Phoenix Audio Ascent-1 - Class A Mic Pre

Phoenix Audio Ascent-1

The Phoenix Audio Ascent-1 is a desktop Class A Microphone Pre-amp. 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

Phoenix Audio'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 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

Phoenix Audio's 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 favourite 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 70db alone) and the -30dB pad against the variable output fader (which provides an additional 10dB 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.

Specifications

• 1U half rack space unit: With 240V/110V mains voltage input selector switch (optional 19" rack kit)
• Class A (DSOP2) Output specs.
• Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz +- 0.5dB, Maximum Output = +26dBu @ 1kHz, Noise = -90dB @ 20Hz to 20kHz.
• Output connections: XLR’s and TRS 1/4″ Jack on rear
• Phoenix Audio’s unique Class A, transformerless, True balanced Mic input stage. Microphone inputs: XLR’s on Front and Rear Panels
• Phoenix Audio’s unique Class A, transformerless, True balanced Mic input stage.
• Microphone inputs: XLR’s on Front and Rear Panels
• Individual Earth Lift: Push-button Switches
• Gain Range (Mic input): -30 to -70 in 5dB steps With 10dB more available on the fader.
• Gain reduction: -15dB push-button pad switch (Mic input only)
• High Input Impedance DI: Mono 1/4″ Jack on front panel
• Gain Meter: LED Metering. (Green = 0dB, Red= +8dB, corresponding to “4” and “6” on a PPM Meter).
• Phantom Power: Switchable phantom on Push-button Switche
• High Pass Filter: on Push-button Switch 
• Vari-filter control 70hz to 400hz on a 21 position detented control
• Phase Reverse: on Push-button Switch
• Frequency Response Mic Input Stage: -0.4dB @ 40Hz, -0.3dB @ 25kHz
• Frequency Response: DI Input Stage: -0.3dB @ 40Hz, – 0.5dB @ 25kHz
• Typical Headroom: +26dB on Mic-Pre stage
• DI Stage gain: Maximum of 30dB
• All units are wired with PTFE silver plated military grade cable