WES Audio Phoebe Review
- Microphone/instrument/ line input: XLR / 6.3 mm jack combo
- 1 Mini-USB connector
- Construction: 500 module
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 38 x 133 x 145 mm
About WES Audio
Since 2010, WesAudio has been manufacturing professional audio equipment. In 2013, they began a new phase of development, introducing innovative “Next Generation” products for professional audio processing. While the company’s legacy is rooted in modernizing analog equipment, their focus since 2013 has been on bringing new life to analog gear with modern features.
Despite these advancements, WesAudio’s main goal remains unchanged: to create beautiful-sounding analog equipment with modern features at an affordable price. The company is dedicated to providing customers with top-quality, precise products, along with full warranty and service support for their entire range of equipment.
WES Audio Phoebe Review and Features
The WesAudio Phoebe is a cutting-edge 500 Series mic/line/instrument preamp that seamlessly blends analog and digital technologies. Its Class A signal path is 100% analog, while offering the convenience of control and automation directly from your DAW. The top panel features an XLR mic and line-level input, as well as a TRS hi-Z instrument DI for maximum flexibility.
With 75dB of microphone gain, Phoebe provides ample headroom—even for low-output passive ribbon mics. Selectable input impedance lets you get the best sound from any microphone. WesAudio’s proprietary Iron Pad allows for precise gain staging, giving you control over attenuation in 1dB steps, up to -15dB.
Phoebe’s legendary “Big Iron” sound comes from its two genuine Carnhill transformers—one on the input and one on the output. These high-quality transformers are a key part of Phoebe’s coveted analog character. Combining state-of-the-art engineering with advanced features and classic, warm, punchy analog tone, the WesAudio Phoebe is the perfect 500 Series preamp for any modern DAW-based studio.
Full digital control with 100% analog input
WesAudio, a company based in Poland and founded by Radoslaw Wesolowski, has launched an initiative called “ng,” which stands for next generation. One standout feature of Phoebe is its special connector, designed to fit perfectly with the receiver connector in the Titan NG500 Recall chassis—just like all of WesAudio’s NG500 products.
On the rear panel of the Titan, you’ll find a USB port for connecting to your computer, as well as an Ethernet port for network connectivity. With a single data cable, all ng500-compatible modules in the rack can connect to your computer.
Don’t have a Titan? No problem. The convenient mini USB port on the top panel of Phoebe lets you enjoy full digital recall capabilities.
Combining hardware and software in an elegant manner
With the new extension of the ng program to include 19-inch rack equipment, the gear will now come with free downloadable software. This software will show up in your DAW session as a standard plug-in, letting you control your analog hardware with precision.
Your DAW session file will store all the settings and automation moves for your session. What a great idea!
- 100% analog microphone/line/instrument preamp
- Pure Class A analog circuitry
- +28dBu of headroom
- Microphone gain up to 75dB
- Carnhill input and output transformers
- Output signal metering with clip detection on top panel
- Phantom power and polarity inversion
- Selectable input impedance (1200/300 ohms)
- All controls/analog settings fully manageable via WesAudio’s GCon DAW plug-in
- Iron Pad passive output attenuation circuit
- Top-panel XLR/TRS combo jack with TRS hi-Z instrument DI plus XLR mic and line-level inputs
- Recallable signal source supported by rear XLR or top-panel XLR/TRS inputs
- 500 series and ng500 series (Titan) compatible
- Total Recall and plug-in control compatible with most DAWs
- Analog automation in DAW
- Isolated analog circuitry, fully digitally controlled
- igital recall via top-panel mini USB socket
- Free software and firmware upgrades
Why You Need the WES Audio Phoebe Preamp?
If you already have a 500 series chassis and are looking to upgrade to something fresh and innovative, Phoebe is the perfect choice. With +28dBu of headroom, Carnhill transformers, and full control over its settings from your DAW, you’re in for a real treat.
What really stands out is the ability to automate parameters directly from your DAW, which is a fantastic feature for any hybrid setup. Plus, being able to save your settings means you can easily recall them for other projects—no more hassle. Truly a hidden gem!
Conclusion
We really like this unit and believe we’ve shared the most important information you need to know about it. WES Audio has released some great units before, and this one is just as impressive.
If you have any questions about this unit, please let us know in the comments below—we’re always happy to help. If you’d like more details than what we’ve provided, feel free to reach out to WES Audio’s customer service for further information.
