D.W. Fearn VT-2: the Tube Purist’s Preamp
The D.W. Fearn VT-2 offers two channels of no-compromise tube mic preamplification built on a robust, heavy-gauge aluminum chassis. Designed by renowned electronics guru D.W. Fearn, the single-channel VT-1 was launched in 1993 and immediately set the bar for modern tube preamp performance. Like their predecessors, today’s VT models are handcrafted in the USA with the robust build quality and point-to-point wiring that was de rigueur for pro audio equipment in the 1950s and ’60s. The vacuum tubes used in the VT-2 are individually tested to ensure crystalline sonic clarity as well as ultra-low noise and microphonics. The result? Pristine audio performance, alive with tube vibrancy and warmth.
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Integrated line pad for mixing and mastering
The VT-2 features a switchable 43dB pad that negates the need for a line pad and enables the preamp to be strapped across your stereo bus during mixing and mastering to add D.W. Fearn’s inimitable sonic signature to your final mixes and masters. The VT-2 is a formidable triple threat — a powerful tool for recording, mixing, and mastering!
Audiophile circuit design
D.W. Fearn’s purist design sensibility is manifest in the VT-2’s audiophile-grade circuit path. The entire active circuit comprises four Class A triode amplifier sections in two per-channel vacuum tubes. Sealed gold-contact relays are used for all audio switching, thus minimizing the internal audio path while negating the risk of degraded sound due to dirty contacts. Custom Jensen input and output transformers are employed to balance the circuit. This minimalist circuit path, along with intelligent design optimization and top-drawer components such as custom Jensen input and output transformers, results in the superior rendition of instruments and vocals that has been the VT preamp’s calling card for decades. Satisfy your need for audio perfection by upgrading your studio with the D.W. Fearn VT-2 mic preamp from Sweetwater today!
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-2 Microphone Preamplifier Features:
- All vacuum-tube design
- Lo-Z input position for optimized performance with transformerless mics
- Phase (polarity) reverse switch
- +48V phantom power (completely disengaged when off)
- Custom Jensen input and output transformers
- 20dB input pad (switchable)
- Switchable 43dB line pad
- True VU meters (amplifier isolated)
- All point-to-point audio wiring
- 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 220V AC; 50/60Hz
- Gain: 53dB; +4dBm output
- Rugged construction and conservatively rated precision components for stability and longevity
- Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz (+/-0.25dB); -3dB @ 0.5Hz and 55kHz
- THD+Noise: less than 0.25% 20Hz–20kHz
- Intermodulation Distortion SMPTE less than 0.02%
- Signal to Noise Ratio: 74dB minimum
- Equivalent Input Noise: -124dBm maximum
- Output: lo-Z, transformer-balanced
- CE certified, RoHS compliant
- Handcrafted in the USA
