D.W. Fearn | VintageKing.com

D.W. Fearn

D.W. Fearn manufactures professional vacuum tube audio recording equipment, including microphone preamplifiers, equalizers, compressors, DI interfaces and accessories. Handcrafted in their West Chester, PA facility and personally tested by Doug Fearn himself, Vintage King proudly carries an extensive list of D.W. Fearn products and offers competitive bundle rates on numerous items. D.W. Fearn products are used around the globe, in personal studios as well as the world’s top recording facilities.

The D.W. Fearn VT-2 recreates the sound of classic tube preamps of the 1960s. Modern components and computer-optimized circuitry, unavailable during the vacuum tube era, elevate this design to a new level of performance. The transparency is astounding. Vocals sound smoother, warmer, more
intimate, with a compelling presence. Any microphone and any sound will
benefit from the improved clarity, definition, and lack of solid-state
artifacts. Design Philosophy In designing the VT-2, no compromise in sonic quality, reliability, or ruggedness were permitted. Like the best tube equipment of the 1950s and '60s, the VT-2 is built on a heavy-guage aluminum chassis, utilizing point-to-point wiring. Each vacuum tube is selected for minimum noise and microphonics, and maximum sonic clarity. The front panel switches control sealed, gold-contact precision relays for all audio switching, eliminating the possibility of dirty contacts degrading the sound and minimizing the internal audio path. Four class-A triode amplifier sections (in two tubes) in each channel comprise the entire active circuit. This surprisingly simple circuit, along with top-quality components and careful design optimization, results in the sonic superiority that the VT-2 has become known for. All over the globe, VT-2 preamps are in daily use in the world's best studios, as well as in home project studios, helping many top recording artists achieve the best possible sound. Features <ul><li>All vacuum-tube design</li><li>Clean and airy high end</li><li>Fat low end</li><li>Unsurpassed warmth, transparency, and musicality</li><li>Lo-Z input position for superior performance with transformerless mics</li><li>+48 volt phantom power (completely disconnected when off)</li><li>Custom-design Jensen input and output transformers for superb sonics</li><li>- 20 dB input pad (switchable)</li><li>True VU meters (amplifier isolated)</li><li>All point-to-point audio wiring</li><li>High-performance, fully-regulated power supplies with exceptional reserve</li><li>Gold input and output XLR connectors</li><li>Polypropylene and polystyrene coupling capacitors</li><li>All audio switching through gold-contact, sealed precision relays</li><li>International operation on 100, 120, or 220 VAC, 50/60 Hz</li><li>CE certified, RoHS-compliant</li><li>+4 dBm output</li><li>Conservatively rated precision components and rugged construction for stability and long life</li><li>Line-level processing with the LP-1 Line Padaccessory</li><li>Single-channel version D.W. Fearn VT-1 also available</li><li>Direct recording of electric instruments with the D.W. Fearn VT-3 Vacuum Tube DI or PDB Passive Direct Box</li></ul> 
The D.W. Fearn LP-1 Line Pad
is a two-channel accessory for use with the VT-1 or VT-2 Vacuum Tube
Microphone Preamplifiers. It is simply a high-quality bridging-type pad
that accepts line-level inputs (+4 dBm nominal) and produces a mic
level output. The actual pad loss is 45 dB. When used in conjunction
with the VT-1 or VT-2 Input Pad (-20 dB), it allows the mic preamp to
accomodate line-level signals from consumer-level (-10 dBV) to high
professional levels (+10 dBm or more).
The LP-1 is packaged in a heavy-duty die-cast aluminum box, painted
with the same high-quality red paint and gold silk-screened labels as
the other D.W. Fearn products. The Input and Output connectors are
gold-contact XLR. The LP-1 is typically used when the subtle signal-modifying
characteristics of the VT-1 or VT-2 are needed on a line-level source,
such as a previously-recorded track, or at the end of a processing
chain. Several LP-1/VT-2 owners use the combination on the overall mix.
At least one CD mastering facility uses the LP-1/VT-2 in the mastering
chain. The LP-1/VT-2 combination can also often be used to
effectively salvage tracks that are otherwise too distorted or "edgy"
for master use.

