Thermionic Culture Phoenix Mastering Plus Compressor

Description

• All valve signal path provides warm, full tube tone
• Hand-wired in England
• Stereo link for mix buss compression
• Side Chain Filters allow for compression of all frequencies except bass
• Flat frequency response ensures the truest tone passes through the signal path
• Very low phase shift and harmonic distortion (unless pushed hard)
• Output trim control allows the user to tailor the output level to their own specific setup for ideal in/out levels
• Bypass switch on each channel removes ALL electronics

This is the latest development in the evolution of the classic Phoenix compressor, first introduced in 1998. After requestsfrom mastering engineers the MasterPhoenix was introduced in October 2006. This was more recall-able with indentedpots and slightly different power supply and metering circuit, in which trimming the meter alters the current throughthe compression valve so compensating for valve ageing.

The compression curve of the mastering Phoenix is slightly gentler than that of the standard one, but it does have amore “positive” effect. This earlier version has 6dB lower gain compared to the standard Phoenix.The Master Phoenix is in use in many studios and mastering suites around the world, and we do know that one of itsusers, Ray Staff of AIR London Studios won the MPG award for Best Mastering Engineer in 2009.

The new Mastering Plus is a much upgraded version employing precision Elma switches for the Gain and Threshold andAlpha switches for Attack and Release. Omeg indented pots are used for the Output Level for fine control.Side Chain Bass Cut switches, which have become an essential mastering tool have been retained. In stereo mastering,with the link switch in, there are effectively 5 frequency options as the compressor side chain will work at theaverage of the switch positions.

A Standby switch is introduced to prolong valve and component life and this has had an unexpected effect, see *Mullard and Siemens NOS valves are used exclusively for lower noise and long life stability.The Gain is now identical to that of the standard Phoenix so that extreme compression effects are possibleEasy adjustment of Meter Zeros, especially important in stereo mastering, is now enabled by front panel access to thetrim controls, situated between the 2 meters.*some users have found that analogue tape type distortion is created when the unit is operated with Standby on. This was unintentional but some people may find it interesting.