The Locomotive Audio L72P-2 is a dual-channel, V72-style tube microphone preamp and line processor that combines classic German broadcast-console tone with expanded modern control. Two independent channels provide 54 dB of stepped gain, custom transformers, nickel-core plate chokes, dual-triode tube stages, output attenuation and dedicated line inputs for tracking, stereo recording and analogue re-amping.
 
The Locomotive Audio L72P-2 is a two-channel tube preamp designed around the sonic and electrical principles that made historic German V72 modules enduring studio classics. Rather than offering a generic “vintage” colour, it focuses on the component architecture that defines this family of circuits: multi-section transformers, a nickel-core plate choke, carefully chosen dual-triode tube stages and a controlled gain structure that delivers deep low end, thick yet articulate low mids and clear high frequencies without brittle edge.
 
Each channel is a complete V72-style preamp. The unit is therefore ideal for stereo recording, matched dual-mono tracking, two-channel line processing or a dedicated analogue front end for microphones, instruments and DAW outputs. It offers a coherent way to capture sources such as stereo piano, drum overheads, acoustic guitar, room microphones and keyboards while preserving matching tonal behaviour between channels.
 
The L72P-2 uses house-wound input and output transformers plus a three-chamber nickel-core plate choke. From the six-chamber input transformer through the plate choke to the screened multi-section output transformer, Locomotive designed the electromagnetic architecture to closely follow the behaviour of its vintage V72 inspiration. These components are central to the sound: they contribute to the preamp’s substantial low-frequency stability, dense midrange structure, low harmonic distortion and smooth high-frequency response.locomotiveaudio+2
Rather than relying on hard-to-source vintage pentode types, each channel uses two dual-triode valves in a cascode configuration. The L72P-2 is optimised for 6922 / E88CC tubes, selected by Locomotive to match the desired V72-style response. It also supports a range of common alternatives, including 6DJ8 / ECC88, 6N32P and 12AU7 / ECC82 types, making future tube replacement and long-term maintenance more practical than with many vintage-derived circuits.
 
Classic V72 modules are commonly associated with a fixed gain value of around 34 dB. Locomotive expands this considerably: each L72P-2 channel provides up to 54 dB of gain, selected in accurate 4 dB steps. The stepped gain control improves repeatability for session recalls, stereo matching and multi-microphone setups. It also makes the preamp more versatile with a broad range of modern condensers, dynamic microphones and ribbon microphones.
 
A five-position output attenuator provides final level trim in 2 dB increments after the tube gain stage. This is especially useful when working with modern high-headroom converters and analogue processors: set the desired tube/transformer operating level with the gain switch, then manage the output level without losing the selected internal gain structure. The result is a flexible balance between clean, open amplification and deeper transformer-and-tube density.
 
The L72P-2 provides separate XLR microphone and line inputs for each channel. The dedicated line connections make it safe to process DAW stems, virtual instruments, synthesizers, keyboards and other line-level sources without risking phantom power on equipment connected through a shared input. A 20 dB pad supports high-output microphones and loud close-miked sources; the 34 dB pad supports line-level operation and analogue re-amping workflows.
 
The unit ships with Locomotive’s “S” Studio input-transformer configuration as standard. A non-S configuration is available as an upgrade when ordering. This is a subtle voicing option, not a fundamentally different circuit: Locomotive specifies approximately 0.25 dB difference at 15 kHz and 0.5 dB at 20 kHz between the variants. An internal jumper lets the user select either 400 kΩ or 200 kΩ input-transformer load resistance, adding another fine control over how the input stage responds.
 
With its two complete tube channels, repeatable controls and dedicated line processing, the L72P-2 is an excellent choice for engineers who want classic V72-inspired recording tone without sacrificing modern session practicality. It can be used as a transparent-but-dimensional preamp at restrained gain, or as a more obvious transformer-and-tube colour stage for modern digital material.
 
Key features
Dual-channel V72-style tube microphone preamp and line processor
Two fully independent, matched channels in a 19-inch rackmount chassis
Classic German broadcast-preamp-inspired architecture
House-wound multi-section input transformers
House-wound screened multi-section output transformers
Three-chamber nickel-core plate choke per channel
Dual-triode cascode tube topology
Optimised for 6922 / E88CC tubes
Compatible with 6DJ8 / ECC88, 6N32P and 12AU7 / ECC82 tube types
Up to 54 dB gain per channel
Gain selection in precise 4 dB steps
Five-position output attenuator per channel
Output attenuation in 2 dB steps
Standard “S” Studio input-transformer configuration
Optional non-S transformer configuration at purchase
Internal 400 kΩ / 200 kΩ transformer-load selection
Dedicated XLR microphone input per channel
Dedicated XLR line input per channel
20 dB pad for microphone sources
34 dB pad for line-level sources
Suitable for stereo tracking, dual-mono recording and analogue re-amping
Lifetime manufacturer warranty
Handmade in the USA
 
Applications
Stereo piano, acoustic guitar and keyboard recording
Drum overheads, room microphones and stereo percussion capture
Lead and backing vocals with V72-style tube depth
Dynamic and ribbon microphone amplification
Dual-mono recording of vocals, bass, guitars and acoustic instruments
Adding tube and transformer dimension to synthesizers and drum machines
Processing DAW stems through analogue tube stages
Stereo re-amping of mixes, buses and virtual instruments
Building a premium dual-channel German-style recording front end
Recall-conscious tracking through stepped gain and output controls