American-Style Mono Tube Preamp – Versatility Redefined with the 86B-1
Looking for an all-encompassing tube preamp that brings warmth, clarity, and a vintage touch to your sound? The 86B-1 Mono Tube Preamp is designed for versatility, capturing everything from shimmering vocals and natural acoustics to punchy drums and richly saturated overdrive. Built with engineers and producers in mind, the 86B-1 offers an expansive tonal range, all wrapped in an American-style mono tube circuit reminiscent of the 1950s.
Rooted in Classic Tube Circuitry
The 86B-1 is inspired by American tube circuits from the 1950s, delivering a deep harmonic profile that can revive any dull, modern signal chain. From delicate nuances to bold, rich warmth, this preamp promises to bring life and color back to your tracks.
Preorder the 86B-1 Preamp – Exclusive Discount Available
Precision Components for Unmatched Sound
High-Quality Transformers
Equipped with MuMetal shielded inputs and nickel & steel outputs, the 86B-1 ensures ultra-clean audio with top-grade shielding and durable materials. These transformers set the foundation for an uncompromised audio experience.
Premium Tube Selection
Featuring a 6BR7 input tube and a 12AY7 output tube, the 86B-1 achieves up to 75 dB of gain, delivering smooth, authentic tube warmth with pristine clarity.
Intuitive Output Level LED
A 3-color LED output level indicator allows real-time visual feedback:
- Green – Optimal Level
- Yellow – Approaching Peak
- Red – Clipping
Advanced Features for Versatile Sound Design
Crafted to meet the needs of modern audio engineers, the 86B-1 combines simplicity with versatility, thanks to its two-knob control system. This intuitive design allows you to dial in the perfect amount of tube coloration and tonal character for any recording.
Key Features at a Glance:
- 20dB Pad – For additional control in high-gain situations
- 85Hz High Pass Filter – Eliminates unwanted low frequencies
- Switchable Mic Input Impedance – Adapts to various microphone types
- High-Impedance DI on the Front Panel – Ideal for direct instrument input
With its range of versatile features, the 86B-1 is designed to be a staple in any recording rack, providing countless sonic options in one compact unit.
86B-1’s Legacy – Building on Vintage Inspiration
First introduced in 2014 as a modern successor to the Ampex 601, the Locomotive 286A (predecessor of the 86B-1 and 86B-2) brought new life to the beloved 601’s design, preserving its unique pentode and dual triode components for authentic, vintage sound. Unlike the original, which struggled with high-output mics, the 86B-1 is optimized with added input headroom and essential mic preamp features such as phantom power, pad, polarity, low cut, and DI, making it the ultimate tool for today’s demanding audio work.
Enhance Your Creative Process
In the world of audio engineering, finding the right gear can unlock endless creative potential. The 86B-1 provides that “special something,” empowering engineers to focus on producing extraordinary sounds. With its broad tonal palette, this preamp will inspire your creativity and enable you to craft impressive, professional-grade audio.
Preorder the 86B-1 Now and elevate your recording capabilities with a preamp that captures vintage warmth and modern versatility.
