WesAudio PHOEBE User manual

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Thank You for the purchase of _PHOEBE
_PHOEBE
Class A analog microphone preamplifier with digital control over
VST2/VST3/AAX/AU plugins.
With kind regards
Radoslaw Wesolowski and Michal Weglicki

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_PHOEBE is next product in new generation 500 series line
created by WesAudio.
The most noble character of microphone preamplifiers now fully integrated with digital
workflow. Dual amp vintage design with most demanded modern features! We are proud to
present _PHOEBE –NG500 fully analog, Class A microphone/line/instrument preamplifier with
digital recall.
_PHOEBE - fully analog, class A microphone/line/instrument preamplifier with digital recall.

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Table of Contents
1. Introduction........................................................................................................................................ 6
2. Main Features..................................................................................................................................... 6
3. Specification....................................................................................................................................... 7
4. Module installation and compatibility................................................................................................. 8
5. Front Panel........................................................................................................................................11
6. Gain...................................................................................................................................................13
7. VU Metering......................................................................................................................................13
8. Stereo vs Mono .................................................................................................................................13
9. Front vs Rear .....................................................................................................................................13
10. HiZ –instrument mode..................................................................................................................... 14
11. +48V Phantom power!...................................................................................................................... 14
12. Software........................................................................................................................................... 15
5.1. Installation....................................................................................................................................... 15
5.1.1. Windows ...................................................................................................................................... 15
5.1.2. OSX.............................................................................................................................................. 16
5.1.3. Troubleshooting........................................................................................................................... 16
5.2. Plugin............................................................................................................................................... 18
5.2.1. How does it work? ........................................................................................................................ 18
5.3. How to connect a unit to a Plugin-in? ............................................................................................... 19
5.4. DAW Plug-ins ............................................................................................................................... 20
6. Hookup diagrams ............................................................................................................................. 22
6.1. Hookup diagram –_PHOEBE in _TITAN: Recording ..................................................................... 23
6.2. Hookup diagram –_PHOEBE in _TITAN: Recording & Mixing ...................................................... 24
6.3. Hookup diagram –_PHOEBE and _CALYPSO in _TITAN: Mixing and Recording.......................... 25
6.4. Hookup diagram –_PHOEBE in 500 Series chassis: Recording ..................................................... 26
6.5. Hookup diagram –_PHOEBE in 500 Series chassis: Recording & Mixing....................................... 27
6.6. Hookup diagram –_PHOEBE in 500 Series chassis: Recording (Hiz) & Mixing............................... 28

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6.7. Other examples............................................................................................................................ 29
6.8. Setup for mixing .............................................................................................................................. 30
6.8.1. HW insert/External effect in DAW................................................................................................. 30
6.8.2. Direct output in DAW ....................................................................................................................31
6.10.Memories......................................................................................................................................... 32
6.10.1. Synchronization upon connection............................................................................................ 32
6.11. Automation ..................................................................................................................................... 32
6.11.1.Automation record ....................................................................................................................... 32
6.12.Pro Tools Integration ....................................................................................................................... 32
6.13. GCon Manager................................................................................................................................. 34
6.19.1. How to check firmware version ................................................................................................ 34
6.19.2. How to perform firmware upgrade........................................................................................... 35
7. Factory reset .................................................................................................................................... 36
8. Troubleshooting............................................................................................................................... 36
8.1. Module is frozen and doesn’t react to encoder moves...................................................................... 36
8.2. Module can’t connect to a plug-in .................................................................................................... 36
8.3. Module disconnects by itself .............................................................................................................37
8.4. Module can’t connect anymore.........................................................................................................37
8.5. (WINDOWS) Unit can’t connect to a plug-in......................................................................................37
9. Abbreviations and terms .................................................................................................................. 38
10. Warranty .......................................................................................................................................... 38
11. History.............................................................................................................................................. 39

