WESAUDIO / _PHOEBE

A vintage NEVE 1073-style microphone preamplifier with digital recall.

The WesAudio PHOEBE is a vintage NEVE 1073-style microphone/line/instrument preamp with digital recall. Equipped with genuine British Carnhill input/output transformers, it faithfully reproduces the sound of the legendary Class A microphone preamp.

Compatible with the API 500 module standard ""ng500,"" it digitally controls the analog circuitry via the unit's USB or the _TITAN frame. Automation and digital recall of _PHOEBE can be executed from a DAW plugin.

The Class A signal path is 100% analog, yet the convenience of full control from the DAW is something many engineers have desired. The front combo jack supports microphone/line/instrument inputs and can be switched via the plugin in conjunction with the API 500 chassis input jack.

With 75dB of microphone gain, it provides sufficient clean headroom even with low-output passive ribbon microphones, and the selectable input impedance ensures optimal sound from any microphone. Furthermore, the Iron Pad on the gain stage allows for output attenuation in 1dB steps up to -15dB, enabling a wide range of tonal characteristics to be extracted from this unit.

This is an ideal preamp that allows you to control and recall the sound quality and texture of a vintage NEVE, produced by genuine analog circuitry rather than digital simulation, directly from a plug-in.

■Features


? 100% analog microphone/line preamp with +28dBu headroom


? NEVE 1073-style Class A circuit design



? Maximum 75dB microphone gain



? High-quality input/output transformers from Carnhill, UK




Front panel output signal meter with clip detection
* All control/analog settings are fully manageable from the WesAudio GCon DAW plugin.

* IRON PAD ? 1 dB step passive output attenuation circuit (after output transformer).

* Front panel XLR/TRS connectors supporting HiZ instrument input (TS), line input (XLR), and microphone input (XLR).

* Recallable signal source via XLR socket on the rear of the chassis or front panel (XLR/TRS).

* Compatible with 500 series and ng500 (e.g., _TITAN) series.

* Total recall and plugin control compatible with most DAWs.

* Analog automation for DAWs.

* Fully digitally controlled and isolated analog circuitry.

* Digital recall via panel mini USB socket or when used within a _TITAN chassis.

* Accurate analog output signal meter and its accurate simulation implemented in the plugin itself.

* Free software and firmware upgrades.