Buy a D.W. Fearn VT-2 Mic Pre, get a FREE LP1 Line Pad Save $150!
Dual Channel Tube Mic Pre and Dual Channel Line Pad

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The D.W. Fearn LP-1 Line Pad is a two-channel accessory for use with the VT-1 or VT-2 Vacuum Tube Microphone Preamplifiers. It is simply a high-quality bridging-type pad that accepts line-level inputs (+4 dBm nominal) and produces a mic level output. The actual pad loss is 45 dB. When used in conjunction with the VT-1 or VT-2 Input Pad (-20 dB), it allows the mic preamp to accomodate line-level signals from consumer-level (-10 dBV) to high professional levels (+10 dBm or more).

The LP-1 is packaged in a heavy-duty die-cast aluminum box, painted with the same high-quality red paint and gold silk-screened labels as the other D.W. Fearn products. The Input and Output connectors are gold-contact XLR. 

 The LP-1 is typically used when the subtle signal-modifying characteristics of the VT-1 or VT-2 are needed on a line-level source, such as a previously-recorded track, or at the end of a processing chain. Several LP-1/VT-2 owners use the combination on the overall mix. At least one CD mastering facility uses the LP-1/VT-2 in the mastering chain. 

 The LP-1/VT-2 combination can also often be used to effectively salvage tracks that are otherwise too distorted or "edgy" for master use.

D.W. Fearn LP-1 Dual Channel Line Pad
Dual Channel Line Pad

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D.W. Fearn PDB Passive Direct Box
Single-Channel Passive Direct Box

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The VT-series microphone preamplifiers will change the way you think of audio quality. The transparency is astounding. Vocals sound smoother, warmer, more intimate, with a compelling presence. Any microphone and any sound will benefit from the improved clarity, definition, and lack of solid-state artifacts. 
The D.W Fearn VT-1 recreates the sound of classic tube preamps of the 1960s. Modern components and computer-optimized circuitry, unavailable during the vacuum tube era, elevate this design to a new level of performance.
 
The D.W Fearn VT-1 Mic Pre Features:
<ul>
<li> all vacuum-tube design
 </li><li> clean and airy high end
 </li><li> fat low end
 </li><li> unsurpassed warmth, transparency, and musicality
 </li><li> LoZ input position for superior performance with transformerless mics
 </li><li> Phase (polarity) reverse switch
 </li><li> +48 volt phantom power (completely disconnected when off)
 </li><li> customdesign Jensen input and output transformers for superb sonics
 </li><li> 20 dB input pad (switchable)
 </li><li> true VU meters (amplifier isolated)
 </li><li> all pointtopoint audio wiring
 </li><li> highperformance, fullyregulated power supplies with exceptional reserve
 </li><li> gold input and output XLR connectors
 </li><li> polypropylene and polystyrene coupling capacitors
 </li><li> all audio switching through goldcontact, sealed precision relays
 </li><li> international operation on 100, 120, or 220 VAC, 50/60 Hz
 </li><li> CE certified, RoHScompliant
 </li><li> +4 dBm output
 conservatively rated precision components and rugged construction
 for stability and long life
 </li><li> linelevel processing with the LP1 Line Padaccessory; single-channel version DW Fearn VT1 also available; direct recording of electric instruments with the; DW Fearn VT3 Vacuum Tube DI or PDB Passive Direct Box
 </li></ul>

