D.W. Fearn VT-5M Mastering Equalizer

The D.W. Fearn VT-5M Mastering Equalizer is a high-end stereo tube EQ designed for professional mastering, mix bus processing and critical recording applications. Hand-built in the USA, the VT-5M combines a pure Class A vacuum tube signal path, custom transformers and passive LC equalization to deliver precise tonal control with the depth, openness and harmonic character associated with D.W. Fearn equipment.

Designed specifically for engineers who require repeatability, exceptional headroom and uncompromising analog performance, the VT-5M uses a single set of precision controls to adjust both stereo channels simultaneously. This ensures accurate channel matching and makes the equalizer particularly well suited to mastering and stereo bus applications.

At the heart of the VT-5M are eight 6072A dual-triode vacuum tubes, operating in a pure Class A topology. Combined with hand-selected transformers, custom inductors and high-quality silver-contact rotary switches, the VT-5M offers precise equalization while maintaining exceptional transparency, musicality and stereo image integrity.

Pure Class A Tube Signal Path

The VT-5M features an entirely Class A triode vacuum tube audio path built around eight carefully selected 6072A dual triodes.

This topology provides high headroom, wide bandwidth and the natural harmonic richness for which D.W. Fearn tube equipment is known. The equalizer can make subtle tonal changes while preserving the dimensionality, transient detail and depth of the original signal.

Passive LC Equalization

Equalization in the VT-5M is performed using passive LC circuitry with custom-made inductors.

This approach provides smooth, natural frequency shaping without introducing the aggressive character sometimes associated with active equalizer designs. The result is highly musical control suitable for subtle mastering corrections as well as broader tonal enhancement.

True Stereo Mastering Control

The D.W. Fearn VT-5M is a true stereo equalizer with a single set of precision controls operating both channels simultaneously.

This architecture eliminates the need to manually match separate left and right controls and helps maintain accurate stereo balance during mastering and mix bus processing.

High-quality silver-contact rotary switches provide precise, repeatable settings, making it easy to recall previous EQ configurations.

Low Cut

The Low Cut section provides selectable frequencies of:

• 30 Hz

• 40 Hz

• 100 Hz

• 400 Hz

Cut is adjustable from 0 to -10 dB in 1 dB steps using a shelving response.

This section can be used for subtle low-frequency cleanup, reducing excessive sub energy or reshaping the overall low-end balance of a mix.

Low Boost

The Low Boost section offers selectable frequencies of:

• 20 Hz

• 40 Hz

• 60 Hz

• 100 Hz

• 140 Hz

Boost is adjustable from 0 to +10 dB in 1 dB steps.

The shelving response is ideal for adding weight, depth and authority while maintaining a smooth and natural low-frequency character.

Mid Cut

The Mid Cut section provides selectable frequencies of:

• 200 Hz

• 300 Hz

• 400 Hz

• 500 Hz

• 600 Hz

• 700 Hz

Cut is adjustable from 0 to -10 dB, with the filter Q becoming progressively narrower as more attenuation is applied.

This allows the VT-5M to perform broad tonal shaping at gentle settings while becoming increasingly focused when deeper cuts are required.

High Boost

The High Boost section provides selectable frequencies of:

• 1.5 kHz

• 3 kHz

• 4 kHz

• 5 kHz

• 8 kHz

• 10 kHz

• 12 kHz

• 16 kHz

Boost is adjustable from 0 to +10 dB.

An adjustable bandwidth control provides a Q range of approximately 0.6 to 1.7, allowing the high-frequency response to be shaped from broad and open to more focused and precise.

This makes the High Boost section suitable for adding presence, clarity, detail or air to complete mixes and stereo sources.

High Cut

The High Cut section offers selectable frequencies of:

• 1.7 kHz

• 4 kHz

• 10 kHz

• 28 kHz

Cut is adjustable from 0 to -10 dB using a shelving response.

The high-frequency cut can be used for tonal shaping, reducing excessive brightness or controlling high-frequency noise and artifacts from digital sources.

Precision Gain Trim

A dedicated Gain Trim control provides adjustment from -5 dB to +5 dB in 1 dB steps, referenced to +4 dBm.

This allows accurate level matching between processed and bypassed signals, which is particularly important when making critical EQ decisions during mastering.

Transformer-Balanced Design

The VT-5M uses hand-selected input transformers and custom output transformers for professional studio interfacing.

The 40 kΩ balanced bridging input impedance allows the equalizer to integrate easily with professional analog equipment, while the transformer-coupled architecture contributes to the depth and tonal character of the unit.

Wide Bandwidth and Low Distortion

The VT-5M is engineered for exceptional technical performance across and beyond the audible frequency spectrum.

Frequency response remains within ±0.5 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, with bandwidth extending to approximately 0.5 Hz and 80 kHz at -3 dB.

Total harmonic distortion plus noise remains below 0.10% from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, while the minimum signal-to-noise ratio is 82 dB.

The combination of wide bandwidth, low distortion and tube-based circuitry allows the VT-5M to deliver both transparency and musical character.

Hand-Built in the USA

The D.W. Fearn VT-5M is a genuine boutique analog mastering equalizer rather than a mass-produced studio processor.

Each unit is individually engineered, assembled, wired, burned in and tested by hand in the USA before leaving the D.W. Fearn workshop.

The VT-5M is backed by a limited 7-year warranty, with vacuum tubes covered for 90 days.

Technical Specifications

Type: Stereo tube mastering equalizer

Audio Circuit: Pure Class A triode vacuum tube signal path

Vacuum Tubes: 8 × 6072A dual triodes

Equalizer Circuit: Passive LC design with custom-made inductors

Stereo Operation: Single set of precision controls operating both channels

Switches: Silver-contact rotary switches

Input: Transformer balanced

Input Impedance: 40 kΩ balanced bridging

Nominal Source Compatibility: Accepts 600 Ω nominal sources

Maximum Output Level: +22 dBm unterminated

Frequency Response:
±0.5 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
-3 dB at 0.5 Hz and 80 kHz

THD + Noise: <0.10% from 20 Hz to 20 kHz

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 82 dB minimum

Low Cut Frequencies: 30 Hz / 40 Hz / 100 Hz / 400 Hz

Low Cut Range: 0 to -10 dB in 1 dB steps

Low Boost Frequencies: 20 Hz / 40 Hz / 60 Hz / 100 Hz / 140 Hz

Low Boost Range: 0 to +10 dB in 1 dB steps

Mid Cut Frequencies: 200 Hz / 300 Hz / 400 Hz / 500 Hz / 600 Hz / 700 Hz

Mid Cut Range: 0 to -10 dB

High Boost Frequencies: 1.5 kHz / 3 kHz / 4 kHz / 5 kHz / 8 kHz / 10 kHz / 12 kHz / 16 kHz

High Boost Range: 0 to +10 dB

High Boost Q: Adjustable from approximately 0.6 to 1.7

High Cut Frequencies: 1.7 kHz / 4 kHz / 10 kHz / 28 kHz

High Cut Range: 0 to -10 dB

Gain Trim: -5 dB to +5 dB in 1 dB steps

Reference Level: +4 dBm

Power Requirements: 115 or 230 VAC, 50/60 Hz

Power Consumption: 85 W

Manufacturing: Hand-built and tested in the USA

Warranty: Limited 7-year warranty; 90 days on vacuum tubes