The Mercury M72s-CSV is based on
the most sought after vintage amplifier module, the Telefunken/Siemens
V72s, which is most famous for being used in REDD.37 consoles, which
were used on all the early Beatle recordings by George Martin at Abbey
Road Studios in London, England.
Inspired by the vintage tone, craftsmanship and practicality of the
original, modular, tube amplifier from the console. We wanted to pay
homage to this classic, ‘holy grail of tube amplifiers’ in every detail.
From the color of paint, to the style of venting used, to the nickel
platted handles that were used to remove it from the slotted DIN rack on
the console side. Bringing back the sound, look and feel that inspired
not only this product but this company, Mercury, to manufacture
recording equipment and keep this and other beloved circuits alive to
make more music for another generation.
The Mercury M72s-CSV is based on the module used in consoles which are
very rare due to a minimal amount made. The more common V72 amplifier
modules (not marked with the lower case "s", ie V72s) were later
modified and have been sold for many years as outboard preamplifiers all
over the world. Neither of these amplifier modules have been available
new for more than 50 years. So, working units have become extremely
rare, very expensive and in some cases are now in need of much repair.
Regardless of cost, the uniquely musical tonal characteristics of these
amplifiers has made them the prized possession of many engineers lucky
enough to get the vintage modules, and a "secret weapon" for many studio
musicians. Mercury Recording Equipment is proud to have a faithful
reproduction in the M72s-CSV. We have nearly 20 years experience with
the amplifiers and feel we have captured not only of how the units
behave, but of how they sound overall. We are confident, with the
addition of modern features, making the M72s much more versatile,
without sacrificing the most important feature: Musicality.
Mercury M72s-CSV Features
The Gain of the Mercury M72s is variable from 28dB to 58dB, in 3dB
increments, controlled with a high quality rotary switch. Also, there is
an option of a selectable Input Pad of -16dB or -28dB for even more
control. Additionally, when the -28dB pad is engaged and it is set at
the lowest gain setting (28dB) you can run signal through the M72s to
add warmth and tonality to any tracks, mixes, keyboards, drum machines,
samples etc... There are also all the modern features we expect on a new
piece of equipment: Phantom Power (on/off) , Phase (Polarity) Reversal,
and our amazing sounding F.D.I. (FET Direct Input) circuit per channel.
The Mercury FDI (FET Direct Input), a proprietary J-Fet circuit, based
on a class-A tube topology. The Mercury FDI is designed to reproduce
every nuance of a direct recording, while the circuit lets the tube or
solid-state character of the amplifier determine the overall tone. The
instrument DI signal is sent through the entire microphone preamp
circuitry, including Mercury’s custom, massive input transformers, so
that the individual character of each preamp comes through.
The Mercury M72s has the rich lows and punchy mids giving you that
‘instant’ vocal tone, a realistic acoustic guitar tone, or add punch to a
bass guitar. The same reaction to instruments or source as the vintage
module but with slightly more open high end and openness. The Mercury
M72s Studio Microphone Amplifier has the ‘vintage’ tone and break up
like the original circuit but it is a bit more musical over all (not
cleaner, more musical, there is a huge difference).
"The M72 brings the vocal up in your face in a mix. Not only that, when
you're singing, you can distinguish every little nuance." - Ricky Skaggs
“Having used the Mercury M72s I now see no need to scour Eastern Europe to search for the last of the original units.” - Joe Chiccarelli
"The M72s sounds every bit as good as an original V72s, imparting that nice pillowy softness that is so difficult to get..." - Pete Weiss, TapeOp Magazine
"After building 100's of Vintage V72 packages at Marquette Audio Labs it
is nice to know we can continue a tradition that we have been providing
for over 10 years now. We are very proud of the Mercury M72s Studio
Microphone Amplifiers at M.A.L. and I am personally very pleased with
this product which has actually exceeded my expectations". - David Marquette (Marquette Audio Labs / Mercury )
Specifications
Mic Input Impedance: Approx. 2k
Suggested Source Impedance: Approx. 200 ohms
Input Impedance with -28dB Pad: Approx. 4k
DI Input Impedance: 2M ohms
Internal Output impedance: 30-50 ohms (depends on gain setting)
Suggested Minimum Load: 500 ohms
Max. Mic Signal Input Level (@ 20 Hz): +34dBu with -28dB Pad engaged / +6dBu with
Pad not engaged
Max. Output Level: +22dBu
Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz +/- 0.5dB
Harmonic Distortion: All musically related low orders of harmonics, with no
significant order above 5th.
Tubes: 3x EF806s, 1x E83F, per channel
Rack Size: 2U
About Mercury Custom Shop
Mercury Recording Equipment Co. was started with inspiration of warm
tones, quality craftsmanship and the classic aesthetics from the vintage
recording equipment used and appreciated for the past 60 years to
record music. Mercury tenaciously created our line as close to original
sound, build quality and aesthetic as we could with a new build. We
added some features more for aesthetic purposes then functionality which
have been very appreciated by vintage gear aficionados. But, those
aesthetic ‘extras’ add additional costs to each product.
So to help keep costs down, and make our world class products more
affordable we will offer two versions of some products. Neither will
compromise the standard of quality Mercury is known for, or the sound.
Because the circuit and parts internally are both exactly the same in
every way. Mercury and our dealer network will offer the new M72s (Mk.
III) as our standard model and the M72s-CSV (Custom Shop Version) with
aesthetic extras to look and feel like the vintage models. As well as,
the new M76m (Mk. III) minus the backlit gain dial and nickel plated
“handles” too pay homage to the vintage modules of yesteryear. But, if
you are looking for the vintage vibe, all those features are still
proudly offered on the M76m-CSV (Custom Shop Version).
“This is my way of compromising without compromising... offering both
versions of some products. Trying to keep alive the original vision I
had for Mercury providing premium quality recording products, with the
vintage look, tone and musicality only found in the past, and doing this
as affordable as we can...” - David Marquette
FAQ: Mercury M72s vs. M76m, Whats the difference?
Both are multipurpose tools for making music. But they do sound very different.
Tone
The Mercury M72s is warm and punchy. The M72s has a thick bottom end, a
great push in the mid range and a open airy top end. The M72s
performance is great on Vocals, Bass, Drums, Acoustic and Electric
Guitars as well as room and Over head applications. The M76m is warm,
yet open and airy. Compared to the M72s the M76m is overall more evenly
"EQ'd". Meaning there is not a push in the low or mids. The M76m shines
on Vocals, Bass, Piano and Guitars giving you an amazing of control to
shape the amplifier's tone. As well the M76m opens up your room and over
head mics. With 70dB (+/-) of total gain and the choice High and Low
Input Impedance, so ribbon mics love the the M76m.
Gain
The M72s has 28dB to 58dB with -16 and -28dB Input Pad and the M76m has
nearly 70dB, with the 60dB input gain, and Level Control and the Low
impedance selected (+6dB).
Original Manufacturers Description
Technical Documents
Specifications
Brochure
Product Manual
Recall Sheet
User Testimonials
"The M-72 brings the vocal up in your face in a mix. Not only that, when you're singing, you can distinguish every little nuance. A lot of mic pres are just plain vanilla - they don't do anything but give you level." Ricky Skaggs, Mix Magazine
"Having used the Mercury M72s I now see no need to scour Eastern Europe to search for the last of the original units." Joe Chiccarelli
Grammy Award Winning Producer/Engineer Joe Chiccarelli has worked with Elton John, The White Stripes, Bon Jovi, Rufus Wainwright, U2 and Beck to name a few.
