Phoenix Audio Ascent Two Class-A Dual-Mono Microphone Preamplifier/DI

Featuring a -15 dB input pad, LED gain metering, and push buttons for high-pass filter, phase reverse, and 48V phantom power, the Ascent Two dual-microphone preamplifier offers a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Other features include: two XLR and two TRS 1/4 DI input connectors, two XLR and two TRS 1/4 outputs. Additionally, the Vari-Filter controls allow you to control and shape tones of all types.

Versatile, Modern Class-A Mic Preamp/DI

The Ascent Two Mic Preamp/DIs take 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 ultra-clean 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 delivers articulate, punchy, and full-bodied input signals, allow you to drive the output stage for a vast range of pure Class-A tones, from bold clarity, to vintage warmth, and to 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 DSOP-2 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 Two mic pre series includes very high input impedance DI circuits (10 MOhm), remarkably featuring no FETs on any channel. 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, and 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 Two 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 provides an additional 10 dB of gain), 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 70 Hz to 400 Hz allowing you the ability to control and shape tones of all types.