The Mercury M76m-CSV (Custom
Shop Version) is Mercury's benchmark, valve Studio Microphone Amplifier.
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 late 1950’s and 60’s.
Later, after tube consoles where out of favor and replaced by 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, craftsmanship and practicality of the
original, modular, tube amplifier from the console. We wanted to pay
homage 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 Mercury as a company,
to manufacture recording equipment and keep this and other beloved
circuits alive to make more music for another generation.
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.
"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
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) Reversal, 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.
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: 3U
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).
