Phoenix Audio Ascent One Microphone Preamp/DI

A Versatile, Modern Class-A Mic Preamp/DI

The Phoenix Audio Ascent One 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/DI a top-tier choice for engineers around the world and a modern day classic.

Hi-Fi Transformerless Mic Input Stage

The 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 Ascent 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.

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 head-designer, David Rees, developed 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.

Ultra-High Impedance DI Circuit

The Ascent mic pre series include very high input impedance DI circuits (10Mohm)—remarkably featuring no FETs—on every channel. This design means that guitar and bass pickups are not loaded, allowing the natural sound of both modern and vintage instruments to shine and actually enhancing the sound, sparkle and growl as if they were plugged into your favorite amp. Synths, drum machines, and even laptops can likewise be sweetened by the Ascent's DI.

Easy and Intuitive In The Studio

Because you're working with a clean, robust, electronically-balanced input signal, the Ascent Mic Preamp/DI 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 -30 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 70 Hz to 400 Hz allowing you the ability to control and shapes tones of all types.

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
• Wired with PTFE silver plated military grade cable
• -15 dB input pad
• LED Gain Metering
• Push buttons: Hi-Pass, Phase Reverse, Switchable 48 V phantom power on push-button switch
• High Pass Filter on Push-button Switch (Roll-off -6 dB per octave @ 80 Hz)
• Phase Reverse on Push-Button Switch
• Mic Pre Gain Range: -30 to -70 in 5 dB steps With 10dB more available on the detented ouput 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