Ampera
12AT7
Dual Triode · IHT · 9-pin Noval · 1947
“Detailed, articulate.”
Medium-gain triode for voltage amplification applications
Datasheet ↗SPICE
GAIN FACTOR0
PLATE IMPEDANCE0kΩ
TRANSCONDUCTANCE0mA/V
Cgk0pF
Cgp0pF
Cpk0pF
GAIN60%
POWER6%
DRIVE89%
LINEARITY70%
TYPICAL OPERATING POINT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The 12AT7 (ECC81) is a medium-mu (mu ~60) dual triode designed for VHF applications, with lower plate resistance (~11k ohms) and higher transconductance than the 12AX7. In audio it serves as a driver tube, phase inverter, or anywhere moderate gain with better current delivery is needed than a 12AX7 can provide. Its lower plate resistance makes it superior for driving capacitive loads and long interstage connections. The 12AT7 is also the standard reverb driver and effects loop tube in guitar amplifiers, where its current capability matters more than raw voltage gain.
APPLICATIONS
High-gain preampPhase splitter
Marshall JCM800 PIFender reverb driver
• Guitar amp• Headphone amp• Studio/recording
VS ECC81
HISTORY
Introduced1947ManufacturerMullard·GEEquivalentsECC81, 6201
Golden AgeSPECIFICATIONS
Heater Voltage12.6V
Heater Current0.15A
Max Plate Voltage300V
Max Power2.5W
Sensitivity5.5 mA/V
Gain Factor60
Internal Impedance10.9kΩ
Pinout9-pin Noval
Era1947
RarityCommon
Input Capacitance2.2pF
Miller Capacitance1.5pF
Output Capacitance0.5pF
CLASSIC CIRCUITS
12AT7 Driver Stage250V · SE
