Phoenix Audio DRS-8 Mk2: A Versatile, Modern Class-A Mic Preamp/DI

The Phoenix DRS-8 Mk2 8 Channel 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 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.

Hi-Fi Transformerless Mic Input Stage

Our 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.

Legendary Transformer-Balanced Output Stage

Our 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-1, DRS-2, DRS-8 and DRS1R-500 include 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.

Features

• Phoenix Audio’s unique Class A, transformerless, true-balanced mic input stage
• Phoenix Audio’s 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

• 8 Channel 2U – 19” Rack-mount unit: With 240V/110V mains voltage input selector switch Inputs
• Connections: Neutrik Combo XLR/1/4” XLR sockets on Rear Panel for Mic inputs & line inputs and switched jacks for DI inputs
• Output connections: XLR’s on rear panel
• Additional outputs: 25 pin “D” style connector on the rear panel (wired “Tascam” Standard)
• Gain Range (Mic input): -30 to -70 in 5dB steps With 10dB more available on the fader.
• Gain Meter: LED Metering. 5 LED Meter on each channel (with hysteresis)
• Phantom Power: Switchable 48V phantom on Push-button switch
• High Pass Filter: on Push-button Switch (Roll-off -6dB per octave @ 80Hz)
• Phase Reverse: on Push-button Switch
• Mute: On Push-button switch.
• Pad Push-button switch: Enables Flexibility for input levels, pad is set at 15db.
• Detented output control for recall, 21 positions.
• Phoenix Audio’s unique Class A, transformerless, True balanced Mic input stage.
• Transformer-balanced Output on each channel: Driven by the Phoenix Audio Class A DSOP-2 fully discrete output stage, each transformer is custom wound.
• Class A (DSOP-2) Output specs . Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz +- 0.5dB, Maximum
• Output = +26dBu @ 1kHz, Noise = -90dB @ 20Hz to 20kHz.
• Frequency Response Mic Input Stage: -0.4dB @ 40Hz, -0.3dB @ 25kHz
• All units are wired with PTFE silver military grade cable