D.W. Fearn VT-1 Mic Pre
Single Channel Vacuum Tube Microphone Preamplifier

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Design Philosophy In designing the VT-2, no compromise in sonic quality, reliability, or ruggedness were permitted. Like the best tube equipment of the 1950s and '60s, the VT-2 is built on a heavy-guage aluminum chassis, utilizing point-to-point wiring. Each vacuum tube is selected for minimum noise and microphonics, and maximum sonic clarity. The front panel switches control sealed, gold-contact precision relays for all audio switching, eliminating the possibility of dirty contacts degrading the sound and minimizing the internal audio path. Four class-A triode amplifier sections (in two tubes) in each channel comprise the entire active circuit. This surprisingly simple circuit, along with top-quality components and careful design optimization, results in the sonic superiority that the VT-2 has become known for. All over the globe, VT-2 preamps are in daily use in the world's best studios, as well as in home project studios, helping many top recording artists achieve the best possible sound. Features <ul><li>All vacuum-tube design</li><li>Clean and airy high end</li><li>Fat low end</li><li>Unsurpassed warmth, transparency, and musicality</li><li>Lo-Z input position for superior performance with transformerless mics</li><li>+48 volt phantom power (completely disconnected when off)</li><li>Custom-design Jensen input and output transformers for superb sonics</li><li>- 20 dB input pad (switchable)</li><li>True VU meters (amplifier isolated)</li><li>All point-to-point audio wiring</li><li>High-performance, fully-regulated power supplies with exceptional reserve</li><li>Gold input and output XLR connectors</li><li>Polypropylene and polystyrene coupling capacitors</li><li>All audio switching through gold-contact, sealed precision relays</li><li>International operation on 100, 120, or 220 VAC, 50/60 Hz</li><li>CE certified, RoHS-compliant</li><li>+4 dBm output</li><li>Conservatively rated precision components and rugged construction for stability and long life</li><li>Line-level processing with the LP-1 Line Padaccessory</li><li>Single-channel version D.W. Fearn VT-1 also available</li><li>Direct recording of electric instruments with the D.W. Fearn VT-3 Vacuum Tube DI or PDB Passive Direct Box</li></ul>

D.W. Fearn VT-2 Mic Pre
Dual Channel Vacuum Tube Microphone Preamplifier

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The VT-3 is a dual-channel, all-triode vacuum tube DI (“direct box”) for recording electric or electronic instruments. The inputs are designed to provide the proper load impedance for all instruments that have a 1/4-inch phone jack output. Tube circuitry provides the very high impedance necessary to capture all the details of these instruments.
The outputs of the VT-3 are mic level (150 ohm source impedance at a nominal -30dBV). The VT-3 is designed to operate into a high-quality microphone preamplifier like our VT-1 and VT-2 Vacuum Tube Microphone Preamplifiers.

Operation is very simple: plug the instrument into the 1/4” front panel jack and take the output either from the front panel XLR connector, or a parallel XLR connector on the back panel. A second 1/4” jack provides an output to feed a guitar amplifier when necessary. A ground-lift switch helps eliminate ground loop buzz, and a switchable high-pass filter gently rolls off frequencies below 100Hz when required.

The two channels are entirely independent and can be used with two different instruments at the same time.

D.W. Fearn VT-3 Dual-Channel Vacuum Tube DI
Dual-Channel Vacuum Tube DI

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The D.W. Fearn VT-4 equalizer will change the way you think of eq. It's smooth and sweet, and can be very subtle at mild settings, but quite strong with aggressive use of the controls. Creative use of the low boost and cut will create a powerful bass that has to be heard to be believed. The high boost adds just the right brightness to vocals, guitars -- any sound, or even an entire mix. Even with extreme settings, the VT-4 will never sound harsh.   
This single-channel equalizer uses passive LC circuitry with class-A triode vacuum tube stages for the input and output. The tube circuitry is largely derived from the VT-1/VT-2 mic preamp design, so the equalizer has much the same sonic character as the preamps. The LC-style passive equalization circuitry is based on the classic designs that are still the best-sounding way to achieve high-quality tonal control. The input is line-level, transformer balanced-bridging. An active vacuum tube input section has adjustable gain to accomodate input signals as low as -10 dBm. The input transformer is made by Jensen. The output stage utilizes the same custom Jensen transformer used on the VT-1/VT-2 mic preamps. All controls are stepped for precise repeatability and uniform matching between units. High-quality rotary switches are used with 1% metal-film resistors. All of the audio capacitors are polystyrene or polypropylene. The inductors are custom-made for us by Jensen Transformers Inc. The equalizer is constructed of heavy-guage aluminum, with a a 3RU (5.25 inch), 1/4-inch thick front panel, finished in D.W. Fearn red. It matches the VT-1/VT-2 series of mic preamps in appearance and construction. Like the VT-1/VT-2 preamps, the Equalizer has been designed to provide an exceptional tool for audio professionals. The design frequencies and curves were determined by ear, after extensive listening to a variety of program material, both individual tracks and overall mixes. The result is a highly-musical equalizer with plenty of range for enhancing any track or mix.

