D.W. Fearn VT-5

D.W. Fearn VT-5 is a 2-channel Stereo Vacuum Tube Equalizer with 2 x XLR Inputs, 2 x XLR Outputs, GND, rack mountable.

The VT-5 vacuum tube equalizer uses a passive LC circuit with Class A triode tube stages for input and output. The tube design is largely based on the constructions of the VT microphone preamplifier series, which ensures that the equalizer has almost the same sound character as the preamps. The passive LC equalization circuit remains the best way to achieve high-quality musical tonal control. The input signal is linear, transformer-balanced, while the active vacuum tube input section features adjustable gain for handling input signals up to -10 dBm. The input transformer is custom-made to our specifications and is the same model used in the VT-1 and VT-2 microphone preamps.

All controls are stepped for precise repeatability and consistent matching between units, making it ideal for mastering or as a mix bus processor. The equalizer is constructed from thick aluminum with a 3RU (5.25 inch) thick front panel painted in D.W. Fearn’s signature red. It visually and functionally matches the VT microphone preamp series.

VT-5 Features

• Frequency response: +/- 0.2 dB 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• THD: less than 0.06%
• Signal-to-Noise: better than 80 dB
• All controls are independent and can be used in any combination
• Low Cut at 30, 40, 100, or 400 Hz, 0 to -18 dB shelving in 2 dB steps
• Low Boost at 20, 40, 60, or 140 Hz, 0 to 16 dB shelving in 2 dB steps
• Mid Cut at 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, or 700 Hz, 0 to -16 dB in 2 dB steps
• High Boost at 1.5, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 12, or 16 kHz, 0 to 12 dB in 2 dB steps
• High Bandwidth Q of 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.4, or 1.7
• High Frequency Cut at 1.5, 3.5, 8, or 28 kHz, 0 to -14 dB shelving in 2 dB steps
• Gain adjustable from -9 to +9 dB, referenced to +4 dBm, in 3 dB steps
• NOTE: Frequency is specified in cycles per second (cps) or kilocycles per second (kc). These units correspond to Hz and kHz respectively. Measurements made with -50 dBm input and 50 dB gain in a 22 cps to 22 kc bandwidth.

VT-5 Specifications

• Input: 600 ohms
• Input Load Impedance: 40k ohms
• Minimum Input Level: -20 dBm nominal
• Maximum Input Level @ 20 cps: +25 dB 0 dB
• Gain: ± 0.5 dB 20 cps to 20 kc -3dB @ 0.5 cps & 80 kc
• Frequency Response: <0.10% 20 cps to 20 kc
• Intermodulation Distortion SMPTE: <0.80%
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 82 dB minimum low-Z, transformer balanced
• Output: +22 dBm unterminated
• Maximum Output Level: 120 or 220 VAC 50/60Hz, 85 W
• Dimensions: 19” (48.26 cm) W, 5.25” (13.34 cm) H, 9” (22.86 cm) D
• Weight: 20 lbs (9.1 kg)