Phoenix Audio DRS-8 MkII: drum test and comparison with soundcard-integrated preamps.

The Phoenix Audio DRS-8 MkII is an eight-channel Class A microphone preamplifier designed as an analog front-end for the multichannel tracking stage.

In this review we tested its performance on a full drum recording, comparing it with the Antelope Orion Studio Synergy Core integrated preamps.

👇 Watch the video with audio test!

A design with two souls: linear input, output with character

The circuit structure of the DRS-8 MkII clearly separates two behaviors:

• Class-A, transformerless and balanced input designed for maximum transparency and fidelity.
• Output with discrete Class A DSOP-2 circuit and custom DB694 transformer, introducing controlled saturation and musicality.

This means the preamplifier does not impose color on the sound, but leaves the user in control of the sonic character by acting on the output level instead of the input gain.

How gain staging works on the DRS-8 MkII

The input gain is responsible for bringing the microphone signal to a good signal-to-noise ratio. Theoutput fader, on the other hand, determines how much the signal interacts with the output transformer:

• Low output → clean, fast signal with extended frequency response and minimal coloration.
• High output → progressive saturation, pleasant harmonics, natural compression on peaks, greater signal cohesion.

This architecture is particularly effective for dynamic sources such as drums, where it is critical to preserve transients while having the ability to sculpt the character of the sound.

Operating characteristics for each channel

Each channel of the DRS-8 MkII is equipped with:

• -15 dB pad
• High-pass filter at 80 Hz
• Phase inversion
• Phantom power supply
• Mute
• LED Metering

Not a channel strip, but a tool focused on providing a high-quality, controllable signal input to the DAW.

Direct comparison with Antelope Orion Studio Synergy Core

In the comparison test, the DRS-8 MkII was connected directly to the line inputs of the Orion to bypass the internal preamps.

Result:

• The Antelope preamps proved to be very transparent but became stiff and unmanageable when taken to the limit.
• The Phoenix DRS-8 MkII, on the other hand, offers more headroom, musical saturation, and consistent and predictable analog behavior.

Conclusions

The Phoenix Audio DRS-8 MkII is not designed for those looking for a prepackaged sound, but for those who want to consciously choose their sweet spot.
It is perfect for those who frequently record drums, ensembles, or multichannel sessions, and want to arrive in DAW with a solid, consistent, mix-ready signal.

👉 Check out the Phoenix DRS-8 MkII at Milk Audio Store