A reimagining of the legendary D.W. Fearn VT-1/F, the VDI is an all-triode Vacuum Tube Direct Box in a single channel configuration. Unlike the original VT-I/F dual channel design, the VDI is a single channel offering housed in a robust, low profile steel chassis, ready to slip into a backpack or gig bag.
Designed for both stage and studio work, the VDI is offered as part of the Hazelrigg Industries Solutions Series by D.W. Fearn and will deliver incredible results with amplified acoustic instruments, electric bass and guitar, synths and more.
The outputs of the VDI are mic level (150 ohm source impedance at a nominal -30dBV). The VDI is designed to operate into a high-quality microphone preamplifier like our VT-1 and VT-2 Vacuum Tube Microphone Preamplifiers
The operation is very simple: plug the instrument into the 1/4” front panel jack and take the output from the XLR connector. A second 1/4” jack provides an output to feed a guitar amplifier when necessary. A ground-lift switch helps eliminate ground loop buzz.
The Hazelrigg Industries VDI Vacuum Tube DI is designed to provide recording professionals with a sonically superior method for recording electric and electronic musical instruments by direct injection (DI). Any instrument designed to operate into a “guitar amp” will work perfectly with the VDI. Typical instruments include: electric bass, electric guitar, electric piano, acoustic instruments with a pickup (piano, acoustic guitar, electric violin, etc.), synthesizers, and samplers.
The VDI is a single-channel device that provides the optimum load impedance for these instruments. It is capable of quality reproduction of a wide range of instrument levels. The unit does not have the limitations of passive transformer-type DIs, and has greater headroom and warmth when compared to similar solid- state devices.
It is designed to operate in the professional recording or performing environment. The output level is “hot” mic level (-30 dBm nominal). The output is transformer-balanced, using a custom transformer built for us by Jensen Transformers, Inc., and is designed to match 150 ohm professional mic inputs. Top-quality parts are used throughout. The case is machined from solid quarter-inch thick aluminum plate for ruggedness and durability. Both the filament and plate power supplies are fully regulated.
The VDI is not mass-produced. Each one is hand-made and meticulously tested before shipment to the customer.
Input
- 200 mV nominal unbalanced
Input Load Impedance - 1 megohm minimum
Minimum Input Level - 5 mV nominal
Maximum Input Level - 2.3 volts P-P for 1% THD
Gain
- -10 dB
Frequency Response +/- 0.2 dB 10 cps to 20 kc -3 dB @ 0.5 cps and 95 kc
THD + Noise - <0.3% 20 cps to 20 kc
Intermodulation Distortion - <0.01% SMPTE
Noise - minimum 90 dB below output (22 cps to 22 kc bandwidth)
Output - Transformer Balanced (matches 150 ohm input)
Output Level -30 dBm nominal
Maximum Output Level -12 dBm
Power Requirements - 120/220 VAC 50/60Hz 25W
Dimensions - 6.25”W x 2.25”H x 9.5”D (15.9cm x 5.7cm x 24.2cm)
Weight - 6 lbs. (2.73kg)
D.W Fearn VDI Manual
