| That's interesting. I wouldn't call them 'totally different beasts', as they do share many similarities.
I think the Pheonix has a definite 'colour' that can be quite aggressive depending on the drive. I kinda like it between 3 and 4 most times (driving it with peaks 3-6dB below 0dBFS). It can distort easily so I generally have the gain into it not too high. It can be subtle or severe. Beautiful 'euphoric' tube colour though, with RMS power until tomorrow. A beast that most clients love- especially with dub/hip-hop/electronica.
Used to have a Manley Vari-mu. Again, nice box, probably a bit more of a sonic signature as Manley gear tends to have. For rock, great box, but for bass heavy music could not compete with the Pheonix. The Pheonix has more balls an power. So it stayed and the Manley went- but I do miss it at times for the odd rock project.
The HPF makes the Pheonix a much more versatile beast- more so than the Manley. |