Locomotive Audio MODEL 14B – Vari-Mu Tube Compressor

OVERVIEW

The Locomotive Audio MODEL 14B brings the unmistakable sound of Vari-Mu tube compression to the modern studio, capturing the magic of legendary designs like the Gates Sta-Level, UA 175B, RCA BA-6A, and Collins 26U. Hand-built in the USA with custom MuMetal shielded transformers and high-quality components, the 14B delivers the warmth, richness, and musical response that engineers and producers rely on for world-class sound.

With variable attack and release times, selectable compression or limiting ratios, and a sidechain low-cut filter, the 14B is both versatile and intuitive. From making vocals larger-than-life to tightening drum overheads or adding smooth glue to the mix bus, this compressor excels across sources. Add in stereo linking, a rugged steel chassis, and a lifetime warranty, and you have a professional-grade unit designed to deliver timeless tone for decades to come.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

TRANSFORMERS:

Super premium MuMetal shielded input and interstage transformers.

SPEED & TONE:

Fast UA 175B attack meets smooth Gates Sta-Level Output.

LOW-CUT FILTER:

Adjust & cut the low frequencies that trigger compression.

STEREO LINK:

Use the 14B aggressively on your stereo room mics and overheads or gently on your mix bus.

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 the interior of the unit
• Custom Sifam backlit VU meter
• XLR input and output connections
• Custom MuMetal shielded input and interstage transformers
• Custom output transformer
• Hand-built in the USA
• Heavy 16-gauge steel chassis
• 115v/230v AC mains option on rear
• Lifetime warranty on parts and labor

TECHNICAL SPECS

Tubes: (1) 6BC8, (1) 12AY7, (2) 6V6s

Input load impedance: 5kΩ

Output impedance: < 1kΩ

Variable Attack: (300 µS – 20 mS)

Variable Release: (100 mS – 2 Sec)

Compression (4:1 ratio) or Limiting 10:1 ratio)

Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz

THD+N: < 1%

S/N ratio: > 70dB

Power Consumption (120/240VAC): 42 watts

Dimensions (2U Rackspace):

• Width — 19″
• Height — 3.5″
• Depth — 10″

Shipping Weight: 20 lbs.

DOWNLOADS

• User Manual