Phoenix Audio DRS-1R/500 500 Series Microphone Preamp

Phoenix Audio DRS-1R/500 500 Series Microphone Preamp

500 Series Mic Preamp/DI with Class A Circuit Path, Transformerless Mic Input Stage, Transformer-balanced Output Stage, and 24V Onboard PSU

Next-gen 500 Series Class A Mic Pre

The Phoenix Audio DRS1R-500 is a single-channel 500 Series mic preamp/DI that takes a decidedly modern approach to Class A circuit design to serve up a broad tonal palette while retaining its vintage vibe. Featuring an electronically balanced, transformerless input circuit and discrete, transformer-balanced output stage, the DRS1R-500's superior sonics, operational ease, versatility, and tonal dexterity have made it a favorite — and it's no mystery why. From audiophile clean to classic British saturation, the Phoenix DRS1R-500 does it all with poise and panache.

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 DRS1R-500 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 DRS1R-500 DRS1R-500 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 DRS1R-500's direct input.

Onboard power supply for 19" rackmount performance

Boasting a feature set that goes beyond what you'd expect in a state-of-the-art 500 Series preamp, the Phoenix Audio DRS1R-500 includes a polarity reverse switch, 48V phantom power, LED gain metering, and plenty of gain (70dB) on tap for your lower-output mics. Of particular note is the inclusion of a 24V onboard power supply, which avoids the limitations of running at the standard 16V 500 Series voltage and guarantees optimal Class A operation identical to its rackmount stablemates. Featuring low current draw from your 500 Series chassis power rail, Phoenix Audio's 24V PSU implementation in their 500 Series modules is approved by the API VPR Alliance, giving you peace of mind — and 500 Series convenience without compromise.

Easy, intuitive operation in the studio or on the road

Because you're starting with an immaculate and robust electronically balanced input signal, the DRS1R-500 makes it easy, quick, and intuitive to dial in the perfect sound for any source. The stepped input gain control gives 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 DRS1R-500 mic preamp/DI, you've got the best of both worlds.

Phoenix Audio DRS1R-500 Mic Preamp/DI Features:

• Single-channel 500 Series module
• Not standalone — requires compatible 500 Series chassis
• Class A, transformerless, electronically balanced mic input stage
• Transformer-coupled discrete DSOP-2 Class A output stage with custom-wound DB694 output transformer
• Wired with mil-spec, silver-plated PTFE cable
• 70dB of mic gain; additional 10dB of output gain
• 10 Mohm Class A DI
• 30dB input pad
• Highpass filter: -6dB/octave @ 120Hz
• LED gain metering
• Polarity reverse switch
• Switchable 48V phantom power
• API VPR Alliance-approved, with low current draw and 24V onboard PSU, guaranteeing optimal Class A operation identical to rackmount version
• Onboard 24V PSU avoids the limitations of running at the standard 16V 500 Series voltage

STL PRO AUDIO is the Authorised NZ Distributor for Phoenix Audio.