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.



Design Philosophy
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-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) 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
Also available in a dual-channel version, the D.W. Fearn VT-2

Input 150 ohms
Input Load Impedance 1.5k ohms
Minimum Input Levell -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 0.20% 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, 10" (25.4cm) D
Weight 14 lbs (6.35kg)