D.W. Fearn VT-5M Stereo Mastering Compressor

Bring legendary warmth, precision, and hand-crafted analog excellence to your professional studio. Designed for recording and tuned for mastering professionals who demand uncompromising sonic quality, the VT-5M is a true stereo processor built to perform reliably for decades.

Circuitry & Design
• Class-A Tube Stages: Eight 6072 dual triodes optimized for high headroom.
• Transformer coupled: Hand selected and custom input/output transformers and passive LC inductors.
• True Stereo Control: Single set of high-precision controls simultaneously adjusts both channels.
• Precision Switches: High-quality silver-contact switches for repeatable recall.

Audio Performance
• Frequency Response: Flat within ± 0.5 text{ dB} from 20 text{ cps} to 20 text{ kc}.
• Wide Bandwidth: -3 text{ dB} down at 0.5 text{ cps} and 80 text{ kc}.
• Low Distortion: THD + Noise < 0.10\% across full audio spectrum.
• Signal-to-Noise: 82 text{ dB} minimum S/N ratio.
• Independent EQ Section Controls

Control Frequencies / Bandwidth – Gain / Range
• 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 (Bandwidth Q: 0.6 to 1.7)
• High Cut 1.7, 4, 10, or 28 kHz – 0 to -10 dB shelving (Noise/digital filter)

• Gain Trim Reference: +4 dBm -5 to +5 dB adjustable in 1 dB steps

Hand-Crafted Excellence: Not mass-produced. True Boutique Independent and US made. Each VT-9M is meticulously engineered, wired, burned-in, and rigorously tested by hand before leaving the workshop. Backed by a Limited 7-Year Warranty (90 days on vacuum tubes).

• Circuitry: Pure Class-A triode vacuum tube audio path utilizing eight 6072A dual triodes.
• Input Impedance: 40k ohms balanced-bridging (accepts 600 ohm nominal sources).
• Frequency Response: ± 0.5 dB 20 cps to 20 kc ::: -3dB@0.5cps&80 kc
• Distortion: THD + Noise < 0.10 % (20 cps to 20 kc)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 82 dB minimum.
• Maximum Output Level: +22 dBm unterminated.
• Equalization: Passive LC circuitry with custom-made inductors and silver-contact rotary switches (featuring adjustable low cut, low boost, mid cut, high boost, high cut, high bandwidth Q, and gain trim).
• Power Requirements: 115 or 230 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 85 W