Thermionic Culture Phoenix Stereo Master plus

This is the latest development in the evolution of the classic Phoenix compressor, first introduced in 1998. After requests from mastering engineers the Master Phoenix was introduced in October 2006. This was more recall-able with indented pots and slightly different power supply and metering circuit, in which trimming the meter alters the current through the 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 a more "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 its users, 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 and Alpha switches for Attack and Release.

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 the average 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 possible .

Easy adjustment of Meter Zeros, especially important in stereo mastering, is now enabled by front panel access to the trim controls, situated between the 2 meters.

• All valve design for greater presence and naturality.

• Completely free from solid state additives.

• Transparent compression.

• Punchy when pushed.

• Drive it hard for compression effects and distortion.

• Absolutely flat frequency response over entire audio range and beyond.

• Minimal phase shift giving a crisp and warm sound.

• Stepped Input & Output controls

• 6 position switched attack control

• 6 position switched release control

• 11 position switched threshold control

• Side Chain Filter - 75Hz & 150Hz plus permutations.

NEW FEATURES:

• 24 position ELMA rotary Input switch, +31dB gain

• 31 position OMEG stepped Output pot

• Chicken head knobs for Attack, Release and S/C

• New Input, Threshold and Output knobs

• ALPHA Side Chain filter

• All Mullard & Siemens valves

• Max output level (MOL): +19dB into 600 ohms, + 24dB into 10K ohms

• Max Gain: 30dB

• Total Harmonic Distortion: Better than 0.06% @ 100Hz & 1kHz

• Noise, IEC weighted: better than 100dB below MOL

• Input Impedance: 15k ohms

• Frequency response: <1dB variation over range of 12Hz to 56kHz.

• Attack Time: 0.004 sec to 0.12 sec

• Release Time: 0.04 sec to 2.4 sec

• Output Impedance: 600 ohms