwise attack position, switching to line amplifier
Two position Compress-Limit Switch
Two position VU meter switch: Gain Reduction - Output
6BC8 balance adjustment on interior of unit
Custom Sifam backlit VU meter
XLR input and output connections
Cinemag input and interstage transformers
Custom output transformer
Hand-built in USA with classic turret board technique
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