DW Fearn VT-5M – Stereo Mastering EQ

OVERVIEW

The D.W. Fearn VT-5M brings the company’s renowned all-tube analogue approach to a purpose-built stereo mastering equalizer. Its passive LC topology, custom-made inductors, transformer-coupled architecture and eight 6072A dual triodes combine to provide highly musical frequency shaping with the headroom, clarity and smoothness required for demanding mastering and mix-bus applications. Independent low, mid and high-frequency sections provide precise control over tonal balance, while the high-frequency bandwidth control allows the character of the EQ to be tailored to the material.

Designed for professional workflows where accuracy and repeatability are essential, the VT-5M uses precision-detented controls and silver-contact rotary switches for consistent stereo tracking and reliable session recall. A true stereo control layout allows both channels to be adjusted simultaneously, while adjustable gain trim makes it easy to establish the desired operating level. Hand-built and tested in the USA, the VT-5M is designed as a long-term professional studio tool that combines technical precision with the unmistakable musicality of tube processing.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Pure Class-A Tube Signal Path

Eight 6072A dual triodes provide a high-headroom, all-tube audio path designed to deliver smooth, detailed and harmonically rich analogue performance without harshness.

Passive LC Equalization

The dedicated passive LC topology uses custom-made inductors and carefully selected components to provide natural, musical tonal shaping across the frequency spectrum.

Precision Stereo Control

A single set of high-precision controls simultaneously adjusts both channels, helping maintain accurate stereo tracking while making the EQ quick and intuitive to operate.

Stepped Controls for Recall

Precision-detented rotary controls and silver-contact switches provide repeatable settings, making the VT-5M particularly well suited to mastering workflows where exact recall is essential.

Wide, Musical Frequency Control

Dedicated low-cut, low-boost, mid-cut, high-boost and high-cut sections provide everything from subtle corrective shaping to more pronounced tonal enhancement.

Hand-Crafted in the USA

Each unit is independently built, wired, burned-in and rigorously tested by hand, reflecting D.W. Fearn’s boutique approach to professional analogue equipment.

FEATURES

• Stereo mastering equalizer designed for mastering, mix-bus and professional studio applications
• Pure Class-A tube signal path
• Eight 6072A dual triodes
• Classic passive LC equalizer topology
• Custom-made passive inductors
• Hand-selected input and output transformers
• Transformer-coupled signal path
• True stereo operation with simultaneous L/R control
• Precision-detented controls for repeatable settings
• High-quality silver-contact rotary switches
• Independent low-cut, low-boost, mid-cut, high-boost and high-cut sections
• Variable high-frequency bandwidth/Q control
• Adjustable gain trim for precise level matching
• Musical tonal shaping from subtle corrective EQ to more pronounced enhancement
• High headroom for demanding mastering applications
• True hard-wire bypass
• Hand-built and tested in the USA
• Boutique construction using carefully selected components
• Designed for long-term professional studio use
• Limited 7-year warranty
• 90-day warranty on vacuum tubes

TECHNICAL SPECS

• Circuitry: Pure Class-A triode vacuum tube audio path
• Vacuum Tubes: 8 x 6072A dual triodes
• Equalization: Passive LC circuitry
• Input: 600 ohms nominal
• Input Impedance: 40k ohms balanced-bridging
• Minimum Input Level: -20 dBm nominal
• Maximum Input Level: +25 dBm @ 20 cps
• Reference Gain: +4 dBm
• Gain Trim: -5 to +5 dB, adjustable in 1 dB steps
• Frequency Response: ±0.5 dB, 20 cps to 20 kc
• Extended Frequency Response: -3 dB @ 0.5 cps and 80 kc
• THD + Noise: <0.10%, 20 cps to 20 kc
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 82 dB minimum
• Output: +22 dBm unterminated
• Output: Low-Z, transformer balanced
• Low Cut: 30, 40, 100 or 400 Hz; 0 to -10 dB shelving, 1 dB steps
• Low Boost: 20, 40, 60, 100 or 140 Hz; 0 to +10 dB shelving, 1 dB steps
• Mid Cut: 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 or 700 Hz; 0 to -10 dB, variable Q sharpening
• High Boost: 1.5, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 12 or 16 kHz; 0 to +10 dB
• High Boost Bandwidth/Q: 0.6 to 1.7
• High Cut: 1.7, 4, 10 or 28 kHz; 0 to -10 dB shelving
• Power Requirements: 115 or 230 VAC, 50/60 Hz
• Power Consumption: 85 W
• Dimensions: 19″ W x 5.25″ H x 9″ D
• Weight: 20 lbs / 9.1 kg
• Bypass: True hard-wire bypass
• Construction: Hand-built in the USA
• Warranty: Limited 7 years; 90 days on vacuum tubes