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Phoenix Audio The DRS-2 Description
In stock and shipping, and MADE IN THE USA!
Phoenix Audio International (UK) is dedicated to the
development of Class A discrete technology used within high build-quality
equipment designed for both the professional and the home studio environment.
The DRS-2
Mic-Pre/DI uses our well proven and loved Class A output stage (DSOP-2), but
also has our latest breakthrough in transformerless Class A, Discrete Mic Input
Technology which gives a "valve-like" sound. It also incorporates our
high input impedance DI circuitry.
The DRS-2
is the culmination of over 40 years experience designing Class A circuitry
within the Audio Recording Industry.
The DRS-2
was the first bespoke product to be launched by Phoenix Audio (UK) in the
U.K. in November 1999, and has enjoyed
an almost cult following ever since. The Class A output stage (TF1) was
originally designed by David Rees, the designer of the famous Nevetm 2253
Limiter and 2254 Limiter/compressor (amongst many other designs), as a retrofit
for Nevetm modules, and the TF1 has now been superseded by the DSOP2 output
stage.
The Class
A, discrete, truly balanced, transformerless microphone input stage was
designed to out-perform any transformer input for frequency response, yet has
all the characteristics expected in a high quality Class A design, while the
discrete, Class A, high input-impedance DI stage delivers a clearer, stronger
and more defined and open sound that captures all the nuances and subtleties of
your instrument.
Phoenix Audio The DRS-2 Specifications
- Stereo 1U
unit: With 240V/110V mains voltage input selector switch
- Class A
Output specs. See our TF1 Specifications!!
- Outputs:
XLR's and TSR 1/4" Jack on rear
- Phoenix
Audios unique Class A, transformerless, True balanced Mic input stage.
- Microphone
inputs: XLR's on Front and Rear Panels
- Individual
Earth Lift: Push-button switches
-
Gain
Range (Mic input): -30 to -70 in 5dB
steps With 10dB more available on the fader
- Gain
reduction: -20dB pad push-button switch (Mic input)
- High Input
Impedance DI: Mono 1/4" Jack on front panel
- Gain Meter:
LED Metering
- Phantom
Power: Switchable 48V phantom on Push-button Switches
-
High
Pass Filter: on Push-button Switch
- Phase
Reverse: on Push-button Switch
- Frequency
Response Mic Input Stage: -0.4dB @ 40Hz, -0.3dB @ 25kHz
- Frequency
Response: DI Input Stage: -0.3dB @ 40Hz, - 0.5dB @ 25kHz
- Typical
Headroom: +24dB on Mic-Pre stage
- DI Stage
gain: Maximum of 20dB
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Phoenix Audio DRS-2 Review /
See All ZenPro Audio Reviews Here: Review Page
OK I feel like I must be running a
candy store when I talk about DRS series preamps from Phoenix Audio (UK)
because when describing them I just keep using the word “sweet”. I don’t mean
that as in “awesome”, I mean it literally has a way of delivering a sweetened
version of your source every time. The DRS series is a transformerless input
design, and transformer coupled output (DSOP-2 output) which seems to combine
detail and presence with size and syrup-y smoothness. They feature +70dB of
gain, -20dB pads, DI input, earth lift, and here’s a unique feature: XLR mic
inputs on the front & rear of the unit! I think that’s great, if you’re in
the control room and need to patch a mic in real quick, pop it right into the face
of the unit and go. Phoenix Audio DRS preamps are designed in the UK by guys
who started out as Neve console techs, and now built in the
USA.
The DRS-2 (stereo version) is a tone monster, and
gives you many staging options. You can turn the output fader (small knob) up
all the way and hit the input amp stage a bit lighter for a cleaner sound, or
you can turn the output down and get some drive happening and push it for some
harmonic distortion. Drums can really benefit from this, giving a slight break
up to say a snare drum, giving it an intense sort of edge that isn’t brittle
but more ‘splat’. The depth and dimension delivered is very 3D, imaging just
pops right out of the monitors. There is a sort of controlled sound going on
that has a nice outline to it, while sounding like it’s dipped in a little bit
of sonic syrup. I’m not talking about some kind of super character that
saturates your tracks, it’s just that added goodness and tone wrapped around
the tracks. The DI is big and rich with harmonic content as well, more sweet
stuff. This is also a great “two-for” preamp in that I highly recommend running
line level mixes through the DRS series to pick up on that DSOP-2 output
section. If you mix in the box but need some goodness, trust me it’s a unique
reach that you can milk for tonal character.
Conclusion: One of the more useful
preamps on the market, and one of the more unique offerings all around.
Phoenix Audio has a very
unique output section that it seems anything can benefit from by running
through it.
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