True to their “No Cloning” philosophy, the Sonic Farm Berliner takes the revered V76 legacy and elevates it to unprecedented heights. We retain only the essential elements required to achieve that coveted “to kill for” tonality, while addressing issues of inconsistency, unreliability, and one-dimensional functionality.
At the forefront, you’ll find a dual pentode variable gain stage boasting regulated bias and powered by EF86/EF806 tubes (in lieu of the discontinued EF804). This stage impeccably mirrors the behaviour and sonic character of the original.
However, the output stage is a hybrid design borrowed from the Creamer. Lacking the step-down transformer, it faithfully maintains the sweetness and precision inherent in the initial stage. Notably, it provides both transformer-coupled and transformerless (switchable) output options.
To broaden its versatility, instrument (DI) inputs have been thoughtfully integrated onto the front panel, and dedicated line input transformers have been incorporated. This strategic addition enables the Berliner to not only elevate microphones but also lend its warm touch to your mix.
The degree of detail unveiled by the Sonic Farm Berliner is nothing short of astonishing. All this while maintaining the captivating warmth of tubes. It not only meets but surpasses the aspirations of engineers in search of the finest V76 unit on the vintage market. Moreover, it introduces novel features that even classical tube preamps could scarcely envision.