The Connoisseur’s Tube Compressor
The D.W. Fearn VT-7 is a dual-channel tube compressor with a Class A vacuum tube audio path and modern solid-state, all-analog pulse width modulation (PWM) gain-reduction circuitry. This allows the VT-7 to replicate the sound and performance of coveted classic vacuum tube compressors without being dependent on tubes that are no longer manufactured. You can use the VT-7’s two channels independently or linked for stereo operation. The unit includes a sidechain highpass filter to reduce the influence of bass-heavy material on compression action. Two glowing vintage-style VU meters can be switched to indicate either gain reduction or output level. The VT-7’s tube amplification stage is derived from D.W. Fearn’s impressive-sounding VT-1 and VT-2 mic preamps, lending the equalizer a sonic character cut from the same cloth. Whether deployed on vocals and instruments during tracking or strapped across the stereo bus for mixing or mastering sessions, the D.W. Fearn VT-7 does a masterful job of controlling levels while always managing to improve the sound of any signal you feed it!
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Transparent, highly configurable, and versatile
Fitted with per-channel Threshold, Gain, Attack, Release, and Harder/Softer controls, plus a Separate/Link/Link HPF rotary selector, the VT-7 is highly configurable, giving it immense versatility to handle the gamut of program material you’re ever likely to encounter. Although you can use the VT-7 aggressively, its glassy sonic transparency makes it perfect for leveling overall mixes while subtly adding weight, thickness, and punch. It also provides the adjustability you need for effective level control over a broad range of instruments and vocals. And due to its unique PWM gain-reduction circuitry, you’ll find that the VT-7 exhibits far fewer compression artifacts than many other compressors. The design has been optimized to eliminate the need for an internal fan, thus keeping your control room cooler and quieter.
About D.W. Fearn
As an electronics designer, D.W. Fearn started building audio amplifiers in the 1960s, when transistors had started to become more readily available but were still expensive and of questionable sonic quality. Therefore, his earliest experience was with vacuum tubes — a solid foundation for a career that would fully blossom with the introduction of the VT-1 preamp in the early ’90s. For three decades (and counting), D.W. Fearn equipment has populated the racks of top studios worldwide and is coveted by top professionals in music, film, radio, and television. For countless recording engineers and producers, D.W. Fearn gear is an essential component in their workflow and artistry. Today, D.W. Fearn designs and hand assembles their products in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Sweetwater is proud to offer you this outstanding line of tube audio processing equipment.
D.W. Fearn VT-7 Dual-channel Tube Compressor Features:
- Class A vacuum tube audio path
- Modern solid-state, all-analog PWM gain-reduction circuitry
- Frequency response (GR out, unity gain): 20Hz–20kHz (+/-0.5dB)
- -3dB points: 5Hz and 65kHz
- THD: less than 0.07%
- Signal to Noise: better than 80dB
- Sidechain highpass filter
- Handcrafted in the USA
