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Average Price: $3,653
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$599
$2000+
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Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Phoenix Audio DRS-8 MK2 - 8 Channel Class A Pre-Amp". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Phoenix Audio DRS-8 MK2 is crafted for those who seek to blend modern innovation with classic warmth in their recordings. This 8-channel Class A preamp is a powerhouse, offering an expansive tonal range that caters to both the purist and the experimentalist. Its electronically balanced, transformerless input circuit ensures that fast transients are captured with precision, while maintaining the smooth, creamy characteristics that make Class A preamps so coveted.
The output stage is where the DRS-8 MK2 truly shines. Thanks to its fully discrete, transformer-balanced design, you can dial in tones from audiophile clean to the kind of British saturation that has graced countless classic records. Whether you're working in broadcast TV or a recording studio, the DRS-8 MK2 is versatile enough to handle it all.
For those who love the tactile experience of crafting a sound, the DRS-8 MK2 offers intuitive controls with LED gain metering, push-button 48V phantom power, and phase reversal. This ensures that achieving your desired sound is both quick and precise. The high-impedance DI circuit is a boon for instrumentalists, allowing the natural character of your guitar or bass to flourish, uncolored by unnecessary interference.
Key Features:
- 8-channel 2RU 19" rackmount configuration
- Class A, transformerless, electronically balanced mic input stage
- Transformer-coupled discrete DSOP-2 Class A output stage with custom-wound DB694 output transformer
- 70dB of mic gain with an additional 10dB available on the output fader
- High-impedance 10 Mohm DI circuit
- -15 dB input pad, LED gain metering, and switchable 48V phantom power
- Hi-pass filter at -6 dB per octave at 80 Hz
- Wired with mil-spec, silver-plated PTFE cable
Owner's manual
Phoenix Audio DRS-8 MK2 - 8 Channel Class A Pre-Amp User ManualProduct specs
| Preamp Type | Class A Solid State |
| Number of Channels | 8 |
| Phantom Power | Yes, per channel |
| Pads | -15dB |
| Polarity Switch | Yes |
| EQ | 80Hz High Pass Filter |
| Analog Inputs | 8 x XLR-1/4" combo (mic/line, Hi-Z) |
| Analog Outputs | 8 x XLR, 1 x DB-25, 1 x 1/4" (mono monitor/headphones) |
| Rack Spaces | 2U |
| Power Source | Standard IEC AC cable |
| Height | 3.5" |
| Width | 19" |
FAQs
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What type of preamp is the Phoenix Audio DRS-8 MK2?
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The Phoenix Audio DRS-8 MK2 is a Class A solid-state preamp, known for delivering warm, detailed, and transparent sound quality suitable for professional recording applications.
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How many channels does the Phoenix Audio DRS-8 MK2 offer?
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The Phoenix Audio DRS-8 MK2 offers 8 channels, making it ideal for multi-microphone setups and larger recording projects in a studio environment.
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Does the Phoenix Audio DRS-8 MK2 provide phantom power?
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Yes, the Phoenix Audio DRS-8 MK2 provides phantom power for each channel, allowing you to use condenser microphones that require external power.
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What are the connectivity options for the Phoenix Audio DRS-8 MK2?
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The Phoenix Audio DRS-8 MK2 features 8 XLR-1/4" combo inputs, 8 XLR outputs, a DB-25 output, and a 1/4" mono monitor/headphone output, offering versatile connectivity for various studio setups.
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Does the Phoenix Audio DRS-8 MK2 include any EQ features?
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Yes, the Phoenix Audio DRS-8 MK2 includes an 80Hz high pass filter, allowing you to reduce low-frequency rumble and improve clarity in your recordings.
Videos
Sweetwater
Phoenix Audio DRS-8 MK2 8-channel Mic Preamp Overview
Reviews
PROS
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Offers a rich, nuanced tone with a slightly darker, Neve-ish character
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Excellent for drums, providing a vintage aesthetic and presence in recordings
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Dynamic range and reliable Class A sound delivers power and fullness
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Considered better on kick and snare than some API preamps
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Versatile XLR/TRS combo with MIC/Line/DI options on all channels
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Headphone amp on board allows per-channel headroom setup
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Cost-effective alternative to high-end preamps without compromising quality
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Provides both clean gain and transformer saturation for versatile sound shaping
CONS
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Learning curve with dual gain knob functionality
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Does not include DB25 connections for inputs and outputs
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
In a photo posted by Kevin Parker on the Tame Impala Instagram account, various studio equipment is visible, including the Phoenix Audio DRS-8 MK2 - 8 Channel Class A Pre-Amp, which is situated on top of the DBX165A compressor.
In the YouTube video titled "I turned my house into a studio | 2023 Studio Tour," Tim Henson is seen showcasing his home studio, where the Phoenix Audio DRS-8 MK2 - 8 Channel Class A Pre-Amp is visibly located in the side rack. At 8:30 into the video, Tim Henson explains that he used this preamp for recording drums. The video is authored by Tim Henson and available on YouTube.
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Phoenix Audio DRS-8 MK2 - 8 Channel Class A Pre-Amp, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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