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.

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5. Front Panel

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1. FRONT/REAR SWITCH –Switch which changes input source between back XLR socket
(LINE/MICROPHONE) and front panel XLR/TS socket (LINE/MICROPHONE/INSTRUMENT). HiZ
LED is engaged when TRS cable is detected in the socket and FRONT mode is engaged.
2. 300 OHM IMPEDANCE –this button engages 300-ohm impedance (instead of 1200-ohm default
impedance).
3. PHASE –this button inverts the phase.
4. PHANTOM POWER –engages +48V phantom power. Please note that if LINE mode or HiZ
mode is active, this option will be automatically disabled.
5. GAIN knob –Sets the gain of the preamplifier / Push the encoder to toggle between LINE and
MICROPHONE mode.
6. VU METER –VU meter shows output level up to +24dBu, all LEDs turns RED when internal CLIP
is detected.
7. PAD –passive attenuator up to 15dB in 1dB step.
8. FRONT PANEL XLR/TRS –socket is activated when FRONT mode is active, it supports LINE,
INSTRUMENT or MICROPHONE signals.
9. USB –module control USB port,
10. DATA LED –indicates that data is being sent from DAW to device,
11. H-LINK LED –indicates state of host-module connection,

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6.Gain
Unit operates in different gain ranges for microphone, line, and instrument modes:
•Microphone GAIN: 20dB –75dB
•LINE GAIN: -10dB –20dB
•Instrument GAIN: -30dB –+25dB
If 75dB of GAIN isn’t enough, by engaging low input impedance mode (300 OHM) signal will also be
raised few more dB.
7. VU Metering
Front panel and Plug-in meter shows output value before the PAD –it visualizes Gain Level indication.
Front LEDs will all become RED when CLIP is detected.
8.Stereo vs Mono
_PHOEBE is single slot mono preamplifier. However due to its digital control it is possible to link to
modules into stereo operation –just open Stereo plug-in and connect 2 devices! From now on all controls
maybe link in a relative way, so just turn one knob, and second channel will follow!
9.Front vs Rear
_PHOEBE takes advantage over digital control and provides two memory banks:
•FRONT bank A.
•REAR bank B.
That means that activating Rear or Front, different values of parameters will be engaged on the
analog circuit –it works in very similar ways like on plug-ins or our other units, with a difference that
activating A (Front) will always enable front panel XLR/TRS socket, and B (REAR) will activate rear XLR
on the chassis. That makes it possible to permanently connect two different sources, e.g., Microphone
to rear panel of the chassis, and DI or Line level to front panel XLR/TRS socket –now by engaging Rear
or Front, different sets of parameters will be used for each of those modes, so even without a plug-in we
can easily switch between those two sources and settings using one magic button!
Front panel socket supports following signals:
•Microphone (XLR)
•Line (XLR)
•Instrument (TS)

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Rear socket supports following signals:
•Microphone (XLR)
•Line (XLR)
10. HiZ –instrument mode
Instrument mode –HiZ –is automatically engaged when two conditions are met:
•Front panel mode is active.
•TS Jack cable is inserted in the front panel TS socket.
11. +48V Phantom power!
+48 Phantom power is well known as convenient power source for condenser microphones. It is part of
most of available preamplifiers and _PHOEBE is no different. However due to different settings in internal
circuit, there are some rules on how the Phantom power is engaged/disengaged:
•LINE gain mode will always disable Phantom power and turn it unresponsive on both front panel
and the plug-in.
•HiZ mode will always disable Phantom power and turn it unresponsive on both front panel and the
plug-in.
•Any change between FRONT and REAR settings will respect both above settings. That means if
REAR is set to LINE and FRONT to MICROPHONE gain level, changing FRONT to REAR will disable
Phantom power automatically.
12. OUTPUT PAD
Output PAD was designed to generate 15dB of attenuation at its maximum setting. However, as its
implementation is fully in the analog realm, nothing is perfect, and its value may vary because of following
reasons:
•Tolerance of the resistors and limited values availability.
•Input impedance of next unit in analog chain.
In practice maximum value of attenuation generated by PAD will be around 16-17 dB. In situations where
next unit in chain input impedance will be very low, it may cause to push that value few dB further.

