Mercenary Audio - D.W. Fearn VT-2 Dual Channel Vacuum Tube Mic Pre

What could possibly sound better than a D.W. Fearn VT-1? 2 channels of VT-1 in the same amount of space!! The attention to detail and audio quality from the D.W Fearn family of products is legendary. Vocals sound smoother, warmer, more intimate, with a compelling presence. Any microphone and any sound will benefit from the improved clarity, definition, of this superior design and build quality.

D.W. Fearn VT-2 features

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.

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-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) 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.

Stereo version of the highly-acclaimed VT-1
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
+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, 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.

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