Review
Phoenix Audio (UK) DRS-2 Mic Preamp/DI
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Behind the Design of the DRS-2
The DRS-2 started life as a design for a DI. The TF1 output stage was designed originally to replace the Neve 440 Class A/B output stage and to have a better frequency response and Class A sound. Then it was decided that because the output stage was so good, it could be incorporated as the output stage for a DI box, and designed with a custom discrete high impedance input stage for the DI. No FETs.[an error occurred while processing this directive]According to Phoenix Audio (UK), "Then a customer asked us if we could add a mic stage, so David Rees designed a completely new one from the ground up. This was the biggest challenge for us. We wanted to stay with Discrete because people love the sound of a good discrete circuit, and we wanted to make it Class A to stay in keeping with what we do best, and because people love Class A sound. We also wanted it to be truly balanced. And finally, because it is transformerless, we find it easily out-performs any transformer-based input for frequency response. If you put a square wave into the mic-stage, you get a perfectly square wave out. No droop, No losses."

The DRS-2 In Use
Over the couple of months we've had to test and use the DRS-2, it has proven to be an awesome addition to the studio and is one of the first pres we reach for on a number of applications. The transformerless input stage sounds open with its increased freqency response, and unlike slower transformer-based inputs, the DRS-2 is fast and yields rich details in the imagery and depth of the tracks recorded. The DRS-2 also has a "valve-like" quality to it, and when I commented about that to Leveque, he replied, "The "valve-like" qualities of the DRS-2 are far from accidental. An appropriate design with Class A discrete circuitry can achieve this type of sound."

SPECS
Stereo 1U unit: 240V/110V mains voltage input selector switch
Outputs: XLR's and TSR 1/4" Jack on rear
Microphone inputs: XLR's on Front and Rear Panels
Individual Earth Lift: Push-button Switches
Gain range: 0dB minimum to +40dB maximum
Gain Range (Mic input): -30 to -70 in 5dB steps With 10dB more available on the fader
Gain reduction: -20dB pad push-button switch (Mic input)
High Input Impedance DI: Mono 1/4" Jack on front panel
Gain Meter: LED Metering
Phantom Power: Switchable 48V phantom on Push-button Switches
High Pass Filter: on Push-button Switch
Phase Reverse: on Push-button Switch
Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20Khz +/- 0.5dB
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
DI Stage gain: Maximum of 20dB
Maximum Output: +26dBu @ 1Khz
Noise: -90dB @ 22Hz to 22KHz
The overall sound of the DRS-2, in my opinion, is big, warm and airy. The extended frequency response shines on vocals and when used with mics that aren't shoved right up to the source. It gives the recorded tracks room to breathe. The DRS-2 was full and round on our DI sessions with a Lakeland P&J bass. A design specification that shouldn't go unnoticed is the truly balanced input stage, which allows for the grounding of either leg with no loss of dB. We normally find a 6dB loss on most other discrete and IC-based input stages, but not with the DRS-2. On guitar amps it brought out the "crunch" with a Shure SM57 in the cone and also the "tone" and "air" from a large condenser placed a few feet back and off-center from the speaker. The DRS-2 perfectly complements our collection of punchy API pres. We found the transformerless input stage more than ample even for signals with inherently fast transient attacks, such as drum overheads and percussion. Even with ribbon mics, the gain is more than enough while still remaining quiet and crytal clear.

Another plus is that the gain input knobs do not make an audible clicking sound while in use. The DRS-2 has been nothing but a pleasure to use on every session since we received the unit in for evaluation.

That's Not All, Folks
The DRS-2 is the company's first microphone preamplifier offering and will be followed with the DRS-1 single-channel version [release scheduled for February 2003]. I offered some criticism to Phoenix Audio on many of the half-rack and third-rack units available and was assured that the new DRS-1 will also have an optional 19" rackmountable faceplate. The more I use the DRS-2 and the more I learn about Phoenix Audio International (UK), the more I become a fan of this company and their products.

Although I do like the version of the DRS-2 sent for evaluation, according to Phoenix Audio (UK), the DRS-2 will soon be sold with a slightly different front panel layout while the DRS-1 will be released with the new front panel straight away.

The DRS-2 is one the smartest and most original designs I've seen in a microphone preamplifier/DI. The exceptional frequency response and faster slew rate of a transformerless input stage coupled with a Class A discrete output stage sporting a custom-designed output transformer is truly a perfect marriage of different worlds and proves more versatile over more applications than most mic pres on the market.

Audio soundclips of the Phoenix Audio (UK) DRS-2 as well as other mic pres can be auditioned at The Listening Sessions. Further information about the DRS-2 and other products can be found at the website for Phoenix Audio International (UK).

Dan Richards is a Contributing Editor for Digital Pro Sound and is currently producing The Listening Sessions.



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