Mercury M76m Studio Microphone Amplifier #0136 (Used)

The new Mercury M76m (Mk. III) is the latest version of Mercury's benchmark, tube Mercury 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 1960’s. Later, after tube consoles where out of favor and replaced by smaller (yet with more channels), 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 and craftsmanship of the classic, the Mercury M76m (Mk. III) 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. The new M76m (Mk. III) has a new look but same stellar tone and craftsmanship and still proudly built in the USA. We only simplified the look of the front panel by deleting the vintage inspired, aesthetic extras of the M76m MK II, which is still available on the M76m-CSV (custom shop version). Most importantly, the M76m (Mk III) is still loaded with the same exact tone and warmth utilizing the same exact circuit, same quality parts and same 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 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.

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) Reverse, 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.

"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

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).)