M76m - Tube Studio Microphone Amplifier

The Mercury Recording Equipment M76m
Tube Studio Microphone Preamplifier

Overview

The new Mercury M76m is the latest version of our benchmark 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 1950s and 60s. 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 the M76m 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. Our new M76m is loaded with the tone and warmth utilizing the same high quality parts and 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 20+ years of 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 tubes 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 how the units behave, but 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 a 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 its 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 & 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, phase 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.

“The Mercury M76m has been our go-to preamp for pretty much everything since it arrived... it’s very flexible for a vintage style preamp. Used on drums, piano, synths and as a bass DI, the M76m is incredible.”

— John Hill, Florence + The Machine, Charli XCX, Eminem, Bleachers, and Phantogram

Tonal Characteristics

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 overhead applications.

The M76m is warm, 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 and guitars, giving you an amazing control to shape the amplifier's tone. Also, the M76m opens up your room and overhead mics. With 70dB (+/-) of total gain and the choice between high and low input impedance—ribbon mics love the M76m.

Design Notes

Mercury Recording Equipment products are not hybrid circuits, emulations of circuits, or "clones". We get the same sound, same tone and same musicality because we use the highest quality parts, all the tubes, and especially all the transformers in our products — like the vintage circuits we are paying homage to.

The Mercury M76m is a faithful recreation of the Vintage Telefunken / Siemens M76m Module. Using 30 years of experience repairing and custom racking the vintage modules.

“ While the vintage V76 modules are ‘sexy’ & known as the ‘holy grail’ of tube mic preamps… they are Sixty years old and have many flaws in their construction design. Also, they are neither flexible, nor easy to operate, and many parts are not replaceable. Mercury offers the same tone, & craftsmanship in a rock solid package with modern features and a far better power supply. The Mercury M72s & M76m are built to last longer like the originals were. ”  

- David Marquette, M.A.L.