Sound Pure's Take
The DRS-Q4 is one of the most powerful two channel solid state recording platforms available. Combine two channels of Phoenix's versatile Class A preamp (featuring access to both cleaner and more saturated tones) with two 4-band gyrator EQs and you get not only a preamp with near endless tonal variations, but also an excellent stereo EQ that can provide both tonal shaping while tracking and more meticulous instrument carving during mixing. Run your final mix bus through its line level inputs for a tonal effect similar to their Nicerizer Summing Mixer and let the super smooth EQ provide that final sheen and polish to transform your mix into a finished professional track.
About the Phoenix Audio Preamp:
I feel like there are so many pieces of gear out there described as a “desert island _____”, which is why I tried to stray far away from the phrase when coming up with an accurate description for the Phoenix Audio preamp. That said, there’s really no better phrase to describe it - so what the hell - IT’S THE DESERT ISLAND PREAMP!
The Phoenix Audio preamp shares some lineage with the vintage Neve 1073, but it’s far from just another clone - think of it as being more of a modern twist on that classic design. While featuring a transformerless input, the source of the Phoenix’s tone comes from its transformer balanced output stage which adds color, roundness, and additional depth when driven. After using the Phoenix on just about every studio application we could think of, there wasn’t a single case where it’s color didn’t enhance the source material in a positive way. For examples be sure to check out the 50+ videos we’ve shot using the Phoenix to get outstanding results on everything from jazzy female vocals to drums and a Rhodes keyboard to acoustic and electric guitars to country male vocals.
Additionally because of it’s dual gain control of both the input and output stage, if your recording application doesn’t require additional coloration there’s plenty of clean gain on the input to allow your output stage (color control) to be set very low, resulting in a cleaner and more pristine image of the instrument. Of course there’s a tremendous middle-ground on it’s color spectrum, which is why it’s so flexible. One final tonal option is to drive the transformerless input to the point of distortion, producing a more heavy-handed crunchy distortion that can be perfect for an effect heavy section or instrument. Again, the tonal possibilities with this preamp are gigantic.
Phoenix has gone to great lengths to ensure that all of their preamp models provide an identical sound to one another, so regardless of if you go with the 8 Channel DRS-8, the DRS-Q4M (pre with EQ) or DRS-1 (single channel pre), 2 Channel DRS-Q4 (stereo pre with EQ), or even the 500 Series DRS-1R you’ll be getting 100% of Phoenix’s unique and exciting tone. Every model comes standard with a practical feature set all great preamps should have, including a hi-pass filter and phase reverse - the DRS-8 and DRS-1R also include "Mute" buttons. It can also accept line level signals for warming up previously recorded instrument tracks or even running a stereo bus through for added analog punch and coloration.
As mentioned, the Phoenix preamp shares lineage with the venerable Neve 1073 however it’s not a clone, so if you’re specifically after that tone we would recommend the Vintech X73i or 573. If you’re looking for an incredibly flexible solid state preamp with a rich and inspiring tone at an excellent price, look no further than the Phoenix Audio preamp line.
From Phoenix Audio
The DRS-Q4 mk2 is a 4 Band Gyratory-based Eq with 11 selectable frequencies, and Mic, Line, and DI inputs. We know you will be as pleased with it’s sonic qualities as we are. The DRS-Q4 mk2 has the advantages of more than 25 years experience in audio engineering, today’s component and manufacturing technology, but still retaining “that sound” uniquely achievable through Class A design. Phoenix Audio is dedicated to the development of Class A discrete technology used within high build-quality equipment. The DRS-Q4 mk2 uses our well proven and loved Class A output stage (DSOP-2), but also has our latest breakthrough in transformerless Class A, Discrete, truly-balanced Mic Input Technology which gives a "valve-like" sound. It also incorporates our high input impedance DI circuitry.
- 1U unit
- With 240V/110V mains voltage input selector switch
- Class A (DSOP-2) Output specs. Frequency response
- 20Hz to 20kHz +- 0.5dB,
- Maximum Output Level
- +26dBu @ 1kHz
- Noise
- -90dB @ 20Hz to 20kHz.
- Output connections
- XLR and TSR 1/4" Jack on rear
Phoenix Audio’s unique Class A, transformer-less, True balanced Mic input stage.
- Microphone/Line input
- XLR on Rear Panel
- DI inputs
- ¼” TSR Jack on Front Panel
- Individual Earth Lift
- Push-button Switches
- Gain Range (Mic input)
- -30 to -70 in 5dB steps With 10dB more available on the fader.
- Gain reduction
- -30dB push-button Mic/Line switch (Mic input)
- High Input Impedance DI
- Mono 1/4" Jack on front panel (no FETs)
- Gain Meter
- LED Metering. (Green = 0dB, Yellow = +8dB, corresponding to “4” and “6” on a PPM Meter).
- Phantom Power
- Switchable phantom on Push-button Switch
- High Pass Filter
- Roll-off starts at 120Hz @ 12dB per Octave.
- Phase Reverse
- on Push-button Switch
- Frequency Response Mic Input Stage
- -0.4dB @ 40Hz, -0.3dB @ 25kHz
- Frequency Response
- DI Input Stage: -0.3dB @ 40Hz, - 0.5dB @ 25kHz
- Typical Headroom
- +24dB on Mic-Pre stage
- Gyratory-based EQ Frequency Centres
- (4 Bands) High - 15K, 10K, Hi Mid - 6K, 3K, 1K6, Low Mid – 800Hz, 400Hz, 200Hz, Low - 130Hz, 80Hz, 40Hz
- EQ Cut/Boost Levels
- 16dB Cut/Boost Per Band
- DI Stage gain
- Maximum of 20dB
Warranty
This item is sold without the Sound Pure 3-year warranty (used / B-stock / dealer-exempt). Coverage terms for items in this category live in Terms & Conditions, Section 27.
Returns
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