DW Fearn VT-5 Stereo Equalizer

The DW Fearn VT-5 Stereo Equalizer is a dual-channel version of their acclaimed VT-4 LC Equalizer. The frequencies, steps, curves, etc. are exactly the same. The VT-5 is a true stereo equalizer, with one set of controls that work on both channels simultaneously.

DW Fearn VT-5 Stereo Equalizer will change the way you think of eq. It's smooth and sweet, and can be very subtle at mild settings, but quite strong with aggressive use of the controls. Creative use of the low boost and cut will create a powerful bass that has to be heard to be believed. The high boost adds just the right brightness to vocals, guitars -- any sound, or even an entire mix. Even with extreme settings, DW Fearn VT-5 Stereo Equalizer will never sound harsh.

As of Septemeber 2020, the VT-5 was optimized to reduce internal heat and the fan and removed.

DW Fearn VT-5 Stereo Equalizer uses passive LC circuitry with class-A triode vacuum tube stages for the input and output. The tube circuitry is largely derived from the VT-1/VT-2 mic preamp design, so the equalizer has much the same sonic character as the preamps. The LC-style passive equalization circuitry is based on the classic designs that are still the best-sounding way to achieve high-quality tonal control. The inputs are line-level, transformer balanced-bridging. An active vacuum tube input section has adjustable gain to accommodate input signals as low as -10 dBm. The input transformers are made by Jensen. The output stage utilizes the same custom Jensen transformers used on the VT-1/VT-2 mic preamps. All controls are stepped for precise repeatability and uniform matching between units. High-quality rotary switches are used with 1% metal-film resistors. All of the audio capacitors are polystyrene or polypropylene. The inductors are custom-made for us by Jensen Transformers Inc. DW Fearn VT-5 Stereo Equalizer is constructed of heavy-guage aluminum, with a a 3RU (5.25 inch), 1/4-inch thick front panel, finished in D.W. Fearn red. It matches the VT-1/VT-2 series of mic preamps in appearance and construction.

Like the VT-1/VT-2 preamps, DW Fearn VT-5 Stereo Equalizer has been designed to provide an exceptional tool for audio professionals. The design frequencies and curves were determined by ear, after extensive listening to a variety of program material, both individual tracks and overall mixes. The result is a highly-musical equalizer with plenty of range for enhancing any track or mix.

DW Fearn VT-5 Stereo Equalizer Features

• Dual-channel version of DW Fearn's acclaimed VT-4 LC Equalizer
• A true stereo equalizer, with one set of controls that work on both channels simultaneously
• Uses passive LC circuitry with class-A triode vacuum tube stages for the input and output
• Inputs are line-level, transformer balanced-bridging
• Input transformers are made by Jensen
• High-quality rotary switches are used with 1% metal-film resistors
• All of the audio capacitors are polystyrene or polypropylene
• Inductors are custom-made for us by Jensen Transformers Inc.
• Constructed of heavy-guage aluminum, with a a 3RU (5.25 inch), 1/4-inch thick front panel, finished in D.W. Fearn red
• An exceptional tool for audio professionals

DW Fearn VT-5 Stereo Equalizer Specifications

• Manufacturer: DW Fearn
• Product: VT-5 Stereo Equalizer
• Low Cut: At 30, 40, 100, or 400 Hz, 0 to -18 dB shelving in 2 dB steps
• Low Boost: At 20, 40, 60, or 140 Hz, 0 to 16 dB shelving in 2 dB steps
• Mid Cut: At 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, or 700 Hz, 0 to -16 dB in 2 dB steps
• High Boost: At 1.5, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 12, or 16 kHz, 0 to 12 dB in 2 dB steps
• High Bandwidth: Q of 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.4, or 1.7
• High Frequency Cut: At 1.5, 3.5, 8, or 28 kHz, 0 to -14 dB shelving in 2 dB steps
• Gain: Adjustable from -9 to +9 dB, referenced to +4 dBm, in 3 dB steps
• Frequency Response: +/- 0.2 dB 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• THD: < 0.06%
• Signal to Noise Ratio: > 80 dB
• Performance (eq out):
  • Frequency response: +/- 0.2 dB 20 Hz to 20 kHz
  • THD: less than 0.06%
  • Signal-to-Noise: better than 80 dB

DW Fearn VT-5 Stereo Equalizer Includes

• VT-5 Stereo Equalizer
• Manual & Literature
• IEC Power Cable