Outboard Gear, Product News, recording studio gear
Discover the Phoenix Audio Ascent 500 Mic Preamp: A Modern-Day Classic for Superior Studio Sound
Oct
When it comes to achieving exceptional sound in the studio, few tools are as indispensable as a high-quality mic preamp. The Phoenix Audio Ascent 500 Mic Preamp stands out as a modern classic in the world of Class-A preamps, delivering the flexibility and versatility that audio engineers crave while preserving the beloved characteristics of traditional Class-A design.
This preamp brings together the best of both worlds—offering a broad range of tonal options without compromising on warmth, clarity, or the smooth sound that engineers associate with high-end analog gear.
500 Series 
A Modern Approach to Class-A Design
The Ascent 500 Mic Preamp employs a unique Class-A circuit that can transition seamlessly from ultra-clean, audiophile-grade sounds to the warm, saturated tones reminiscent of vintage UK studio gear. Whether you need a crystal-clear recording or something with a rich, vintage vibe, the Ascent 500 gives you the tools to shape your sound exactly as you envision it.
It’s no wonder that the Ascent 500 has earned its place as a top-tier choice for professional sound engineers around the world.
Key Features & Highlights
Hi-Fi Transformerless Mic Input Stage
At the heart of the Ascent 500 is its electronically-balanced, transformerless mic input stage, which outperforms traditional transformer-based designs in terms of both frequency response and slew rate. The result? A clean, articulate, and full-bodied sound that captures the complete frequency spectrum, from sub-bass to the highest air band. This input stage is also perfect for ribbon mics and dynamic mics, including the legendary Shure SM7B, which truly shines when paired with the Ascent 500.
Legendary Transformer-Balanced Output Stage
The output stage is where the Ascent 500 really sets itself apart. Featuring a custom-wound DB694 output transformer and Phoenix Audio’s proprietary DSOP-2 discrete output amplifier, the Ascent 500 builds on the legacy of the vintage TF1 amp. This design allows for smooth transitions between ultra-clean tones and beautifully saturated warmth, providing a wide tonal palette for any recording project.
Studio-Friendly Ease of Use
The Ascent 500 is designed with intuitive controls that make it easy to dial in your desired sound. With stepped input gain control (up to 70dB) and a -15dB pad, along with a variable output fader that provides an additional 10dB of gain, you have all the flexibility you need without the hassle of complex gain architectures. This means you can focus on shaping the exact tones you want, whether you’re recording vocals, instruments, or anything in between.
Vari-Filter Control
A variable high-pass filter from 45Hz to 250Hz gives you precise control over your low-end, allowing you to shape your tones and eliminate unwanted frequencies for a cleaner mix.
Vocal Shaping Equalizer
For vocalists, the vocal shaping equalizer is a game-changer. With powerful EQ controls and the classic Sheen control perfected for vocal recording, you can achieve a musical, natural sound with ease. The Sheen control offers a huge gain range, ensuring your vocals always cut through the mix without sounding harsh.
The Phoenix Audio Ascent 500: Packed with Features
The Ascent 500 isn’t just about great sound—it’s also packed with professional features that make it a must-have in any studio:
- True-balanced, transformerless Class-A mic input stage
- DSOP-2 Class-A discrete output stage with a custom DB694 transformer
- Stepped input gain control with up to 70dB of gain and an additional 10dB from the output fader
- Variable high-pass filter (45Hz to 250Hz) with a -6dB roll-off per octave
- Vocal shaping EQ with 16dB of +/- gain on a selectable frequency switch (10K, 15K, and Sheen at 25K)
- Phase reverse and 48V phantom power on push-button switches
- LED gain metering for easy monitoring
With its 24V built-in PSU, the Ascent 500 ensures that you’re always getting the true sound of the unit, without being limited by the standard 16V found in most Lunchbox systems.
Conclusion: A Versatile, Professional-Grade Preamp
The Phoenix Audio Ascent 500 Mic Preamp delivers a balance of modern innovation and vintage sound, making it the ideal choice for professional engineers and audiophiles alike. Whether you’re recording vocals, instruments, or experimenting with different tones, the Ascent 500 offers unmatched versatility, ease of use, and superior sound quality.
If you’re ready to take your studio sound to the next level, the Phoenix Audio Ascent 500 Mic Preamp is the ultimate tool for achieving pristine, warm, and dynamic recordings.