Wes Audio _CALYPSO is a mono, fully analog microphone preamplifier in ng500 format (2-slot 500-series module) with full digital integration — an analog signal path with automation and recall via VST/AU, USB, and MIDI with zero digital processing in the audio path. _CALYPSO is the mono 500-series module counterpart of the stereo _PHOEBE in Starlight format: the same discrete Class-A preamplifier architecture with transformer-balanced input and output, selectable input transformers with different coloration characters, adjustable microphone input impedance, and a Hi-Z DI input. Stepper motors move physical gain switches in response to DAW automation — full gain recall between sessions.
Selectable input transformers and adjustable input impedance
The defining feature that sets _CALYPSO apart from typical 500-series 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 deliver 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 a manner analogous to connection to a low-impedance vintage preamplifier. Gain range: 0–75 dB in precise stepped increments. A Hi-Z DI input accommodates direct connection of guitars and instruments. 48V phantom power, phase inversion, and a -20 dB pad are independently switchable. The transformer-balanced output delivers a balanced output signal with the characteristic coloration of the audio transformer topology.
DAW integration and ng500 format
The _CALYPSO VST/AU plug-ins handle DAW automation and recall: stepper motors move the physical gain switches and trim potentiometers in response to plug-in parameter changes. Recall is accurate to 16-bit per parameter, guaranteeing identical physical settings at every session recall — critical in multi-microphone recording setups where consistent gain reproduction determines coherence between sessions. Two _CALYPSO modules purchased as a pair form a dual-channel microphone preamplifier with identical per-channel character, the equivalent of the stereo _PHOEBE in Starlight format. The ng500 format (2-slot 500-series module) allows installation in any API-compatible 500-series rack. _CALYPSO is one of the ng500 line modules from Wes Audio, alongside NGLeveler, NGBusComp, _MIMAS, _HYPERION, _DIONE, _RHEA, and _Prometheus.
KEY FEATURES
- Mono microphone preamplifier, 2-slot 500-series module, with full digital integration
- Discrete Class-A signal path — 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
- 48V phantom power
- Phase inversion
- Pad -20 dB
- 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
- Format: ng500, 2-slot module (API 500-series compatible)
- Available as single module or matched pair
- Mono 500-series counterpart of the stereo _PHOEBE
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: mono microphone preamplifier, 2-slot 500-series module
- Signal path: fully analog, discrete, Class-A, transformer-balanced
- Input transformer: selectable (multiple types)
- Mic input impedance: adjustable (multiple positions)
- Gain: 0–75 dB (stepped)
- DI input: Hi-Z
- Phantom power: 48V
- Phase inversion: yes
- Pad: -20 dB
- Output transformer: yes
- 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 (500-series standard)
- Power: from 500-series rack (API standard)
- Format: ng500, 2-slot (API 500-series compatible)
