Versatile, Modern Class-A Mono Mic Preamp
The Phoenix Audio Ascent 500 Mono Microphone Preamplifier for 500 Series redefines modern Class-A design, offering a broad tonal palette without compromising the signature warmth and character engineers expect from true Class-A circuits. Its uniquely designed Ascent architecture delivers everything from ultraclean, audiophile-grade transparency to harmonically rich saturation reminiscent of the UK's most revered vintage consoles. Renowned for its versatility and sonic excellence, the Ascent has become a go-to preamp for top engineers worldwide—a modern-day classic.
Hi-Fidelity Transformerless Mic-Input Stage
At the heart of the Ascent 500 is an exclusive electronically balanced, transformerless input circuit that captures lightning-fast transients and the entire frequency spectrum—from deep sub-bass to silky top-end air.
Despite its transformerless design, it still delivers the warmth, depth, and smoothness that defines great Class-A sound. This design surpasses traditional transformer-based circuits in both frequency response and slew rate, providing punchy, articulate, and full-bodied input signals. With a high 10-kilohm mic impedance, the Ascent 500 is especially well-suited for ribbon and dynamic microphones—making it an ideal match for classics like the Shure SM7B.
Legendary Transformer-Balanced Output Stage
The output stage features the company's custom-wound DB694 transformer, driven by Phoenix's proprietary DSOP-2 discrete amplifier—a direct evolution of the acclaimed TF1 amp created by Phoenix founders Shaun Leveque and David Rees.
The DSOP-2 refines and expands upon that legacy, delivering a smooth, musical transition from pristine clean tones to rich, analog saturation. This is true Class-A performance at its finest.
Effortless Sound Shaping
Thanks to its clean, electronically balanced input stage, the Ascent 500 makes dialing in your tone fast and intuitive. Use the stepped input gain (up to 70 dB), the -15 dB pad, and the continuously variable output fader (with up to 10 dB of gain) to easily push the DSOP-2 output stage to your sonic sweet spot whether that's transparent, warm, or harmonically driven.
Vari-Filter Control
A powerful, variable high-pass filter (45 Hz to 250 Hz) offers precise low-frequency shaping, letting you tailor your source tone with surgical precision.
Vocal-Shaping Equalizer
Purpose-built for vocals, but also great for instruments, the Ascent's EQ section includes unique tonal sculpting tools-like the signature Sheen control-for adding presence, clarity, and air without harshness. With a wide gain range and musical curves, it brings out the best in any voice.
At a Glance
- Phoenix Audio’s unique Class-A, transformer-less, true-balanced mic-input stage
- Phoenix Audio’s transformer-balanced DSOP-2 Class-A discrete output stage with custom-wound DB694 output transformer
- Switchable -15 dB input pad
- Switchable variable high-pass filter, 48V phantom power, and phase reverse
- Vocal-shaping EQ: 16 dB of +/- gain control on selectable frequency—10, 15, and 25 kHz (Sheen)
- Variable high-pass filter: roll-off -6 dB/octave at 45 to 250 Hz
- Mic-pre gain range: -30 to -70 dB in 5 dB steps
- Variable output knob (provides an additional 10 dB of gain)
- Output: +26 dBu at 1 kHz
- Noise: -90 dB at 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- Frequency response, mic-input stage: -0.4 dB at 40 Hz / -0.3 dB at 25 kHz
- Frequency response Class-A (DSOP-2) output stage: 20 Hz to 20 kHz +/- 0.5 dB, maximum
- LED gain metering
- 24 VDC built-in PSU, so you can feel the sound of the true unit and not be limited by the the standard 500 Series 16 VDC rack voltage