Phoenix Audio DRS-8 MK2

8 Channel Class A Microphone Pre-Amplifier / DI

The Phoenix Audio DRS-8 MK2 is an 8-channel microphone pre-amplifier/DI that takes a modern approach to Class-A circuit design and delivers a wide range of tones without sacrificing the beloved vibe of true Class-A design. The unique DRS 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. Versatility and superior sound have made the DRS Preamp/DI a top-tier choice for engineers around the world and a modern day classic.

The Phoenix DRS-8Mk2 was designed primarily for vocal and instrument recording and live applications where high quality standards are necessary and demanded by your clients, but can also be found in many broadcast applications as well.

Phoenix Audio DRS-8 MK2 Features:

• Unique Class A, transformerless, true-balanced mic input stage
• Transformer-balanced DSOP-2 Class-A discrete output stage with custom wound DB694 output transformer
• Wired with PTFE silver military grade cable
• -15dB input pad
• High Pass Filter: -6dB per octave @ 80Hz
• LED Gain Metering
• Push buttons: Hi-Pass, 48v, Phase Reverse, Switchable 48V phantom power on push-button switch
• High Pass Filter on Push-button Switch (Roll-off -6dB per octave @ 80Hz)
• Phase Reverse on Push-Button Switch
• Mic Pre Gain Range: -30 to -70 in 5dB steps With 10dB more available on the ouput fader.
• Output = +26dBu @ 1kHz, Noise = -90dB @ 20Hz to 20kHz.
• Frequency Response Mic Input Stage: -0.4dB @ 40Hz, -0.3dB @ 25kHz
• Frequency response Class A (DSOP-2) output stage: 20Hz to 20kHz +- 0.5dB, Maximum

Hi-Fi Transformerless Mic Input Stage

Phoenix Audio's exclusive 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 DRS 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. With a very high mic impedance of 10K, it is the perfect companion for ribbon mics and dynamics mic that often need specialist mic pre amps, the Shure SM7B particularly shines.

Legendary Transformer-Balanced Output Stage

Phoenix Audio's custom-wound 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 DRS-8 includes very high input impedance DI circuits (10Mohm)—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 actually enhancing 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 DRS's DI.

Easy and Intuitive In The Studio

Because you're working with a clean, robust, electronically-balanced input signal, the DRS Mic Preamp/DI makes dialing in your exact sound easy, intuitive and quick. By working the familiar stepped input gain control (up to 70db alone) and the -15dB pad against the variable output fader (which provides an additional 10dB 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. Like so many other engineers, you'll find yourself reaching for the DRS Mic Preamp/DI over and over again to reliably deliver a vast array of outstanding sounds for any instrument or voice you're recording.