Phoenix Audio Ascent 500 Series Microphone Preamp (Demo Deal)

The Phoenix Audio Ascent 500 Series Microphone Preamp takes a modern approach to Class A circuit design that delivers a wide range of tones without sacrificing the beloved vibe of true Class A design. The unique Ascent circuit can go from ultra-clean sounds suitable for audiophile recordings all the way to the warm, saturated tones reminiscent of the UK’s most heralded vintage designs. Versatility and superior sound have made the Ascent preamp top-tier choice for engineers around the world and a modern day classic.

HI-FI TRANSFORMERLESS MIC INPUT STAGE

Phoenix's exclusive electronically-balanced, transformerless mic input circuit delivers fast transients and the full frequency spectrum (from sub-bass to the highest air band), while still delivering the full, warm and smooth characteristics that make engineers love Class A mic preamps. Boldly outperforming transformer-based designs in both the frequency response and slew rate, the DRS delivers articulate, punchy and full-bodied input signals, allowing you to drive the output stage for a vast range of pure Class A tones—from bold clarity to vintage warmth, and everything in-between. With a very high mic impedance of 10K, it is the perfect companion for ribbon mics and dynamics mic that often need specialist mic pre amps, the Shure SM7B particularly shines.

LEGENDARY TRANSFORMER-BALANCED OUTPUT STAGE

The custom-wound DB694 output transformer is coupled to Phoenix’s proprietary, fully discrete DSOP-2 output amplifier. The DSOP-2 is a direct descendent of the venerable TF1 amp which Phoenix’s Audio designers, Shaun Leveque and David Rees, developed originally as an upgrade for vintage Neve modules. Going beyond the TF1, the DSOP2 is the pinnacle of Class A output circuit design, offering up a smooth transition from ultra-clean to beautifully saturated tones.

EASY AND INTUITIVE IN THE STUDIO

Because you’re working with a clean, robust, electronically-balanced input signal, the Ascent Mic Preamp makes dialing in your exact sound easy, intuitive and quick. By working the familiar stepped input gain control (up to 70 dB alone) and the -15 dB pad against the variable output fader (which provides an additional 10 dB of gain), you can dial in your preferred tones without having to consider an overly complex gain architecture. It’s all about driving the versatile DSOP-2 output stage to your exacting tastes, whatever they may be in any given moment. Like so many other engineers, you’ll find yourself reaching for the Ascent Mic Preamp/DI over and over again to reliably deliver a vast array of outstanding sounds for any instrument or voice you’re recording.

VARI-FILTER CONTROL

Powerful variable high pass filter from 45 Hz to 250 Hz allowing you the ability to control and shape tones of all types.

VOCAL SHAPING EQUALIZER

Uniquely designed vocal shaping Equalizer effects designed to benefit the vocalist with powerful equalizer controls including our classic Sheen control perfected or vocal recording with huge gain range control that always sounds musical and never harsh.

FEATURES:

• Phoenix Audio’s unique Class A, transformerless, true-balanced mic input stage
• Phoenix Audio’s transformer-balanced DSOP-2 Class A discrete output stage with custom wound DB694 output transformer -15 dB input pad
• LED gain metering
• Push buttons: Hi-Pass, 48V, Phase Reverse, Switchable 48V phantom power on push-button switch
• Vocal shaping EQ, ±16 dB of gain control on selectable frequency switch : 10K, 15K & Sheen (25K)
• Variable high pass filter on push-button switch (roll-off -6 dB per octave @45 to 250 Hz)
• Phase reverse on push-button switch
• Gain range: -30 to -70 in 5 dB steps with 10 dB more available on the output fader
• Output = +26 dBu @1 kHz, noise = -90 dB @20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Frequency response mic input stage: -0.4 dB @40 Hz, -0.3 dB @25 kHz
• Frequency response Class A (DSOP-2) output stage: 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.5 dB, maximum
• 24V built PSU so you can feel the sound of the ‘true’ unit and not be limited by the limitations of running at 16V which is the standard Lunchbox voltage