Mercury Recording Equipment Company
M72s - Custom Shop Version
Studio Microphone Amplifiers
The M72s-CSV is based on the most sought after vintage amplifier module—the Telefunken/Siemens V72s—which is most famous for being installed in REDD.37 consoles, used on all the early Beatles 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 in every detail. From the color of paint, to the style of venting used, to the nickel plated 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 20+ years of experience with the amplifiers and feel we have captured not only how the units behave, but 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
“After building hundreds 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.”
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-CSV 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 FDI (FET Direct Input) circuit per channel.
The Mercury FDI (FET Direct Input) is 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-CSV has the rich lows and punchy mids giving you that 'instant' vocal tone, or assisting with a realistic acoustic guitar tone, punch to 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-CSV Studio Microphone Amplifier has that "vintage" tone and break up like the original circuit but it is a bit more musical over all (not cleaner, but more musical—there is a huge difference).
“The M72s sounds every bit as good as an original V72s, imparting that nice pillowy softness that is so difficult to get...”
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.
“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.”
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 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. M72s [Mk. III] is our standard model and the M72s-CSV (Custom Shop Version) has aesthetic extras to look and feel like the vintage models.
“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
“Having used the Mercury M72s I now see no need to scour Eastern Europe to search for the last of the original units.”
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 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.
Gain
The M72s has 28dB to 58dB with -16 and -28dB input pad, and the M76m has nearly 70dB, with 60dB input gain, plus level control and low impedance selected (+6dB).
Pricing
Mercury M72s CSV
Dual Channel Studio Microphone Amplifier
LIST PRICE: $6,348
US STREET PRICE: $5,548
SPECIAL ORDER - ONLY AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME