The 14b compressor is my all-time absolute favorite vocal compressor. I’m quite familiar with the 1176 blue stripe compressors and really like the aggression I get with the vocals, but the 14b gives you something extra. The tubes are much larger and create such a pleasant sound. THAT is what was missing from the vocal mix chain. I’m slamming it pretty hard and it holds up to the best of them. There is a slight sheen to the vocals when passing them through and it creates such a beautiful vocal that sits perfectly where you need it.

The 14B makes the vocal-track sit perfectly in the mix. I often get questions on how I get the lead-vocal to be both punchy and warm, and more often than not the answer is the Locomotive 14B. It has a beautiful top-end and lots of attitude. And it doesn’t kill the dynamics like many of the compressor-plugins does. Also Eric is one of the nicest persons in the business. He really cares about the customer and about the products he makes. Highly recommended!!

This vari-mu compressor is exactly what I was looking for, a mix of vintage vibes with modern features. It's character is classy, distinctive, colorful and smooth. The perfect companion for any studio environment.

When the 14B was finally available we had to have one for testing and ordered a matched pair right after! These units are super fast and wonderfully smooth, adding that kind of sparkle that makes you forget about touching gear again you've used years before. Thank you Eric for keeping the analog world of gear alive!

The 14B completed my collection of high end compressors (Retro, Chandler, ADL, Thermionic Culture, Fearn, AnalogueTube etc). After adding it back in 2014 I haven’t felt the need to buy anything new. The 14B has it’s unique sound. It has a certain sparkle and that ’something’. Thanks Eric for a gorgeous tool! Gorgeeous in every aspect; Sound, looks and tactile feeling.

I was looking for a vari-mu compressor for a long time, but when I got in touch with Eric and Locomotive Audio I became really interested. I bought a piece of Locomotive 14B and was surprised by the quality and the compressor's capabilities. I used it for everything, tracking and mix, bass, vocals, guitars, brass, wind instruments, violin, analog synths like ARP 2600, Minimoog, Yamaha CS 80, Oberheim Xpander etc. Yes, it sounded wonderful! It did not take long time before I ordered another piece so I could work in stereo with strings, marimba, vibraphone, koto, etc. So now I also use 14B on bus, master but also to color instruments without compression. I really love Eric and his products, philosophy and highly recommend them! Now I'm waiting for a tube EQ from Eric ... That would be great! ??
Congratulations Eric for a well-made and nice product!

I put it in my insert on the desk, and it makes the other vocals sound lonely!!! What I like most?......It's like, I can bring a vocal UP on it, but the signal reading in my DAW looks lower.....meaning, this thing compresses, while keeping the visual of the gain structure compliant, AND pulls it FORWARD with ease!!....I mean SUPER smooth!!
THAT IS GREAT compression!!....And I do not FEEL like I’m killing my transients.....this FEELS GOOD 🏆