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1. Introduction
_PHOEBE is fully analog unit with digital control - whole audio processing is done ONLY through analog
components. Digital side is responsible to configure device accordingly, which allows to implement digital
recall and remote control of the unit.
2.Main Features
100% analog microphone/line preamp with +28dBu of headroom.
Class A fully analog - inspired by famous 1073 design based on dual amp topology.
Microphone gain up to 75dB.
Carnhill Transformers (input and output).
Output signal metering on the front panel with clip detection.
Phantom power and phase invert control.
Switchable input impedance (1200/300Ohm).
All controls/analog settings are fully manageable via the WesAudio GCon DAW
plug-in.
IRON PAD - passive output attenuation circuit with 1 dB step
(after the output transformer).
Front panel XLR/TRS socket which supports - HiZ instrument input (TS), line input
(XLR), microphone input (XLR).
Recallable signal source to be either back XLR Socket, or front panel
XLR/TRS socket.
500 series and ng500 (e.g. _TITAN) series compatible.
Total Recall and plugin control compatible with most DAWs.
Analog automation in DAW.
Fully digitally controlled and isolated analog circuit,
Digital recall can be achieved by connecting unit directly through front
panel mini-USB socket, or using it inside _TITAN chassis,
Accurate analogue Output signal metering and its precise simulation implemented in the plug-in itself,
Free software and firmware upgrades.
Commented [RW1]:
Commented [RW2]: TS ?

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3. Specification
Frequency response
+/- 0.5dB 20Hz-20kHz; -3dB at 50kHz
Distortion
0.005% at 1kHz at +20dBu output
Line input impedance
5.5k ohm bridging
Microphone input impedance
300/1200 ohm
Noise
unity gain (better than -100dbU) Max gain +75dB (better than -70dbU)
EIN
better than -120dB
Max power consumption
170mA(+16V); 100mA(-16V)
Dimensions
38x133x145mm

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4.Module installation and compatibility.
WesAudio _PHOEBE compressor module is designed to be installed into an API™ 500 Series
compatible rack or in ng500 rack (e.g., _TITAN) and cannot function stand alone, requiring the power
source supplied by the rack system.
Important NOTE:
Unit produces fair amount of heat because of its power consumption, it is highly
recommended to leave empty space above and below chassis to allow proper air
circulation. Ideally 1U space above, and 1U space below.
After unpacking your _PHOEBE module, please check for any visible damage that may have occurred
during transit. If there is any problem, please contact your dealer immediately for an advice on how to
proceed.
!!!Ensure the rack is completely powered down before attempting
installation to prevent damage to the module and yourself!!!
Module installation walkthrough:
Choose the position in the rack to which you will install the module and slide it in so that the edge
connector of the module aligns with the matching connector in the rack. A gentle push and the module
should slide home into the rack connector. Attach the front panel to the front of the rack with screws
supplied by your rack manufacturer. This is important for mechanical rigidity. Do not over tighten these
screws to avoid stripping out the threads. Apply power, test that everything is working OK, and most
importantly, enjoy!
500 series compatibility note:
Each WesAudio device in ng500 (Next Generation 500 series) product line is equipped with special
connector. This connector is an extension to 500 series and allows your device to be managed/recalled
through specialized GCon protocol (e.g., _Titan 500 series 10 slots frame).
Commented [RW3]: Tubes ?

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This extension is compatible with 500 series standardized plug type. However, some manufacturers
apply enormous screws to the plug itself, which prevent the device to fit in. Based on official research
more than 90% of available 500 series racks will fit just fine. Currently known exceptions:
1) Rupert Neve Designs 500 series Racks (R6 & R10),
2) Aphex 500 series rack,
3) Some older BAE racks (not produced anymore).
4) Midas L6 –Module won’t be able to fit till the very end on slot 3 & 6 – it should work just fine
though.
5) Midas L10 –Module won’t be able to fit till the very end on slot 4 & 8 –it should work just fine
though. If you are in possession of any of those 500 series racks, there are two options:
NG500 module won’t fit into these racks because of upper screw attached to 500 series connectors.
This screw can be removed without any side effects in most of listed racks. With such simple
modification your rack is ready to host any NG500 module on this slot.

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If you are in possession of any of those 500 series racks, there are following options:
1) If You are in possession of WesAudio module
WITH ng500 connector (regular version):
a. RND R6 & R10 –it is quite simple
modification to remove those screws, and
there is no impact on the chassis –We have
created very simple tutorial:
http://wesaudio.com/r6_mod/
b. For Midas L6 & L10 –WesAudio modules
can be placed on slots without the upper
screw on the connector.
c. For BAE & Aphex racks –it was not analyzed
how complicated removal of those screws
can be, so we would advise to select
different chassis, or acquire WesAudio
module without ng500 connector (please
check below).
2) You can order WesAudio module WITHOUT ng500 connector (special order):
Each device can be ordered without special ng500 series connector which makes it fully 500
series compatible, however:
a) The device compatibility with _TITAN chassis is broken and can’t be undone.
b) The device can be managed/recalled via direct USB connection without any problems –
however please note that each module to be connected separately via USB cable.