The D.W. Fearn VT-7 has an all
Class-A vacuum tube audio path, like all D.W. Fearn 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):
Threshold
Gain
Attack
Release
Harder/Softer
Separate/Link/Link HPF
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.
The two channels may be used independently, or linked for stereo. In
addition, a third position on the Link switch inserts a high-pass filter
(HPF) in the sidechain to reduce the gain-reduction sensitivity of the
VT-7 to low frequencies. This is a gentle roll-off, nominally at 100Hz.
This allows a bass-heavy mix to have a better frequency balance, and
prevents heavy low frequency audio from modulating the audio level. (NOTE: The photo of the VT-7 shows an older
unit without the Link HPF position.)
Like all our 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
(no gain reduction, unity gain)
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.5dB -3dB at 5Hz and 65kHz
THD: less than 0.07%
Signal to Noise Radio: better than 80dB
Original Manufacturers Description
Technical Documents
Specifications
Brochure
Product Manual
Recall Sheet
User Testimonials
"My eyes were glued to the GR meters, in awe of the adept performance of the compressor. The best proof was in the recordings, which were pleasingly limited dynamically, yet still sparkled with life, impact and richness." Stephen Murphy, Pro Audio Review
"One of the best clean compressors I have ever heard. It gives a wonderful sound to the mixes. HP filter was a huge plus making songs with a solid kick, and bass very evenly compressed with the rest of the mix. Once you hear it work in your studio, it's hard to let go of." Glenn Bucci, Studio Reviews
