Phoenix Audio DRS-Q4M Mk2 – Mono Class A Microphone Preamp, DI & 4-Band Gyrator EQ

OVERVIEW

The Phoenix Audio DRS-Q4M Mk2 combines a world-class Class A microphone pre-amplifier, ultra-high-impedance DI, and four-band Gyrator EQ into a compact half-rack format, providing an exceptionally versatile analogue front end for professional studios. Its unique transformerless, electronically balanced microphone input stage captures fast transients and an extended frequency response with remarkable clarity, while the proprietary DSOP-2 Class A output amplifier and custom-wound DB694 transformer allow everything from pristine transparency to rich vintage-style saturation.

Designed for effortless operation, the DRS-Q4M Mk2 features up to 70 dB of stepped microphone gain, an additional 10 dB of output gain, switchable phantom power, phase reverse, high-pass filtering, LED gain metering, and a 10 MΩ FET-free instrument DI that preserves the natural tone and dynamics of guitars, basses, synthesisers, drum machines, and other line-level sources. Its intuitive gain structure makes it easy to shape everything from clean audiophile recordings to bold, harmonically rich analogue textures.

The integrated four-band Gyrator EQ expands its versatility even further, delivering highly musical tonal shaping across high, high-mid, low-mid, and low-frequency bands, each with stepped 21-position controls for precise recall. Combined with a dedicated high-pass filter, ±16 dB of cut and boost per band, and the ability to drive the DSOP-2 output stage for additional analogue colour, the DRS-Q4M Mk2 is equally at home tracking vocals and instruments, sculpting mix bus tone, or adding warmth and character during mixing and mastering.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Modern Class A Microphone Pre-Amplifier

The DRS-Q4M Mk2 combines Phoenix Audio’s unique transformerless, electronically balanced microphone input stage with its renowned Class A DSOP-2 output amplifier and custom-wound DB694 output transformer. This hybrid design delivers exceptional clarity, fast transient response, and a wide tonal range from pristine transparency to rich analogue saturation.

Premium Transformer-Balanced Output Stage

At the heart of the output section is Phoenix Audio’s proprietary fully discrete DSOP-2 amplifier, descended from David Rees’ legendary TF1 design for vintage Neve modules. Coupled with the custom DB694 transformer, it provides abundant headroom, smooth harmonic character, and beautifully musical Class A saturation when driven.

Ultra-High Impedance Instrument DI

The built-in 10 MΩ FET-free DI input preserves the full frequency response and dynamics of guitars, basses, synthesisers, drum machines, laptops, and other instruments without loading pickups. The result is enhanced clarity, sparkle, punch, and natural harmonic detail.

Four-Band Gyrator Equaliser

The integrated Gyrator EQ offers four highly musical frequency bands covering high, high-mid, low-mid, and low frequencies. Inspired by classic inductor-based analogue EQ designs, it provides smooth, coherent tonal shaping while maintaining the integrity of the original signal—even with substantial boosts or cuts.

Precision Stepped Controls

Each EQ band features 21-position stepped controls with ±16 dB of cut and boost, making precise settings easy to recall during stereo processing, mastering, and repeat sessions while ensuring consistent, repeatable results.

Flexible High-Pass Filtering

A dedicated high-pass filter helps remove unwanted rumble and low-frequency build-up while also enabling creative tonal shaping when combined with low-frequency boosts, offering classic analogue EQ curves reminiscent of vintage designs.

Intuitive Gain Structure

With stepped microphone gain from -30 dB to -70 dB in 5 dB increments, an additional 10 dB of output gain, and a switchable -30 dB pad, the DRS-Q4M Mk2 makes it simple to dial in the exact balance of clean headroom and Class A saturation.

Professional Studio Features

Comprehensive recording features include switchable 48 V phantom power, phase reverse, LED gain metering, high-pass filter, earth lift, rear-panel XLR and TRS outputs, and premium PTFE silver-plated military-grade internal wiring for maximum reliability and performance.

