Phoenix Audio Ascent - 1 Microphone Preamp with DI

Hi-fidelity transformerless mic input stage

Phoenix Audio's proprietary electronically balanced, transformerless mic input circuit handles fast transients while maintaining the smooth, warm, creamy characteristics that endear Class A mic preamps to recording engineers. Handily outperforming transformer-coupled designs in both frequency response and slew rate, the Phoenix Ascent Two captures articulate, full-bodied, and punchy input signals, allowing you to drive the output stage for an immense range of pure Class A tone, from modern audiophile clarity to vintage-flavored warmth — and everything in-between.

Masterful transformer-balanced output stage

Phoenix Audio couples their custom-wound DB694 output transformer to a fully discrete, proprietary DSOP-2 output amplifier, itself a direct descendant of the renowned TF1 amp that Phoenix chief designer David Rees developed as an upgrade for vintage Neve 80 Series console modules. Outperforming the TF1, the DSOP-2 represents a pinnacle of Class A output circuit design, offering a seamless tonal range from ultra-clean to gorgeously saturated.

The high-impedance DI circuit

The Phoenix Ascent Two includes a DI circuit with a very high 10 Mohm input impedance that notably features no field effect transistors. This design does not load guitar and bass pickups and allows the natural sound of both vintage and modern instruments to shine, while actually enhancing the tone with glimmer and growl as if you were plugged into your favorite amp. Synthesizers, drum machines, and even computer audio outputs can likewise be sweetened by the Ascent One direct input.

Easy, intuitive operation in the studio or on the road

Because you're starting with an immaculate and robust electronically balanced input signal, the Ascent One makes it easy, quick, and intuitive to dial in the perfect sound for any source. The stepped input gain controls give you reliable settings recall, and with 70db of gain on tap, you can use your low-output ribbon mics on quiet sources. The variable output fader provides an additional 10dB of gain, simplifying your gain structure so you can zero in on the right sounds without getting tied up in complex gain staging. Drive the versatile DSOP-2 output stage to taste, dialing in vintage flavor as desired. Modern or vintage — with the Phoenix Audio Ascent One mic preamp/DI, you've got the best of both worlds.