DW Fearn has added the 70dB VT-12 Vacuum Tube Mic Preamp to its line. The unit will make its official debut at AES in San Francisco.

The DW Fearn 70dB VT-12 is designed to accommodate the low output level of ribbon and dynamic microphones. It can also be used with condenser microphones (DW Fearn’s existing VT-1 and VT-2 valve preamps are optimised for condenser mics) and has provision for phantom powering. Since there is concern about possible damage to ribbon mics from phantom power, the VT-12 has a rear panel switch that disables any possibility of applying power accidentally.

'Ribbon microphones have made a well-deserved comeback in the recording world, and the VT-12 has the gain required to use any ribbon microphone and still have the classic musicality our designs are known for,' says company founder Douglas Fearn. 'The design is based on our popular VT-2 mic preamp, using the same sonic philosophy. The sound of the VT-12 fits right into the DW Fearn family of products.'

More: www.dwfearn.com