D.W. Fearn VT-7 COMP

The VT-7 from D.W. Fearn is a premium vacuum tube stereo/dual mono compressor designed for mastering, mix bus, and tracking applications where musical transparency and sonic refinement are paramount. Built with a fully Class-A vacuum tube audio path, the VT-7 delivers the warmth and smoothness of vintage compression with modern control and reliability. The gain reduction circuit emulates the behavior of classic tube compressors without relying on hard-to-source tubes, while the PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control circuitry offers precise and stable compression dynamics.

With the ability to operate in dual mono or stereo link modes, and a third mode featuring a high-pass sidechain filter for low-end management, the VT-7 offers flexibility for diverse material - from bold rock mixes to subtle jazz and classical tracks. It maintains sonic transparency even under heavy gain reduction, offering smooth, musical results that add polish and presence without introducing noticeable artifacts.

• All Class-A Tube Signal Path: Delivers warm, transparent compression with a smooth, musical character.

• Stereo or Dual Mono Operation: Use each channel independently or link them for stereo compression.

• Modern PWM Control: Combines classic tube sound with advanced solid-state Pulse Width Modulation control for consistent performance.

• High-Pass Sidechain Option: Reduces low-frequency sensitivity in stereo mode to preserve bass energy and balance.

• Transparent to Musical: Gentle compression for jazz and classical or more pronounced control for rock, pop, and mastering.

• Wide Frequency Response: Maintains clarity from deep lows to extended highs - ideal for full-range sources.

• Transformer-Balanced I/O: Custom transformers deliver clean, high-headroom operation with +22 dBm max output.

• Precise Gain Control: Provides up to +15 dB gain and 0"20 dB gain reduction range.

• Built for High-End Studios: Matches the D.W. Fearn VT series with rugged 3RU chassis and signature sound quality.

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS:

• Product Type: Stereo/Dual Mono Vacuum Tube Compressor

• Application: Tracking, mixing, mastering

• Audio Path: All Class-A vacuum tube

• Gain Reduction Control: Solid-state Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) circuitry

• Channels: Dual mono or stereo linked

• Sidechain HPF: Switchable high-pass filter at ~100 Hz in link mode

• Construction: Heavy-duty chassis, hand-built quality

AUDIO PERFORMANCE:

• Input Load Impedance: 32k ohms, transformer-balanced bridging

• Nominal Input Level: +4 dBm

• Maximum Input Level @ 20 Hz: +25 dBm

• Gain: Unity to +15 dB

• Frequency Response:

• +/-0.2 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz

• +/-0.5 dB from 11 Hz to 28 kHz

• -3 dB at 0.5 Hz and 65 kHz

• THD + Noise: <0.05% (20 Hz to 20 kHz)

• Signal to Noise Ratio: >=78 dB

OUTPUT SPECIFICATIONS:

• Output Type: Transformer-balanced

• Source Impedance: 115 ohms

• Maximum Output Level: +22 dBm into bridging input (balanced or unbalanced)

• Gain Reduction Range: 0 to 20 dB

POWER REQUIREMENTS:

• Voltage: Selectable 120 or 220 VAC

• Frequency: 50/60 Hz

• Power Consumption: 85 W

PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS:

• Width: 19 in (48.26 cm)

• Height: 5.25 in (13.34 cm)

• Depth: 13 in (22.9 cm)

• Unit Weight: 22 lbs (9.55 kg)

• Shipping Weight: 28 lbs (12.27 kg)