Mercury M76m - CSV

The Mercury M76m-CSV (CustomShop Version) is Mercury's benchmark, valve Studio Microphone Amplifier.The M76m is based on one of the most sought after vintage amplifiermodules, the ‘Telefunken/Siemens’ V76m. These modules were used inEuropean 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 asoutboard mic amps and used in the studios around the world.

Inspired by the vintage tone, craftsmanship and practicality of theoriginal, modular, tube amplifier from the console. We wanted to payhomage in every detail. From the color of paint, to the style of ventingused, to the nickel platted handles that were used to remove it fromthe slotted DIN rack on the console side. Bringing back the sound, lookand feel that inspired not only this product but Mercury as a company,to manufacture recording equipment and keep this and other belovedcircuits alive to make more music for another generation.

Drawing on nearly 20 years experience, repairing, rebuilding, and mostimportantly listening to the ‘Telefunken/Siemens’ V76 modules it was ourfirst priority to build a modern Studio Microphone Amplifier thatsounds identical to the original. Mercury Recording Equipment Co. keptthe integrity of the original circuit, the M76m has the same open, warmtonality created with the transformer balanced, dual stage, high gainamplifier, and uses four transformers and four tube per channel. We areconfident we have built what is quite possibly the ultimate combinationof vintage sound and modern features in a modern tube microphoneamplifier. 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: LevelControl and High/Low Impedance switch never available on any module, oreven custom racked units, the Mercury M76m is the benchmark of moderntube microphone amplifiers.

"With it's stellar sound, faithfulness to the original V76, unique tonalflexibility, and helpful array of modern conveniences, the M76m couldvery 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 6dBincrements, works in conjunction with the Level Control and OutputAttenuation. The Level Control, which will work as a ‘fader’, increasing(clockwise) and decreasing (counter clockwise) the amount of gain fromthe first stage to the second stage of the amplifier. This also allowsyou the ability to add musical (tube) “break up” by decreasing yourlevel (control) and increasing the (course) gain. The Output AttenuationControl (-0 to -10dB) has been added for even more control, includingthe ability shape tones in several different ways, if desired, whichworks well on electric guitar recordings. We have also added anImpedance Select Switch for both high and low impedance devices, as wellas all the staple features one expects from a modern piece of equipmentwere added. Phantom Power (on/off) , Phase (Polarity) Reversal, and ouramazing sounding F.D.I. (FET Direct Input) Circuit.

The Mercury FDI (FET Direct Input), a proprietary J-Fet circuit, basedon a class-A tube topology. The Mercury FDI is designed to reproduceevery nuance of a direct recording, while the circuit lets the tube orsolid-state character of the amplifier determine the overall tone. Theinstrument DI signal is sent through the entire microphone preampcircuitry, including Mercury’s custom, massive input transformers, sothat the individual character of each preamp comes through.

About Mercury Custom Shop
Mercury Recording Equipment Co. was started with inspiration of warmtones, quality craftsmanship and the classic aesthetics from the vintagerecording equipment used and appreciated for the past 60 years torecord music. Mercury tenaciously created our line as close to originalsound, build quality and aesthetic as we could with a new build. Weadded some features more for aesthetic purposes then functionality whichhave been very appreciated by vintage gear aficionados. But, thoseaesthetic ‘extras’ add additional costs to each product.

So to help keep costs down, and make our world class products moreaffordable we will offer two versions of some products. Neither willcompromise the standard of quality Mercury is known for, or the sound.Because the circuit and parts internally are both exactly the same inevery way. Mercury and our dealer network will offer the new M72s (Mk.III) as our standard model and the M72s-CSV (Custom Shop Version) withaesthetic 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, ifyou are looking for the vintage vibe, all those features are stillproudly offered on the M76m-CSV (Custom Shop Version).

"This is my way of compromising without compromising... offering bothversions of some products. Trying to keep alive the original vision Ihad for Mercury providing premium quality recording products, with thevintage look, tone and musicality only found in the past, and doing thisas 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, agreat push in the mid range and a open airy top end. The M72sperformance is great on Vocals, Bass, Drums, Acoustic and ElectricGuitars 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 shineson Vocals, Bass, Piano and Guitars giving you an amazing of control toshape the amplifier's tone. As well the M76m opens up your room and overhead mics. With 70dB (+/-) of total gain and the choice High and LowInput Impedance, so ribbon mics love the the M76m.

Gain
The M72s has 28dB to 58dB with -16 and -28dB Input Pad and the M76m hasnearly 70dB, with the 60dB input gain, and Level Control and the Lowimpedance selected (+6dB).