D.W. Fearn VT-7 Stereo Compressor

The D.W. Fearn VT-7 has an all Class-A vacuum tube audio path, like all our products. The gain reduction elements utilize circuitry that duplicates the sound and characteristics of the finest classic vacuum tube compressors, without depending on tubes that are no longer manufactured. The control circuitry is modern solid-state analog.

The two channels may be used independently or linked together for stereo. A built in side-chain high-pass filter may be selected to reduce the compression on bass-heavy material.

Controls (each channel):

• Threshold
• Gain
• Attack
• Release
• Harder/Softer
• Separate/Link/Link HPF

The VU meters may be switched between indicating gain reduction or output level.

The VT-7 has a highly transparent sound, although it can be used more aggressively when needed. Artifacts of the compression process are substantially lower than in most other compressors.

The two channels may be used independently or linked for stereo. In addition, a third position on the Link switch inserts a high-pass filter (HPF) in the side-chain to reduce the gain-reduction sensitivity of the VT-7 to low frequencies. This is a gentle roll-off, nominally at 100Hz. This allows a bass-heavy mix to have a better frequency balance and prevents heavy low-frequency audio from modulating the audio level. (NOTE: The photo of the VT-7 shows an older unit without the Link HPF position.)

Like all our products, the VT-7 is designed to process high-quality audio and make it sound even better.

The VT-7 is equally adept in tracking as well as a bus compressor. Even jazz and classical tracks can be sent through the VT-7 for some mild gain control without obvious effect other than a significant improvement in the overall sound of the mix.

VT-7 Vacuum Tube Compression Amplifier

Ideal for tracking, mixing and mastering, the VT-7 features an all Class-A vacuum tube audio path, like all D.W. Fearn products. The gain reduction elements utilize circuitry that duplicates the sound and characteristics of the finest classic vacuum tube compressors, without depending on esoteric tubes that are no longer manufactured, while the control circuitry is modern solid-state analog.

Designed to deliver a highly transparent sound, the VT-7 can be used more aggressively if desired, with artifacts of the compression process substantially diminished when compared to most other compressors.

In use, the two channels may be used independently or linked for stereo, while a third position on the Link switch inserts a high-pass filter (HPF) in the side-chain to reduce the gain-reduction sensitivity of the VT-7 to low frequencies. This is a gentle roll-off, nominally at 100Hz, allowing a bass-heavy mix to have a better frequency balance and avoids heavy low-frequency audio from modulating the audio level.

Renowned for its ability to add a magical gloss to rock and pop mixes, the VT-7 is also transparent enough to add a touch of gain control to jazz and classical tracks with no obvious effects other than a significant improvement in the overall sound of the mix.

Specifications (@ no gain reduction, unity gain)

• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz +/- 0.5dB
• -3dB at 5Hz and 65kHz
• THD: less than 0.07%
• Signal to Noise Radio: better than 80dB
• The VT-7 has also been optimized to eliminate the need for an internal fan. While the fans in D.W. Fearn equipment have always been extraordinarily quiet, research has shown that no fan at all is even quieter.

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• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz +/- 0.5dB
• -3dB at 5Hz and 65kHz
• THD: less than 0.07%
• Signal to Noise Ratio: better than 80dB