Mercury M76m/1 MkIV Valve Studio Microphone Amplifier (1 CHANNEL)

The new Mercury M76m [Mk. IV] is the latest version of our benchmark 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 late 1950s and 60s. Later, after tube consoles where out of favor and replaced by 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, craftsmanship the M76m 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. IV] was stripped of a few vintage inspired, aesthetic extras extras of previous versions but 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 20+ years of 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 tubes 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 how the units behave, but 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 a 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 & 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) Reversal, 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.

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).

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.