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 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.

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.

The D.W. Fearn VT-1 is the single channel version of the D.W. Fearn VT-2 Vacuum Tube Microphone Preamplifier.

The D.W. Fearn VT-1 is the single channel version of the D.W. Fearn VT-2 Vacuum Tube Microphone Preamplifier. The specifications are identical to the VT-2.

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 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.

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.

all vacuum-tube design

clean and airy high end

fat low end

unsurpassed warmth, transparency, and musicality

Lo-Z input position for superior performance with transformerless mics

Phase (polarity) reverse switch

+48 volt phantom power (completely disconnected when off)

custom-design Jensen input and output transformers for superb sonics

20 dB input pad (switchable)

true VU meters (amplifier isolated)

all point-to-point audio wiring

high-performance, fully-regulated power supplies with exceptional reserve

gold input and output XLR connectors

polypropylene and polystyrene coupling capacitors

all audio switching through gold-contact, sealed precision relays

international operation on 100, 120, or 220 VAC, 50/60 Hz

CE certified, RoHS-compliant

+4 dBm output

- Conservatively rated precision components and rugged construction for stability and long life

line-level processing with the LP-1 Line Padaccessory

- Single-channel version D.W. Fearn VT-1 also available
- direct recording of electric instruments with the D.W. Fearn VT-3 Vacuum Tube DI or PDB Passive Direct Box

Input 150 ohms

Input Load Impedance 1.5k ohms

Minimum Input Level -65 dBm nominal

Maximum Input Level @ 20 cps -30 dBm without pad, -5 dBm with 20 dB pad

Gain 53 dB

Frequency Response +/-0.25 dB 20 cps to 20 kc; -3 dB @ 0.5 cps and 55 kc

THD+Noise less than 0.25% 20 cps to 20 kc

Intermodulation Distortion SMPTE less than 0.02%

Signal to Noise Ratio 74 dB minimum

Equivalent Input Noise -124 dBm maximum

Output low-Z, transformer-balanced

Maximum Output Level +22 dBm, 20k ohm load

Power Requirements 100, 120, or 220 VAC, 50/60 Hz

Dimensions 19" (48.26cm) W, 5.25" (13.34cm) H, 14" (35.56cm) D

Weight 18 lbs (8.16kg)

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. Specifications and price subject to change without notice.