This is a sixties tube microphone preamp from the German company TAB which also built the V76 V76m V76s U73 and U73b.
The V72a is the advanced model of the V72 as it has a maximum gain of 40 dB (V72 has 34 dB) and the maximum output level is +22 dBU (V72 only +16 dBU).
- Switchable 48v Phantom Power
- 220/240v ready
- High Quality XLR connectors
- Racked in brushed aluminium case
We have a matched pair available: this buy it now listing is for 1 - please check out the 2nd unit listed separately here: http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/spunk_audio/m.html?item=292042443133&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562
Historical Details:
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).
TAB had modified the classic V72 to come up with the V72A, which uses a different pair of tubes, the EF95 and E180F. Unlike the fixed gain of the V72, the V72A has a variable gain from 24 to 44 dB. The V72A pairs well with the V76, with enough head room to handle its high output level. It has a better signal-to-noise ratio and less inter-modulation distortion than the V72, and is an excellent mastering amp.
Approximately 25,000 V72 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.
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.
Shipping
Will be shipped securely packed worldwide.
Collection in person possible.