Mercury Recording M76m CSV - Custom Shop Version Dual Mono Tube Studio Microphone Amplifiers

The big brother to the M72, a modern recreation of the original German designed Telefunken / Siemens amplifier module.

The Mercury M76m-CSV [Custom Shop Version] is the latest version of Mercury's benchmark Studio Microphone Amplifier. The M76m-CSV 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 were 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 and practicality of the original, modular, tube amplifier from the console. Mercury wanted to pay homage in every detail. From the color of paint, to the style of venting used, to the nickel platted handles that were used to remove it from the slotted DIN rack on the console side. Bringing back the sound, look and feel that inspired not only this product but Mercury as a company, to manufacture recording equipment and keep this and other beloved circuits alive to make more music for another generation.

Drawing on 20+ years of experience repairing, rebuilding, and most importantly listening to the Telefunken/Siemens V76 modules it was Mercury's 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. They are confident They have built what is quite possibly the ultimate combination of vintage sound and modern features in a modern tube microphone amplifier and feel they 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 & 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.

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 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. M72s [Mk. III] is our standard model and the M72s-CSV (Custom Shop Version) has aesthetic extras to look and feel like the vintage models.

“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