D.W. Fearn VT-5 EQ

The D.W. Fearn VT-5 is a stereo vacuum tube equalizer that brings a new level of musicality and tonal precision to your processing chain. Designed with passive LC circuitry and class-A triode tube stages for both input and output, the VT-5 delivers smooth, harmonically rich EQ that's as effective for subtle tone shaping as it is for bold sound sculpting. Whether you're boosting lows for massive bass impact or adding sparkle to vocals and instruments, the VT-5 offers a powerful yet refined sonic palette with none of the harshness often associated with EQ.

Handcrafted with custom inductors, transformers, and polystyrene/polypropylene capacitors, the VT-5 maintains sonic integrity across the frequency spectrum. Its all-stepped rotary controls ensure precise repeatability, making it especially suited for mastering applications and stereo mix buss processing. Housed in a rugged 3RU red aluminum chassis, the VT-5 not only matches the visual aesthetic of D.W. Fearn's VT preamps but also shares the same uncompromising build quality and sonic signature.

• Stereo All-Tube EQ: Uses vacuum tube input/output stages for rich, musical tone and smooth signal handling.

• Highly Musical Passive LC Circuitry: Delivers classic EQ character with deep, natural lows and bright, detailed highs - without harsh artifacts.

• Smooth or Aggressive Control: Ideal for subtle tone shaping or bold sound sculpting depending on your settings.

• Transformer-Balanced Inputs: Line-level input with adjustable gain and custom input transformers for optimal signal matching.

• Stepped Controls for Precision: All settings use rotary switches with 1% resistors, allowing accurate recall and stereo matching - ideal for mastering.

• Premium Components Throughout: Uses custom inductors and high-quality capacitors (polystyrene/polypropylene) for clean, consistent performance.

• Perfect for Mastering and Mix Bus: Enhances final mixes with clarity, warmth, and dimension, while staying true to the source.

• Robust, Elegant Design: Matches the VT preamp series with a rugged 3RU red aluminum chassis and vintage-inspired aesthetic.

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS:

• Product Type: Stereo vacuum tube equalizer

• Circuit Design: Passive LC (inductor-capacitor) with class-A triode vacuum tube input/output stages

• Construction: Hand-built on heavy-gauge aluminum chassis, 3RU height with 1/4-inch thick front panel

• Tube Stages: Class-A triode-based, derived from VT-Series preamp designs

• Controls: Fully stepped with rotary switches and 1% metal-film resistors

• Equalization Type: Passive, with transformer-balanced inputs and outputs

• Capacitors: Polystyrene and polypropylene

• Inductors: Custom-manufactured to specification

• Input Type: Line-level, transformer-balanced bridging

• Gain Range: -9 to +9 dB in 3 dB steps (referenced to +4 dBm)

EQUALIZATION BANDS:

LOW CUT (SHELVING):

• Frequencies: 30, 40, 100, 400 Hz

• Range: 0 to -18 dB in 2 dB steps

LOW BOOST (SHELVING):

• Frequencies: 20, 40, 60, 140 Hz

• Range: 0 to +16 dB in 2 dB steps

MID CUT (BELL):

• Frequencies: 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 Hz

• Range: 0 to -16 dB in 2 dB steps

H

IGH BOOST (BELL):

• Frequencies: 1.5, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 12, 16 kHz

• Range: 0 to +12 dB in 2 dB steps

• Bandwidth (Q) Options: 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.4, 1.7

HIGH CUT (SHELVING):

• Frequencies: 1.5, 3.5, 8, 28 kHz

• Range: 0 to -14 dB in 2 dB steps

BUILD & COMPATIBILITY:

• Form Factor: 3RU (5.25 in) rackmount

• Finish: Signature D.W. Fearn red

• Matching: Calibrated stereo controls and unit-to-unit matching for mastering use