Electrically similar predecessor but uses Octal base — not pin-compatible
Electrical Specifications
Absolute Maximum
Anode Voltage (max)Max Plate Voltage300V
Anode Dissipation (max)Max Plate Dissipation1.5W
Cathode Current (max)Max Cathode Current10mA
Heater-to-Cathode Voltage (max)Max Heater-Cathode Voltage90V
Typical Operating
Anode Voltage (typical)Plate Voltage250V
Grid 1 Bias VoltageGrid Voltage-4V
Anode CurrentPlate Current3mA
Anode ResistancePlate Resistance25,000Ω
TransconductanceTransconductance
Capacitances
Grid-to-Plate CapacitanceGrid to Plate Capacitance1.3pF
Input CapacitanceInput Capacitance1.3pF
Output CapacitanceOutput Capacitance0.6pF
Heater
Heater VoltageHeater Voltage12.6 / 6.3V
Heater CurrentHeater Current0.15 / 0.3A
Notes
Heater can be wired in series (12.6V, 150mA) or parallel (6.3V, 300mA). For 12.6V operation, apply voltage between pins 4 and 5. For 6.3V operation, apply voltage between pins 4/5 connected together and pins 9 connected to the other side.
RCA (1953) specifies mu=40 and ra=22,800 ohms; Tung-Sol (1956) and GE (6072 datasheet, 1952) specify mu=44 and ra=25,000 ohms. The mu=44 / ra=25,000 values are more widely cited.
When operating from an AC heater supply, do not use the 12.6V series connection if low-hum capabilities are to be realized (per Tung-Sol datasheet).
The 6072/6072A is the industrial/military grade version with tighter tolerances, ruggedized construction, and heater designed for many thousands of intermittent operation cycles. Pin-for-pin compatible.
Developed by General Electric, first registered December 7, 1948. Widely used as the first preamp tube in Fender tweed-era guitar amplifiers, contributing to their characteristically warm, dynamic overdrive tone.
Pin Layout — Noval
1Plate (Section 2)
2Grid (Section 2)
3Cathode (Section 2)
Socket-Compatible Tubes ⚠ Not electrically compatible