D.W. Fearn VT-4 Tube LC Equalizer
Single Channel Vacuum Tube LC Equalizer

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Manufacturer's Description The DW Fearn VT-5 Stereo Equalizer is a dual-channel version of our acclaimed VT-4 LC Equalizer. The frequencies, steps, curves, etc. are exactly the same. The VT-5 is a true stereo equalizer, with one set of controls that work on both channels simultaneously. This equalizer will change the way you think of eq. It's smooth and sweet, and can be very subtle at mild settings, but quite strong with aggressive use of the controls. Creative use of the low boost and cut will create a powerful bass that has to be heard to be believed. The high boost adds just the right brightness to vocals, guitars -- any sound, or even an entire mix. Even with extreme settings, the VT-5 will never sound harsh. This stereo equalizer uses passive LC circuitry with class-A triode vacuum tube stages for the input and output. The tube circuitry is largely derived from the VT-1/VT-2 mic preamp design, so the equalizer has much the same sonic character as the preamps. The LC-style passive equalization circuitry is based on the classic designs that are still the best-sounding way to achieve high-quality tonal control. The inputs are line-level, transformer balanced-bridging. An active vacuum tube input section has adjustable gain to accommodate input signals as low as -10 dBm. The input transformers are made by Jensen. The output stage utilizes the same custom Jensen transformers used on the VT-1/VT-2 mic preamps. All controls are stepped for precise repeatability and uniform matching between units. High-quality rotary switches are used with 1% metal-film resistors. All of the audio capacitors are polystyrene or polypropylene. The inductors are custom-made for us by Jensen Transformers Inc. The equalizer is constructed of heavy-guage aluminum, with a a 3RU (5.25 inch), 1/4-inch thick front panel, finished in D.W. Fearn red. It matches the VT-1/VT-2 series of mic preamps in appearance and construction. Like the VT-1/VT-2 preamps, the Equalizer has been designed to provide an exceptional tool for audio professionals. The design frequencies and curves were determined by ear, after extensive listening to a variety of program material, both individual tracks and overall mixes. The result is a highly-musical equalizer with plenty of range for enhancing any track or mix.

D.W. Fearn VT-5 Stereo Tube Equalizer
Dual-channel version of the VT-4 Vacuum Tube Equalizer

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The D.W. Fearn VT-7 has an all Class-A vacuum tube audio path, like all our products. The gain reduction elements utilize circuitry that duplicates the sound and characteristics of the finest classic vacuum tube compressors, without depending on tubes that are no longer manufactured. The control circuitry is modern solid-state analog.
 
The two channels may be used independently or linked together for stereo. A built in sidechain high-pass filter may be selected to reduce the compression on bass-heavy material.

Controls (each channel):<UL>

<LI>Threshold
<LI>Gain
<LI>Attack
<LI>Release
<LI>Harder/Softer
<LI>Link</UL>

The VU meters may be switched between indicating gain reduction or output level.
 
The VT-7 has a highly-transparent sound, although it can be used more aggressively when needed. Artifacts of the compression process are substantially lower than in most other compressors.
 
Like all DW Fearn products, the VT-7 is designed to process high-quality audio and make it sound even better.
 
The VT-7 is equally adept in tracking as well as as a bus compressor. Even jazz and classical tracks can be sent through the VT-7 for some mild gain control without obvious effect other than a significant improvement in the overall sound of the mix.
	
	
 
Performance<UL>

<LI>(no gain reduction, unity gain)

<LI>Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.5dB
-3dB at 5Hz and 65kHz

<LI>THD: less than 0.07%

<LI>Signal to Noise Radio: better than 80dB

D.W. Fearn VT-7 Dual Channel Tube Compression Amplifier
Dual Channel Vacuum Tube Compression Amplifier

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