D.W. Fearn VT-5 Stereo Equalizer

The VT-5 Stereo Equalizer is a dual-channel version of the acclaimed D.W.Fearn VT-4 LC Equalizer (see #180274). 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. This equalizer will change the way 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, the VT-5 will never sound harsh. This single-channel 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 (#180271)/VT-2 (#180272) 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 input is 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 transformer is made by Jensen. The output stage utilizes the same custom Jensen transformer used on the VT-1/VT-2 mic preamps. All controls on the VT-5 equalizer 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 also custom-made for Fearn by Jensen Transformers Inc. The equalizer is constructed of heavy-gauge aluminum, with 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, the VT-4 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 EQ with plenty of range for enhancing any track or mix. Important Note: Having many tubes, the VT-5 generates a considerable amount of heat. We highly recommend using D.W. Fearn Vented Rack Panels (#180296) above and below the unit for proper cooling. The History of the VT-4/VT-5 Equalizer Throughout my career in recording, there have always been a few equalizers that stood out as being exceptional. Among my favorites are the 1970s-era Neve input-strip EQs, and the Trident CB9066 parametric. I began my equalizer development project by first building a series of test circuits, using all the various tone-modification techniques. After listening to a wide variety of equalization circuits, it was obvious to me that the passive inductor-capacitor (LC) circuit was the one that sounded the most musical and natural to me. In thinking about how I use equalization, I realized that having simultaneous boost and cut at the low and end frequencies was often very useful. For mid-frequencies, I found that I always cut, usually around 400 Hz, and never had any reason to boost in that range. If I were using a parametric equalizer, I invariably tended to use the low-Q (broadest) settings, and if I had a choice between shelving and peaking on the high and low end, I almost always preferred the shelving curve. So the VT-4 was designed around those preferences ” low-Q curves, shelving, with simultaneous boost and cut, mid-range cut but not boost, and using passive LC circuitry