Phoenix Audio Ascent Two EQ Class-A Dual-Mono Microphone Pre-Amplifier/DI

Featuring a -15 dB input pad, LED gain metering, and push buttons for hi-pass filter, phase reverse, and 48V phantom power, the Ascent Two EQ microphone preamplifier offers a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Other features include: XLR and TRS 1/4 DI input connectors, XLR and TRS 1/4 output jacks on the rear panel, and a Vari-Filter control allows you to control and shape tones of all types.

The Ascent Two s EQ sections offer 16 dB of EQ cut/boost per band with fully detented pots in 21 positions. The Gyrator 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. A power cord is included.

Versatile, Modern Class-A Mic Preamp/DI

The Phoenix Ascent Two Dual-Mono 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 ultra-clean sounds suitable for audiophile recordings all the way to 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 Two 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 transformers are 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 mic pre series includes very high input impedance DI circuits (10 MOhm), remarkably featuring no FETs, on every 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, 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 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 vari-filter from 70 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 Dual-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-Band Gyrator EQ

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 ultra-clean 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.