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13. Software
Software package can be downloaded from http://www.wesaudio.com/download by anyone who
purchased related HW unit. To check currently supported plugin types and platforms, please follow
above link.
5.1. Installation
To install Plugin Bundle package, please visit http://www.wesaudio.com/download and
download recent version of software.
5.1.1.Windows
Start the installer application, if you will encounter any system warnings about this installer, please
ignore them (*):
Select any components which you would like to install (**).
•If this is FIRST installation, please unplug all WesAudio devices from your workstation.
•When USB driver will be installed, application will inform that all devices should be connected –
please do so.
•If USB driver installation is triggered, user will be asked to restart computer. We know that this is
unwanted activity, but it is necessary step for USB driver to install with success.
•If computer restart is triggered, this Installer will start again during start up. If for some reason
installer won’t be started after the restart, please start same installer manually again.
Select „More Info”
...And select „Run anyway”

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5.1.2.OSX
Because OSX architecture and USB devices handling is much simpler in concept, the only thing to note
is to have all devices connected during install procedure.
Start the installer application, if you will encounter any system warnings about this installer,
please ignore them *(sometimes it is necessary to open context menu with right mouse button and
trigger installation once again):
5.1.3.Troubleshooting
If anything would fail during installation procedure, please contact our support at
[email protected]. We will get back to you ASAP.
Below you can find some symptoms and description which will help to investigate the issue:
“Can’t find my device on plugin drop down menu”
Unfortunately, there could be dozens of root causes. On Windows machine it is very important to check
if USB device is successfully connected on system level. That can be checked in “Control Panel->System-
>Device Manager”:

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The amount of GCon devices on the list should be equal amount of connected WesAudio units.
If you can’t find WesAudio device in the list, or number of devices doesn’t match, it is very valuable
information and totally changes troubleshooting steps.
In any other cases, it is necessary to contact our support via [email protected]
* Operating system as windows or OSX are very restrictive about software signing, which doesn’t really
match with software distributed on small scale. Please ignore any warnings, we guarantee that software is
checked and doesn’t contain any viruses or unwanted malware objects.
** Please note that for WINDOWS it is necessary to install USB driver which is critical to communicate with
HW units. It is required step only during first installation, and this option will be automatically disabled during
any software upgrades.

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5.2. Plugin
_PHOEBE is a fully analog device, which was designed to integrate with its digital counterpart –a
software plug-in available in following formats: VST2/VST3/AU/AAX or standalone application.
5.2.1.How does it work?
When connection of the DAW plug-in and the Hardware unit is established, both units should
present the same state of parameters. That means that any change on the hardware unit’s front panel, will
be presented on the plug-in, and any change on the DAW plug-in will be presented on the hardware unit.
Each change of the parameters will also apply changes to unit’s analog circuit, so you can have the best of
both worlds!

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5.3. How to connect a unit to a Plugin-in?
In practice there could be plenty of GCon devices connected to Your PC/MAC, that is why it is
mandatory to select proper ID from the drop-down list to initiate connection of the plug-in with the
hardware unit. To do so, please hit small Triangle BUTTON on the left bottom section of the plug-in:

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5.4. DAW Plug-ins
Below chapters will go through specific plug-in controls. The only difference worth highlighting is
the plug-in meter, which has different scale and look compared to the front panel meter. However, as for the
analog LED meter, maximum point of the plug-in meter marked as “3” will correspond to +24dBu of output
level and small red LED on that meter will illustrate a CLIP detection.
As most of the controls are mirror image of the hardware unit, this chapter will describe only specific
plug-in controls, for a reference.
Please note that stereo plug-in connects to two hardware devices, thus all the connection related
controls (toggle, selection etc.) are available for each channel separately.