Mercury M72S #0141 (Used)

The Mercury M72s is based on the very rare V72s module used in consoles due to a minimal amount made. The more common V72 amplifier modules (not marked with 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. We have nearly 20 years experience with the amplifiers and feel we have captured the essence not only of how the units behave, but of how they sound overall. We are confident that the addition of modern features makes the M72s much more versatile, without sacrificing the most important feature: Musicality.

Mercury M72s 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 pre-amp circuitry, including Mercury’s custom, massive input transformers, so that the individual character of each pre-amp 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).

"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 exceeded my expectations". - David Marquette (Marquette Audio Labs / Mercury Recording Equipment Co. )

"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.â€ - 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

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: 2x EF806s, 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).