Vintage Digital

D.W. Fearn

Classic Recording Studio Equipment

In 1993, D.W. Fearn entered the professional audio market with the VT-1 microphone preamplifier which immediately set entirely new expectations of how a microphone preamp should perform. Since then, it has remained virtually unchallenged. This amplifier design, developed by now-legendary designer Doug Fearn, was then implemented across a full line of high-performance products, including compressors, equalizers, and DIs. For the recording and voiceover artists, engineers, and producers who use these products, they have become an essential part of their craft, artistry, and workflow. D.W. Fearn products can be found in the most prestigious studios around the world. In 2017, after years of apprenticeship and experience working with Doug in the studio and at the workbench, brothers Geoff and George of Hazelrigg Industries established an exclusive licensing agreement to manufacture and market D.W. Fearn equipment. Doug Fearn continues to design new products and serves as a consultant and chief advisor.

In designing the D.W. Fearn VT-1 preamp, no compromise in sonic quality, reliability, or ruggedness was permitted. Like the best tube equipment of the 1950s and ’60s, the VT preamp is built on a heavy-gauge aluminum chassis, utilizing point-to-point wiring.
In designing the D.W. Fearn VT-2 preamp, no compromise in sonic quality, reliability, or ruggedness was permitted. Like the best tube equipment of the 1950s and ’60s, the VT preamp is built on a heavy-gauge aluminum chassis, utilizing point-to-point wiring.
The D.W. Fearn VT-5 tube equalizer will change the way you think of EQ. It’s smooth and sweet, and can be very subtle at mild settings, but quite strong with aggressive use of the controls.
The D.W. Fearn VT-4 tube equalizer will change the way you think of EQ. It’s smooth and sweet, and can be very subtle at mild settings, but quite strong with aggressive use of the controls.
The D.W. Fearn VT-7has 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.