Mercenary Audio
D.W. Fearn  VT-1 Vacuum Tube Microphone Preamplifier





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-1 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.

DWFVT1 List $2,400.00

Mercenary $2,200.00


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D.W. Fearn VT-1 features

In designing the VT-1, no compromise in sonic quality, reliability, or ruggedness were permitted. Like the best tube equipment of the 1950s and '60s, the VT-1 is built on a heavy-gauge 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) 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-1 has become known for.

All over the globe, VT-1 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 meter (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
  • +4 dBm output
  • Conservatively rated precision components and rugged construction for stability and long life
  • Line-level processing with the LP-1 Line Pad accessory

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Input 150 ohms
  • Input Load Impedance 1.1k ohms minimum
  • Minimum Input Leve l -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 65 kc
  • THD+Noise less than 0.20% 20 cps to 20 kc
  • Intermodulation Distortion SMPTE less than 0.02%
  • Signal to Noise Ratio 73 dB minimum
  • Equivalent Input Noise -123 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, 10" (25.4cm) D
  • Weight 14 lbs (6.35kg)

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.

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DWFVT1 List $2,400.00

Mercenary $2,200.00


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