The TAB-Funkenwerk V-78 is a general purpose amplifier that just happens to have about 3 times the headroom of most "vintage" mic-preamplifiers, like it's historic predecessor. TAB-Funkenwerk redesigned the historic V78 and modernized this classic design. While they moved a bit away from the classic design by using modern construction techniques like printed circuit boards, they received exceptionally positive feedback on their approach to PC board design, especially from hard core believers in "point to point wiring purists". This allowed TAB-Funkenwerk to build a modern and affordable, as well as reliable and wonderful sounding mic pre for studios on a budget (while of course being faithful to the classic TAB "V series" sound).

TAB-Funkenwerk started nearly ten years ago, their goal was to build an updated version of the classic V72S® design that could stand on its own, shoulder to shoulder next to a good working classic, with no apologies. They were very successful in attaining that goal. With the V-78M they have added a new features that were not incorporated in the historic V-78 modules, but left the rich opulent tone of the original modules in tact. While these units are far from a "clone", they are indeed true to a tradition of excellence.

The TAB-Funkenwerk V-78M is built around the same set of transformers as their V72S which are a large portion of their full and rich tone. TAB-Funkenwerk then added an input sensitivity adjust (which some people might call an impedance selector) to give the mic pre operator more flexibility. The result is an amplifier that is capable of a wide range of applications due to it's color and harmonics. This new feature, combined with an 11 position gain control give the net result of uncompromising headroom, audio resolution and plenty of gain. It also allows the input sensitivity to be changed so you can use the V-78M with everything from a ribbon mic, to a modern, high output condenser mic, or even give the user the ability to strap it across a mix buss, or add it to a mastering chain.

One of the more notable features where TAB-Funkenwerk did not cut any corners on is the ramped 48V phantom, proven for years on their V72S "Ramping" up the phantom power protects the output transformer from unnecessary stress, which helps extend the life of the output transformer (aside from saving the monitors a loud pop every time 48V is applied).

Packaged in a 19 inch enclosure, and powered by a set of two Telefunken NOS [New Old Stock] tubes, the input stage is equipped with a EF806s made in the Berlin factory, the output handles a EF844s, a special version of the EF804s made in the Ulm factory. The input and output transformers employed by TAB-Funkenwerk are made on the same transformer winding machines as the transformers from the historic modules in TAB-Funkenwerk Gaylord, KS facility.

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