TAB/Telefunken V76 Microphone Preamp 4-Channel Racked Set #2464/2414/5919/3094 (Vintage)

The TAB V76 was designed and manufactured by TAB, introduced in 1956 and the head of its own sub-family. Essentially the V76 is a pair of V72s in series, capable of 76 dB of gain, (hence the name). The gain is switchable in 12 steps of 6 dB increments. The V76 has a shelf EQ at 80 Hz and 300 Hz, or a combination of the two. There are also built-in cutoffs at 40 Hz and 15 kHz (these can be bypassed to realize frequency response from 10 Hz to 35 kHz, but it is arguable if this mod is desirable or not). The gain circuit combines variable feedback and input attenuation to provide low noise across the gain range. The higher gain is thanks to an E83F pentode and a trio of EF804 tubes, instead of the pair found in the V72.

When the V76/120 was introduced, the original V76 began to be called the V76/80 to distinguish the two at a quick glance. This is why early units are engraved V76, and later units as V76/80. The changeover occurred somewhere between serial numbers 1050 to 1175. The V76 and the V76/80 are the same unit. The V76/120 was introduced by TAB in 1960, this model has a shelf EQ at 120 Hz, and also at 300 Hz, as well as the ability to combine the two settings. Nearly identical to the V76, except for the different filter choke for the cut off frequency. This unit was designed for television studios and became a standard in TV production.

The Studio Electronics TAB/Telefunken V76m Rack has full compatibility with all V76, V76m, and most other variants of the V76 series. The female Tuchel sockets float on the rear panel, to accommodate small variations in module dimensions and prevent damage to the module. Each channel includes a Phase Reverse switch, 20 dB Pad, and Output Trim (with 20 dB of range). Each module is powered with 220 volts AC, as specified by Telefunken. The top and bottom covers each include two perforated panels, allowing cool air to enter from below, and hot air to exit from the top. For durability, all labeling on the front and rear panels is engraved and hand painted, not just silkscreened. Telefunken modules are heavy (nearly 12 pounds each) so this rack was designed to be both strong and tight, to safely house or transport a full set of four.

THE V72/V76 HISTORY: TIME-HONORED PRE AMPS

The V72 and V76 microphone preamps from TAB/Telefunken are two of the most time honored pieces of gear in recording history. From their creation in 1950s Germany to their use in the world’s most famous studios, these beautiful, rich sounding tube mic pres have become a staple on kick, snare, vocals, bass, etc. Continue on down the page to learn about the history of these mic pres and their family of variations.

The V76 is a direct descendant of the famous V72 preamplifier. The V72 was originally developed by North West German Radio and the Institute of Broadcast Technology of Hamburg between the years 1949-1952. Designed as a microphone and main studio amplifier, the V72 uses dual EF804S tubes and has a fixed gain of 34dB. It was used with a high pass filter as a mic preamp, and as a buffering amplifier to make up for losses from a passive fader EQ. When the V76 arrived, the V72 was generally used only for buffering in broadcast applications. In the mid 50s both the Siemens and TAB companies began manufacturing the units for Telefunken, and the V72 became the standard preamp in German radio stations, while its cousin the V72s was being used extensively by companies like Decca and EMI, (most famously by the Beatles in the REDD 37 console).

Approximately 25,000 units were built for domestic use in Germany, and many more for export. By 1963, its reign had come to an end, as the age of transistors had arrived, and the V72 was replaced by the V72t (’T’ for transistor). Siemens continued to build the V72 until 1964, and the V72b until 1966. TAB continued to build the V72 until the mid 1970s.

Several different amplifiers were made on the basic V72 circuit platform, including the V71, V76 and V77. Other members of the V72 family, with different circuitry, are the ‘A’, ‘B’, & ‘S’ versions of the V72, as well as the V70, V74A and V77B.

The TAB V76 is basically a pair of V72 modules placed in series with some extra control features. The V76 has more gain than a V72, (76 dB compared to 34dB), and has a switchable input pad, which provides for 6 dB steps for gain in 12 positions. The designation V76/80 comes from the fact that there is a Low Shelf at 80 Hz, (the V76/120 has a shelf at 120 Hz).

At the dawn of the 1960s, AEG-Telefunken was a major manufacturer of broadcast equipment, and their systems were found in radio stations around the globe. The venerable V72 and its relatives were an important part of these facilities: rugged, dependable, quality units that stayed in operation for decades, and are still highly valued today.

Learn more about this legendary piece of recording history.

FEATURES:

• Includes two V76/80 microphone preamplifier modules and two V76/120 microphone preamplifier modules
• Housed in a Studio Electronics TAB/Telefunken V76m Rack
• Classic all-tube preamps capable of up to 76 dB of gain with 12-position, 6 dB stepped gain switching
• Gain circuit combines variable feedback and input attenuation for consistently low-noise operation across the gain range
• Tube complement includes one E83F pentode and three EF804 tubes per module for high-gain, low-noise performance
• V76/80 modules feature selectable 80 Hz and 300 Hz shelf EQ
• V76/120 modules feature selectable 120 Hz and 300 Hz shelf EQ
• Built-in 40 Hz low-frequency cutoff and 15 kHz high-frequency cutoff, with the ability to bypass filters for extended frequency response (10 Hz–35 kHz)
• The V76/120 variant was originally developed for broadcast television studios, becoming a standard in TV production
• Rack is fully compatible with V76, V76/80, V76/120, V76m, and most other V76-series modules.
• Dedicated controls for each channel include Phase Reverse, 20 dB Pad, and 20 dB Output Trim
• Each module is powered with 220 VAC, matching original Telefunken specifications
• Ventilated enclosure with perforated top and bottom panels promotes efficient airflow and cooling
• Engraved and hand-painted front and rear panel labeling for long-term durability
• Heavy-duty rack construction engineered to securely support and transport four vintage modules weighing nearly 12 lb each