The Electro-Harmonix LPB-2ube is a stereo tube preamp pedal, built around two 12AX7WB vacuum tubes that came included with the unit. It can run as a stereo preamp or as two independent mono channels, and each channel has its own true bypass switching. Electro-Harmonix discontinued it in 2013, so it now turns up only secondhand1.
What it does
The LPB-2ube is a line-level preamp rather than a drive pedal: its two tubes provide gain while, in the maker's words, remaining "quiet and transparent, offering amazing definition and warmth"1. Because it has two channels, a player can use it as a straight stereo preamp, or run two separate mono sources through it, each with its own tube stage and its own bypass relay1.
The dual-mono arrangement is the feature that sets it apart from single-channel boost and preamp pedals. Each channel is switched independently with mechanical relays, so when a channel is bypassed its tube stage is taken out of the signal path entirely1.
"Two tubes deliver optimum gain while remaining quiet and transparent, offering amazing definition and warmth."
Power and practical notes
The pedal ships with a 12AC-1000 power supply, and the owner's manual is available on the maker's product page1.
The LPB-2ube was discontinued in 2013. It is no longer in production, and the maker's page carries the owner's manual for existing owners1.
Where it sits in the range
As a tube preamp and clean gain stage, the LPB-2ube belongs to the wider family of preamp pedals and sits close in spirit to boost pedals. Electro-Harmonix discontinued it in 2013, so it now turns up on the used market rather than in stores1.
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Questions
Is the Electro-Harmonix LPB-2ube still made?
No. Electro-Harmonix lists the LPB-2ube as discontinued as of 2013. It was a stereo tube preamp pedal using two 12AX7WB vacuum tubes, with stereo or dual mono inputs and outputs and true bypass for each channel using mechanical relays. The owner's manual remains available on the maker's product page.
What tubes does the LPB-2ube use?
The LPB-2ube uses two 12AX7WB vacuum tubes, and both were included with the pedal. Electro-Harmonix says the two tubes deliver optimum gain while remaining quiet and transparent, with definition and warmth.
Sources (1)
- LPB-2ube, Electro-Harmonix, 2013
