The V72MP: A Masterclass in Vacuum Tube Engineering
The Stam Audio V72MP is an exhaustive, two-channel realization of the most revered microphone preamplifier in recording history: the German Telefunken V72.
Designed in the late 1940s by the Northwest German Broadcasting (NWDR) to serve as a standardized, fixed-gain block for radio, the V72 was never intended for the creative arts. However, its technical perfection—characterized by an expansive low-end, a creamy mid-range, and an effortless top-end—soon caught the attention of visionary engineers. It eventually became the sonic engine behind the REDD.37 console, cementing its legacy as the “Beatles sound” at Abbey Road Studios.
The original vintage units, while sonically peerless, were cumbersome “cassette” modules housed in heavy metallic blocks with no external controls. The Stam Audio V72MP preserves this prestigious DNA while evolving the form factor into a high-performance 1U rackmount system tailored for the modern professional.
Technical Architecture & Signal Integrity
At the heart of the V72MP lies a commitment to the original physics of the circuit. We have avoided the modern temptation to “clean up” the design with solid-state components, opting instead for a 100% discrete tube signal path.
The Input Stage & Impedance Matching:
True to the 1940s topology, we utilize a premium Moby input transformer (EU-made) with the historically accurate 50+50/47K ratio. Recognizing the diversity of modern microphone collections, we have integrated a selectable impedance switch. Users can choose between HI-Z 50 ohms (1:20) for ribbon and vintage dynamic mics or 200 ohms (1:10) for standard condenser microphones, ensuring optimal voltage transfer and transient response.
The EF86 Gain Stage:
The core amplification is handled by meticulously selected EF86 vacuum tubes. These pentodes are responsible for the V72’s famous “weight.” When pushed, they generate a complex, pleasing Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) that adds a three-dimensional depth to the audio—a quality that digital emulations consistently fail to replicate.
The Sowter Choke & Output Regulation:
A critical, often overlooked element of the original V72 is the filtering choke. We utilize a hand-made Sowter Choke from the UK to provide the necessary linearity and power supply stability. This is paired with a Sowter Output Transformer (76k/600ohms), which ensures the unit can drive long cable runs and modern A/D converters without losing signal authority or low-end punch.
Modern Workflow Enhancements
The V72MP solves the “integration nightmare” associated with vintage German modules. It replaces the primitive Tuchel connectors with standard XLR I/O and introduces essential studio tools:
Gain Staging Precision: While the original was a fixed 34dB gain block, the V72MP features an adjustable gain control and an output trim pot. This allows engineers to “drive” the tubes harder for more grit while attenuating the output to prevent clipping the DAW.
Integrated Instrument DI: The front panel features a dedicated High-Impedance (DI) input, passing through the transformer and tubes to give bass guitars and synthesizers a rich, harmonically saturated character.
Standard Features: Includes +48V Phantom Power with a dedicated LED indicator, a Polarity Reverse switch, and a high-impedance toggle.
No-Compromise Component Selection
Stam Audio’s philosophy is built on the belief that a replica is only as good as its weakest component. While competitors often use off-the-shelf Chinese transformers to reduce costs, the V72MP employs:
Sowter (UK) & Moby (EU) Transformers: Widely regarded as the world’s finest boutique audio transformers.
Ohmite Carbon Resistors: Chosen for their specific thermal noise characteristics that contribute to the “vintage” texture.
Vishay Capacitors: High-tolerance components that ensure long-term stability and phase coherence.
1% Precision Matching: Every resistor is hand-matched to ensure the two channels are perfectly balanced for stereo applications, such as drum overheads or orchestral recording.
The Stam Audio Promise
Investing in a tube preamplifier is a significant decision for any studio. Because we believe the ears are the final judge, the V72MP comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. We invite you to put this unit head-to-head against any original Telefunken V72 or high-end clone. If the sheer size and richness of the sound don’t win you over, we will provide a full refund—no questions asked.
Joel Izquierdo –
Do you have a single channel version?
Joel Izquierdo –
Awesome if it’s a single unit.
Eric –
Sounds amazing! Super super and really helps lower my ‘ssss’s and spikes. Just a super nice round sound with a little natural compression. Less needed later. It’s a beautiful preamp.
Steve Wytas – Dirt Floor Recording and Production –
I used to own (4) original Siemens V72 modules that were modified and racked in lunchboxes years ago, but I ended up selling them to fund other gear purchases. When I saw that Stam was reverse engineering the V72, I put my order in early. I remember my original V72s as a “slow” preamps that worked well with “fast” microphones. They sounded great on vocals and acoustic guitars. When my Stam V72 arrived, that was the first thing I tried with the preamp. I used a Neumann U87 on a vocal into the Stam 72 and WOW! Super clear and punchy, just like I remembered. The Stam adds a DI input that is great for bass guitar or keyboards as well as phase reverse, 48V, and an impedance switch to alter the tone. The unit is solidly built and lives in the preamp rack among the api, Neve, Focusrite, Vintech, and Millenia Media preamps. The V72 is not as clean and doesn’t provide a huge amount of gain like a Focusrite, but the unique tube vibe is there! The Stam V72 tube preamp is a nice addition to our solid state preamp collection at Dirt Floor Recording and Production and is used on a daily basis. Great job Joshua, Teo, and the team at Stam Audio! https://www.dirtfloorrecordingstudio.com/
Bill Hawks –
If you could pull this off in a 500 series form factor I would certainly buy a pair. Love my pair of 312-5T. I hope you you’ll consider a Stam-72 single in the 500 series form factor.