Wes Audio _PHOEBE is a stereo, fully analog microphone preamplifier in Starlight format (2U desktop) with full digital integration — Wes Audio's flagship preamp, featuring a high-quality discrete Class-A signal path with transformer-balanced input and output, full recall, and automation via VST/AU, USB, and MIDI with zero digital processing in the signal path. Two independent microphone channels with selectable input transformers (multiple transformer types offering different coloration characters), adjustable input impedance, a per-channel Hi-Z DI input, and a complete set of studio-standard features. Stepper motors move physical gain switches and trim potentiometers in response to DAW automation — full gain recall between sessions.
Selectable input transformers — different characters in one unit
The defining feature that distinguishes _PHOEBE from typical transformer preamplifiers is the ability to select the input transformer from multiple types with different coloration characteristics: vintage API-style, Jensen-style, or proprietary Wes Audio-dedicated transformers each impart different low- and mid-frequency coloration, different harmonic response, and different transient character. The user selects the transformer directly from the front panel or through the DAW plug-in. Adjustable microphone input impedance — multiple selectable positions from low to high — allows changing the loading on the microphone capsule: lower impedance loads ribbon and transformer-coupled condenser microphones, affecting their coloration character in the same way as connecting to a low-impedance vintage preamplifier. Gain range: 0–75 dB in precise stepped increments. A Hi-Z DI input per channel accommodates direct connection of guitars and instruments. 48V phantom power, phase inversion, and a -20 dB pad are independently switchable per channel.
DAW integration and studio applications
The _PHOEBE VST/AU plug-ins enable DAW automation and recall: stepper motors move physical gain switches and trim potentiometers in response to parameter changes in the plug-in. 16-bit-per-parameter recall guarantees identical physical settings at every session recall — critical in multi-microphone setups and long-term recording projects. Level indicators per channel. _PHOEBE operates as the central preamplifier in recording setups, as a front-end preamp feeding analog consoles (N-TROPHY and others), or as a standalone unit with direct output to an audio interface. Starlight 2U desktop format with an internal power supply; 500-series module (2-slot) available separately. Hand-assembled from audio-grade components.
KEY FEATURES
- Stereo microphone preamplifier 2U with full digital integration (analog signal path)
- Two independent channels — discrete Class-A, transformer-balanced input and output
- Selectable input transformers — multiple types with different coloration characters
- Adjustable microphone input impedance — multiple selectable positions
- Gain: 0–75 dB, stepped, precise
- Hi-Z DI input per channel
- 48V phantom power per channel
- Phase inversion per channel
- Pad -20 dB per channel
- Full DAW automation (VST/AU) with physical switch and potentiometer movement
- Full preset recall 16-bit per parameter via USB and MIDI
- Zero digital processing in the signal path
- Level indicators per channel
- Format: 2U desktop Starlight (alternative: 2-slot 500-series module)
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: stereo microphone preamplifier, 2U rack desktop (Starlight)
- Signal path: fully analog, discrete, Class-A, transformer-balanced
- Channels: 2 (independent)
- Input transformer: selectable (multiple types)
- Mic input impedance: adjustable (multiple positions)
- Gain: 0–75 dB (stepped)
- DI input: Hi-Z per channel
- Phantom power: 48V per channel
- Phase inversion: per channel
- Pad: -20 dB per channel
- Digital integration: VST/AU, USB, MIDI
- Automation: 16-bit per parameter, physical switch and potentiometer movement
- I/O: XLR Mic in, XLR line out, DI in per channel
- Power: internal (Starlight 2U)
- Format: 2U rack desktop (Starlight); alternative 500-series module (2-slot)
