The new Mercury M76m/1 (Mk. III)
is a mono version of Mercury's benchmark, tube Mercury Studio
Microphone Amplifier, the M76m. The M76m is based on one of the most sought after
vintage amplifier modules, the ‘Telefunken/Siemens’ V76m. These modules
were used in European broadcast and recording studios in the 1960’s.
Later, after tube consoles where out of favor and replaced by smaller
(yet with more channels), discrete, transistor consoles, the V76 modules
still lived on and were racked as outboard mic amps and used in the
studios around the world.
Inspired by the vintage tone and craftsmanship of the classic, the
Mercury M76m (Mk. III) focuses on bringing back the sound, look and feel
that inspired not only this product but this company to manufacture
recording equipment and keep this and other beloved circuits alive to
make more music for another generation. The new M76m (Mk. III) has a new
look but same stellar tone and craftsmanship and still proudly built in
the USA. We only simplified the look of the front panel by deleting the
vintage inspired, aesthetic extras of the M76m MK II, which is still
available on the M76m-CSV (custom shop version). Most importantly, the
M76m (Mk III) is still loaded with the same exact tone and warmth
utilizing the same exact circuit, same quality parts and same
transformers we have used since we started building the first M76m at
Mercury Recording Equipment.
The Mercury M76m is based on the module used in consoles which are very
rare due to a minimal amount made. These amplifier modules have not 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. Drawing on nearly 20 years experience repairing, rebuilding,
and most importantly listening to the Telefunken/Siemens V76 modules it
was our first priority to build a modern Studio Microphone Amplifier
that sounds identical to the original. Mercury Recording Equipment Co.
kept the integrity of the original circuit, the M76m has the same open,
warm tonality created with the transformer balanced, dual stage, high
gain amplifier, and uses four transformers and four tube per channel. We
are confident we have built what is quite possibly the ultimate
combination of vintage sound and modern features in a modern tube
microphone amplifier. We feel we have captured not only of how the units
behave, but of how they sound overall. With the addition normal modern
features, such as: Phantom, Phase, as well as many new features such as:
Level Control and High/Low Impedance switch never available on any
module, or even custom racked units, the Mercury M76m is the benchmark
of modern tube microphone amplifiers.
Features and Controls
The Mercury M76m Gain Control of 0 to +60dB in 6dB increments, works in
conjunction with the Level Control and Output Attenuation. The Level
Control, which will work as a ‘fader’, increasing (clockwise) and
decreasing (counter clockwise) the amount of gain from the first stage
to the second stage of the amplifier. This also allows you the ability
to add musical (tube) “break up” by decreasing your level (control) and
increasing the (course) gain. The Output Attenuation Control (-0 to
-10dB) has been added for even more control, including the ability shape
tones in several different ways, if desired, which works well on
electric guitar recordings. We have also added an Impedance Select
Switch for both high and low impedance devices, as well as all the
staple features one expects from a modern piece of equipment were added.
Phantom Power (on/off) , Phase (Polarity) Reverse, and our amazing
sounding F.D.I. (FET Direct Input) Circuit.
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.
"With it's stellar sound, faithfulness to the original V76, unique tonal
flexibility, and helpful array of modern conveniences, the M76m could
very well be the ultimate 'vintage-style' mic preamp available today." - Pete Weiss, TapeOp Magazine
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
Specifications
Mic Input Impedance: Approx. 2k
Suggested Source Impedance: Approx. 200 ohms
DI Input Impedance: 2M ohms
Internal Output impedance: 30-50 ohms (depends on gain setting)
Suggested Minimum Load: 500 ohms
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
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).
