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Phoenix Audio Ascent One EQ Class-A Mono Microphone Preamplifier/DI

BH #PHASCENTOEQ • MFR #ASCENT ONE EQ
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Phoenix Audio Ascent One EQ Class-A Mono Microphone Preamplifier/DI
Key Features
  • Class-A, Transformerless Mic Input Stage
  • DSOP-2 Class-A Discrete Output Stage
  • 4-Bands Gyratory-Based EQ
  • 16 dB Cut/Boost per Band in 21 Positions
The Ascent One EQ Class-A Mono Microphone Pre-Amplifier/DI from Phoenix Audio takes a modern approach to Class-A circuit design and adds a gyrator-based EQ with frequency centers to deliver a wide range of tones without sacrificing the beloved vibe of true Class-A design. It can be used to tailor your sound with all microphones including ribbons and dynamic mics to drive the output stage for a vast range of pure Class-A tones—from bold clarity to vintage warmth—in broadcast TV or recording studio applications.
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Phoenix Audio Ascent One Overview

The Ascent One EQ Class-A Mono Microphone Pre-Amplifier/DI from Phoenix Audio takes a modern approach to Class-A circuit design and adds a gyrator-based EQ with frequency centers to deliver a wide range of tones without sacrificing the beloved vibe of true Class-A design. It can be used to tailor your sound with all microphones including ribbons and dynamic mics to drive the output stage for a vast range of pure Class-A tones—from bold clarity to vintage warmth—in broadcast TV or recording studio applications.

Featuring a -15 dB input pad, LED gain metering, and push buttons for Hi-Pass Filter, Phase Reverse, and 48V phantom power, the Ascent One EQ microphone preamplifier offers a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Other features include: XLR and TS 1/4" DI input connectors, XLR and TRS 1/4" output jacks on the rear panel. Additionally, the Vari-Filter Control allows you to control and shape tones of all types.

The Ascent One EQ Class-A Mono Microphone Preamplifier/DI EQ section offers 16 dB of EQ cut/boost per band with fully detented pots in 21 frequency positions. The gyrator-based EQ frequency centers include 4 bands: High—25, 15, and 10 kHz; Hi Mid—6, 3, and 1 kHz; Low Mid—800, 400, and 200 Hz; and Low—130, 80, and 40 Hz. Finally, the unit is wired with PTFE silver-plated military-grade cable, and a power cord is included.

Versatile, Modern Class-A Mic Preamp/DI
The Phoenix Ascent One EQ 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 Ascent circuit can go from ultraclean sounds suitable for audiophile recordings all the way to the warm, saturated tones reminiscent of the UK's most heralded vintage designs.
Hi-Fi Transformerless Mic Input Stage
The mic preamp's 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 One EQ 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.
Transformer-Balanced Output Stage
The 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 (10 MOhms) on every channel, remarkably featuring no FETs. This design means that guitar and bass pickups are not loaded, allowing the natural sound of both modern and vintage instruments to shine and enhance 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
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 can also provide an additional 10 dB of gainif you need it), 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.
Vari-Filter Control
Powerful variable high-pass filter from 80 Hz to 400 Hz allowing you the ability to control and shape tones of all types.
An EQ As Versatile As It Is Unique
Phoenix Audio's Mono Ascent Gyrator EQ is one of today's most unique and musical EQs, allowing a variety of sounds useful for everything from clean high-headroom mixbus tone-shaping, to deep frequency carving, to smooth Class-A circuit saturation.
4-Bands of Gyration
The modern day Phoenix Ascent Gyrator EQ gives you High, High-Mid, Low-Mid, and Low-frequency bands, each notched to proven frequencies from a shimmering 25 kHz down to 40 Hz. There's also a high-pass filter at 80 Hz, which can eliminate rumble or be used against low-end boosts for an extra range of unique EQ curves (think: Pultec). Even at extreme boosts and cuts, the Ascent Gyrator EQ's musical filters maintain the core quality of your original signal, allowing you to make bold, gut-level EQ moves that won't sound harsh, slurred, or out of phase.
Drive the Output Circuit for More Tone Shaping
Phoenix Audio's DSOP-2 output amplifier, with its custom wound transformer, can deliver everything from ultraclean signals with abundant headroom to fat, fully-saturated tones. By lowering the input attenuator and boosting the output signal, one can drive the DSOP-2 output stage for a wide variety of lush, Class-A saturation. Or, do the opposite—back off on the output while boosting the input—and you'll get huge, clean, hi-fi tones
Versatile and Effortless, Day After Day
The Ascent Gyrator EQ keeps the input signal clean, making it possible for an engineer to keep tones transparent or saturate them to taste. Importantly, doing so is effortless and intuitive due to the Ascent Gyrator's straightforward design and unerring musicality.
Sheen Control
The sheen control brings life and vitality to your vocals and instruments by adding a super high-frequency boost or cut and adding a sheen.
UPC: 757440437483

Phoenix Audio Ascent One Specs

Frequency Response
20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.5 dB
Maximum Output
+26 dBu @ 1 kHz
Noise
-90 dB @ 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Output Connectors
XLR and 1/4" / 6.3 mm TRS Jack on Rear
Mic Input
Class-A, Transformerless Balanced Mic Input Stage: XLRs on Front and Rear Panels
Microphone Impedance
10 kOhms
Transformer Outputs
Balanced Class-A DSOP-2
Ground Lift
Push-Button Switches
Gain Range
Mic Input: -30 to -70 in 5 dB Steps with 10 dB more Available on the Fader.
Gain Reduction
-15 dB Push-Button Pad Switch (Mic Input Only)
Input Impedance
DI: Mono 1/4" / 6.3 mm Jack on Front Panel
Gain Meter
LED Metering. (Green = 0 dB, Red = +8 dB, Corresponding to 4 and 6 on a PPM Meter)
Phantom Power
+48 V Switchable on Push-Button Switches
High-Pass Filter
One Push-Button Switch
Phase Reverse
On Push-Button Switch
Frequency Response
Mic Input Stage: 0.4 dB @ 40 Hz, -0.3 dB @ 25 kHz
DI Input Stage: 0.3 dB @ 40 Hz, - 0.5 dB @ 25 kHz
Headroom
+26 dB on Mic-Pre Stage
DI Stage Gain
Maximum of 30 dB
EQ Frequency Bands (Fixed)
4 Bands:
High: 25, 15, 10 kHz
Hi Mid: 6, 3, and 1 kHz
Low Mid: 800, 400, and 200 Hz
Low: 130, 80, and 40 Hz
EQ Cut/Boost Levels
16 dB Per Band with Fully Detented Pots in 21 Positions
Power
110/240 V Mains Voltage
Rack Size
1 RU Half-Rack Space
Dimensions
Not Specified by Manufacturer
Weight
Not Specified by Manufacturer

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