FEATURES

• Mono Class A microphone pre-amplifier, DI and four-band Gyrator EQ
• Compact half-rack (1/2RU) desktop format
• Phoenix Audio transformerless, electronically balanced true-balanced microphone input stage
• Proprietary Class A DSOP-2 discrete output amplifier
• Custom-wound DB694 transformer-balanced output stage
• Four-band Gyrator equaliser with highly musical analogue filtering
• High frequency selections: 15 kHz, 10 kHz
• High-mid frequency selections: 6 kHz, 3 kHz, 1.6 kHz
• Low-mid frequency selections: 800 Hz, 400 Hz, 200 Hz
• Low frequency selections: 130 Hz, 80 Hz, 40 Hz
• ±16 dB cut/boost available on every EQ band
• 21-position stepped (detented) EQ controls for accurate recall
• High-pass filter at 80 Hz (12 dB/octave)
• High-impedance 10 MΩ FET-free front-panel DI input
• Suitable for guitars, basses, synthesisers, drum machines and line-level sources
• Stepped microphone gain from -30 dB to -70 dB in 5 dB increments
• Additional 10 dB available via output fader
• Switchable -30 dB input pad
• Switchable 48 V phantom power
• Switchable phase reverse
• LED gain metering
• Individual earth lift
• Rear-panel XLR microphone input
• Rear-panel balanced XLR and ¼-inch TRS outputs
• Wired with PTFE silver-plated military-grade cable
• Designed for transparent recording, analogue saturation, tracking, mixing and mastering

TECHNICAL SPECS

General

Product Type: Mono Class A Microphone Pre-Amplifier, DI & Four-Band Gyrator EQ

Format: 1/2RU Half-Rack

Mains Voltage: 110 V / 240 V (Input Selector Switch)

Microphone Pre-Amplifier

Input Stage: Transformerless, True Balanced Class A

Output Stage: Class A DSOP-2 Discrete Amplifier

Output Transformer: Custom-Wound DB694

Gain Range: -30 dB to -70 dB in 5 dB Steps

Additional Output Gain: +10 dB

Typical Headroom: +26 dB

Maximum Output Level: +26 dBu @ 1 kHz

Noise: -90 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)

Frequency Response (Mic Input): -0.4 dB @ 40 Hz, -0.3 dB @ 25 kHz

Frequency Response (Class A Output Stage): 20 Hz – 20 kHz ±0.5 dB

Output Connections: Balanced XLR and ¼-inch TRS (Rear Panel)

Microphone Input: Rear-Panel XLR

Instrument DI

Input Type: Front-Panel ¼-inch TS Jack

Input Impedance: 10 MΩ

Circuit Design: FET-Free

Maximum DI Gain: 30 dB

Frequency Response: -0.3 dB @ 40 Hz, -0.5 dB @ 25 kHz

Equaliser

EQ Type: Four-Band Gyrator Equaliser

EQ Bands:

• High — 15 kHz, 10 kHz
• High Mid — 6 kHz, 3 kHz, 1.6 kHz
• Low Mid — 800 Hz, 400 Hz, 200 Hz
• Low — 130 Hz, 80 Hz, 40 Hz

Cut/Boost Range: ±16 dB per Band

EQ Controls: 21-Position Stepped (Detented)

High-Pass Filter: 80 Hz, 12 dB/Octave

Controls & Functions

Switchable 48 V Phantom Power

Phase Reverse

High-Pass Filter

-30 dB Input Pad

LED Gain Meter

Individual Earth Lift

Variable Output Fader

Construction

Transformerless Electronically Balanced Input Stage

Transformer-Balanced Class A Output Stage

Proprietary DSOP-2 Discrete Amplifier

Custom-Wound DB694 Output Transformer

PTFE Silver-Plated Military-Grade Internal Wiring

DOWNLOADS

• Product Manual
• Recall Sheet

REVIEWS

• Resolution Magazine
• Tape Op Magazine
• Digital Recording Arts