DW Fearn VT-9M Stereo Mastering Compressor

The D.W. Fearn VT-9M Stereo Mastering Compressor brings the unmistakable depth and dimensionality of an all-tube Class-A signal path together with exceptionally precise pulse-width modulation gain control for mastering engineers who refuse to choose between character and transparency.

Designed and handcrafted in the USA, the VT-9M pairs eight hand-selected 6072A vacuum tubes, transformer-balanced I/O, precision-linked stereo gain reduction, and flexible dynamics shaping to give mastering studios an elegant way to control a mix without flattening its personality. From subtle final-stage leveling to more assertive dynamic control, the VT-9M is built to preserve stereo imaging, low-frequency authority, and the musical details that make a finished master come alive. At the heart of the D.W. Fearn VT-9M is a pure Class-A triode audio path combined with modern analog pulse-width modulation control circuitry. This approach delivers smooth, low-distortion gain reduction while maintaining the harmonic richness, clarity, and generous headroom associated with D.W. Fearn's tube designs. Two channels operate as a true stereo compressor with precision-linked gain-reduction tracking, helping maintain image stability when processing complete mixes and other critical stereo material. Hand-selected US-made input bridging transformers and custom-wound output transformers complete the analog signal path and provide professional balanced connectivity for integration into high-end mastering systems. The VT-9M also gives engineers practical control over how the compressor responds to program material. A three-position sidechain high-pass filter provides Off, Low, and High settings to reduce unwanted bass-driven gain reduction and help keep kick drums and low-frequency energy from pulling the entire mix downward. The adjustable Shape control moves the compression curve from softer, more transparent leveling toward harder and more assertive limiting behavior, allowing the VT-9M to adapt to different genres, mixes, and mastering goals. True VU metering can display left output, right output, the L+R sum, or actual gain reduction, while true bypass enables immediate uncolored A/B comparisons with zero insertion loss when the compressor is removed from the signal path. Each VT-9M is individually engineered, wired, burned in, and tested by hand rather than mass-produced. That boutique construction, combined with carefully selected components and a seven-year limited warranty, makes the VT-9M a serious long-term dynamics tool for professional mastering rooms, mix-bus processing, and other applications where musical compression and uncompromising signal integrity matter.

DW Fearn VT-9M Stereo Mastering Compressor Features

• Pure Class-A triode vacuum tube audio path delivers rich, open, and highly detailed analog sound
• Eight hand-selected 6072A vacuum tubes provide exceptional clarity and extended headroom
• Modern pulse-width modulation gain-control circuitry provides smooth and musical compression
• True stereo operation with precision-linked gain reduction helps preserve stereo image stability
• Sidechain high-pass filter with Off, Low, and High settings reduces excessive low-frequency triggering
• Adjustable Shape control moves the compression response from softer leveling to harder limiting
• Transformer-balanced input and output stages support professional mastering studio integration
• Hand-selected US-made input bridging transformers
• Custom-wound output transformers
• True VU metering can monitor left output, right output, L+R sum, or gain reduction
• True bypass provides uncolored A/B comparison with zero insertion loss when bypassed
• Handcrafted, wired, burned in, and tested in the USA
• Designed for professional mastering, mix-bus processing, and critical stereo dynamics control

DW Fearn VT-9M Stereo Mastering Compressor Specifications

• Circuitry: Class-A triode vacuum tube audio path utilizing eight 6072A dual triodes with modern pulse-width modulation (PWM) control circuitry.
• Input Impedance: 32k ohms transformer-balanced bridging (Hand-Selected input transformer).
• Frequency Response: ± 0.2 dB 20 cps to 20 kc :: ± 0.5 dB 11 cps to 28 kc :: -3 dB @ 0.5 cps & 65 kc
• Distortion: THD + Noise < 0.05% (20 cps to 20 kc).
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 78 dB minimum.
• Output: low-Z, transformer balanced - 115 ohms
• Maximum Output Level: +22 dBm into a bridging input balanced or unbalanced.
• Gain Reduction Range: 0 to 20 dB.
• Power Requirements: 115 or 230 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 85 W.

DW Fearn VT-9M Stereo Mastering Compressor Includes

• D.W. Fearn VT-9M Stereo Mastering Compressor
• Power Cable
• Manufacturer Warranty