User manual DW FEARN VT4

[. . . ] Vacuum tubes are excepted from the 5-year warranty, but are warranted for 90 days from date of purchase. Except as expressly set forth in this Warranty, D. W. Fearn makes no other warranties, express or implied, including any implied warranty of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. History of the VT-4 Throughout my career in recording, there have always been a few equalizers that stood out as being exceptional. Among my favorites are the 1970s-era Neve input-strip eqs, and the Trident CB9066 parametric. [. . . ] Fearn VT-1 and VT-2 Vacuum Tube Microphone Preamplifiers. Since line-level signals are utilized in the VT-4, Class-A Svetlana 6N1P dual triodes are used for all amplifier stages. The input transformer, inductors in the passive equalization circuitry, and the output transformer are custom-made for us by Jensen Transformers Inc. Each one is hand-made and meticulously tested and listened to before shipment to the customer. The philosophy behind the VT-4 is: use only the best components in an optimized circuit, and build it with pride and precision. The VT-4 is designed and built to perform in your studio for decades to come. 3. INSTALLATION The VT-4 is carefully packed for shipment and it should survive all but the most brutal handling. If there is any damage, keep the shipping material for use during any possible claim for damage with the shipper. Included in the box: 1) The VT-4 Equalizer 2) Line cord 3) This instruction manual Mounting The VT-4 is designed for installation in a standard 19 inch rack. It requires 5. 25 inches of vertical space, but additional spacing between it and adjacent equipment is recommended for adequate cooling. Ideally, a ventilated panel at least 1 rack unit high (1. 25 inches) should be installed above and below the VT-4 (and around any other heat producing equipment for that matter). Be sure the bottom vent slots are not blocked. It is essential that air can flow into the bottom and out of the top of the VT-4. Equipment that runs cool can last for a very long time. In tight equipment enclosures, be sure there is adequate air flow. Forced air cooling will benefit all your equipment. The VT-4 can also be used without a rack, placed on a table, counter, or even on the floor. Optional rubber feet are available, when requested at the time of the order. Moderate electrical and magnetic fields in the vicinity of the VT-4 should not cause any degradation in noise performance, due to the well-shielded construction, but proximity to devices with motors or large power transformers (i. e. tape machines or power amps) should be avoided. Although the vacuum tubes in the VT-4 are selected for minimum microphonic response, it is a good practice to avoid mounting locations that subject the VT4 to very high sound or vibration levels. Input and Output Connections Gold-plated XLR connectors are used for inputs and outputs. The input connector is female and the output male. [. . . ] It is recommended that you periodically perform a quick noise and distortion check on the VT-4 and compare the results to previous measurements. Replacement tubes may be obtained from us (tested and graded for low-noise and microphonics), or other suppliers. Rotary Switches The rotary switches in the VT-4 were chosen for their self-cleaning property. In a clean environment (non-smoking, with frequent room and equipment vacuum cleaning), and with regular use, the rotary switches should require little attention for years. But if cleaning becomes necessary, we recommend using De-Oxit (Caig Laboratories). [. . . ]