The VT-series microphone preamplifiers from D.W. Fearn 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 preamplifier 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.
 
The VT-2 mic preamp was designed for optimal sonic quality, reliability, and durability. Like the best tube equipment of the 1950s and '60s, the VT-2 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) 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.

The Features
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
CE certified, RoHS-compliant
+4 dBm output - conservatively rated precision components and rugged construction for stability and long life
Line-level processing with the LP-1 Line Pad (see #180295) - direct recording of electric instruments with the D.W. Fearn VT-3 Vacuum Tube DI (see #180273) or PDB Passive Direct Box (see 180294).

The Specs
Input: 150 ohms
Input Load Impedance: 1.5k ohms
Minimum Input Level: -65 dBm nominal
Maximum Input Level @ 20 cps: -30dBm without pad, -5 dBm with 20dB pad
Gain: 53dB
Frequency Response: ±0.25dB 20cps to 20kc; -3dB @ 0.5cps and 55kc
THD+Noise: less than 0.25% 20cps to 20kc
Intermodulation Distortion: SMPTE less than 0.02%
Signal to Noise Ratio: 74dB minimum
Equivalent Input Noise: -124dBm maximum
Output: low-Z, transformer-balanced
Maximum Output Level: +22dBm, 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 -50dBm input and 50dB gain in a 22cps to 22kc bandwidth. Specifications and price subject to change without notice.
 
The Things To Be Aware Of
Due to heat given off by tubes, D.W. Fearn recommends that you provide at least one rack unit (RU) of space above and below their audio rack products. For proper cooling and a refined look for your rack, we highly recommend using D.W. Fearn Vented Rack Panels.