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.
