12AU7 ECC82

The 12AU7 and ECC82 are designations for the same dual-triode vacuum tube, but they are used in different regions. The 12AU7 is the American designation, while ECC82 is the European designation. These tubes belong to the 12A*7 family and are commonly used in audio amplification circuits.

Some key characteristics of the 12AU7 (ECC82):

1. Medium Gain: The 12AU7 has a lower gain compared to the 12AX7 (ECC83) and 12AT7 (ECC81). This makes it suitable for applications where a more moderate level of signal amplification is desired.
2. Versatility: Due to its moderate gain, the 12AU7 is often chosen for applications where a clean and balanced amplification is needed. It is commonly used in the preamp stages of audio equipment, such as Hi-Fi systems.
3. Dual Triode: Like other tubes in the 12A*7 family, the 12AU7 contains two identical triodes in the same glass envelope. This allows it to handle two separate signals or channels.
4. Low Microphonics: The 12AU7 is known for its relatively low susceptibility to microphonic effects, making it a good choice for applications where vibrations and mechanical disturbances could impact performance.

Musicians and audio enthusiasts may select the 12AU7 for its balanced amplification and clean characteristics. It is often used in the preamp sections of audio equipment where a lower gain is desirable, such as in certain stages of guitar amplifiers or in phono preamps for record players.