Phoenix Audio ASCENT 500 Series Mic Preamp
A Versatile, Modern Class-A Mic Preamp
The Phoenix Ascent Mic 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 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 a full frequency spectrum (from sub-bass to the highest air band), while still offering the warmth and smoothness characteristic of Class-A mic preamps. Outperforming transformer-based designs in both frequency response and slew rate, the Ascent delivers articulate, punchy, and full-bodied input signals, allowing you to drive the output stage for a wide range of Class-A tones—from bold clarity to vintage warmth. With a high mic impedance of 10K, it’s the perfect companion for ribbon mics and dynamic mics like the Shure SM7B.
Legendary Transformer-Balanced Output Stage
The custom-wound DB694 output transformer is paired with Phoenix Audio’s proprietary, fully discrete DSOP-2 output amplifier. The DSOP-2, designed by Phoenix Audio’s Shaun Leveque & David Rees, is a modern descendant of the TF1 amp, originally developed as an upgrade for vintage Neve modules. The DSOP-2 offers a smooth transition from ultra-clean to beautifully saturated tones, making it the pinnacle of Class-A output circuit design.
Easy and Intuitive In The Studio
The Ascent Mic Preamp’s clean, electronically-balanced input signal makes it easy to dial in your desired sound. By adjusting the stepped input gain control (up to 70dB) and the -15dB pad with the variable output fader (offering an additional 10dB of gain), you can achieve your preferred tones without dealing with a complex gain structure. It’s all about driving the DSOP-2 output stage to your exacting taste, whether you need clean, transparent tones or rich, saturated warmth.
Vari-Filter Control
A powerful variable high-pass filter from 45Hz to 250Hz gives you the ability to shape and control a variety of tones.
Vocal Shaping Equalizer
The Phoenix Ascent 500 Series Mic Preamp features a uniquely designed vocal shaping equalizer, offering powerful EQ controls tailored to benefit vocal recordings. The vocal EQ includes a Sheen control for boosting high frequencies, with huge gain range control that always sounds musical and never harsh.
Features of Ascent 500 Mic Preamp
- 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
- -15dB input pad
- LED Gain Metering
- Push buttons: Hi-Pass, 48V, Phase Reverse, and switchable 48V phantom power
- Vocal shaping EQ: 16dB +/- gain control with selectable frequency switch (10K, 15K, Sheen 25K)
- Variable High Pass Filter: 45Hz to 250Hz, roll-off at -6dB per octave
- Phase Reverse on Push-Button Switch
- Mic Pre Gain Range: -30dB to -70dB in 5dB steps with 10dB more available on the output fader
- Maximum Output: +26dBu @ 1kHz
- Noise: -90dB @ 20Hz to 20kHz
- Frequency Response (Mic Input Stage): -0.4dB @ 40Hz, -0.3dB @ 25kHz
- Frequency Response (Class A DSOP-2 Output Stage): 20Hz to 20kHz +/- 0.5dB
- 24V built PSU for true Class-A performance without limitations from standard 16V Lunchbox voltage
