Thermionic Culture Phoenix SB

Thermionic Culture Phoenix SB - Enhanced Valve Compressor with Standby Mode

Introducing the Thermionic Culture Phoenix SB, an upgraded valve compressor that combines precision control with harmonic warmth and an innovative standby mode. This compressor enhances your audio while preserving its quality and extending the life of the unit's components.

Key Features:

• HT Standby Switch: The Phoenix SB boasts an HT (High Tension) Standby switch that puts the unit into a low-power standby mode. This mode is designed to prolong the life of the valves and capacitors. Switch on Standby during startup or when the unit is not in use for an extended period, and switch it off for instant full operation.

• Front Panel Meter Zero Controls: The meter zero controls are conveniently placed on the front panel, allowing easy adjustment by users. Both meters should read "0" when the Phoenix SB is in its standard operational mode and not compressing, ensuring optimal performance without any hassle.

• Side Chain Filters: Utilize the side chain filters to shape the compression response of the Phoenix SB, particularly for bass frequencies. These filters operate below 150Hz or 300Hz on each channel. In stereo mode, they work at the average of both sides, offering five filter frequency options for precise control.

• Smooth "Soft Knee" Compression: The Phoenix SB is acclaimed for its smooth "soft knee" compression characteristic, ensuring it doesn't compromise your signal quality. Whether subtly controlling dynamic range or pushing the unit for harmonic distortion and higher ratio compression, this compressor imparts a natural "warm" quality to your audio.

• Standby Mode Enhancement: In standby mode, where the Phoenix SB still passes audio, a unique "symmetrical" distortion emerges, akin to overloading analog tape. This feature adds an extra dimension to the Phoenix SB, enhancing its versatility.

Elevate your audio to new heights with the Thermionic Culture Phoenix SB, where precise control, harmonic warmth, and valve-driven character converge for exceptional sound quality and performance.

Specifications:

• Maximum Output Level (MOL):

  • +19dB into 600Ω
  • +24dB into 10kΩ

• Maximum Gain: 36dB

• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) at No Compression:

  • Better than 0.06% at 100Hz & 1kHz

• Noise (IEC Weighted):

  • Better than 100dB below MOL

• Input Impedance: 15kΩ

• Frequency Response:

  • <1dB variation over a range of 12Hz to 56kHz

• Attack Time:

  • Adjustable from 0.004s to 0.12s

• Release Time:

  • Adjustable from 0.04s to 2.4s

• Output Impedance: 600Ω

• Distortion (with compression):

  • Typically 0.2% & 0.25% at 1kHz & 100Hz with 8dB compression

• Valve Complement:

  • Input/Compression: PCC85 (equivalent to 9AQ8)
  • Output: ECC81 (equivalent to 12AT7, CV4024)
  • Side Chain Detector: EB91 (equivalent to 6AL5, CV4025)

These specifications highlight the Phoenix SB's performance capabilities, including its low distortion, exceptional noise performance, and wide frequency response.