D.W. Fearn VT-9M Stereo Tube Mastering Compressor

The D.W. Fearn VT-9M is a hand-built, all-tube stereo compressor designed for mastering and critical stereo bus work. Its pure Class-A triode signal path uses eight hand-selected 6072A vacuum tubes and pairs them with modern pulse-width modulation (PWM) gain control. The result is smooth, musical compression with very low distortion and generous headroom. With transformer-coupled I/O, a sidechain high-pass filter, and an adjustable compression shape, the VT-9M can handle anything from transparent leveling to tightly controlled limiting, and every unit is wired, burned in, and tested by hand in the USA.

Key Features

• Pure Class-A Triode Signal Path: Eight hand-selected 6072A dual triodes deliver rich harmonic detail, clarity, and extended headroom without harsh artifacts.
• True Stereo Operation: Two independent channels with precision-linked gain reduction tracking keep the stereo image stable.
• Pulse-Width Modulation Gain Control: Modern PWM circuitry provides smooth, musical compression on full mixes, master stems, and tracking.
• Transformer Coupled: Hand-selected, US-made input bridging transformers and custom-wound output transformers integrate cleanly into modern studios.
• Sidechain High-Pass Filter: Off, Low, and High settings reduce bass-induced pumping and protect low-end integrity.
• Adjustable Compression Shape: Moves from gentle, transparent leveling (Softer) to assertive, tightly controlled limiting (Harder).
• True VU Metering: Conforms to ASA Standard C16.5-1954 and switches between Left/Right output, L+R sum, and gain reduction.
• True Bypass: Allows instant, uncolored A/B comparisons with zero insertion loss.
• Hand-Built in the USA: Each VT-9M is individually engineered, wired, burned in, and tested before it leaves the workshop.
• Limited 7-Year Warranty: Vacuum tubes are covered for 90 days.

Specifications

• Circuitry: Class-A triode vacuum tube audio path, eight 6072A dual triodes, PWM gain control
• Input Impedance: 32k ohms, transformer-balanced bridging (hand-selected input transformer)
• Frequency Response: ±0.2 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz; ±0.5 dB, 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 minimum
• Output: Low-Z, transformer-balanced, 115 ohms
• Maximum Output Level: +22 dBm into a bridging input, balanced or unbalanced
• Gain Reduction Range: 0 to 20 dB
• Power Requirements: 115 or 230 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 85 W