D.W. Fearn

collapse expand iconDescription

The D.W. Fearn LP-1 Line Pad is a two-channel accessory for use with the VT-1 or VT-2 Vacuum Tube Microphone Preamplifiers (#180271 & 180272) that isolates the amplifier from impedance variations of the line. The LP-1 is simply a high-quality bridging-type line pad that accepts line-level inputs (+4 dBm nominal) and produces a mic level output. The actual pad loss is 45 dB. When used in conjunction with the VT-1 or VT-2 Input Pad (-20 dB), it allows the mic preamp to accommodate line-level signals from consumer-level (-10 dBV) to high professional levels (+10 dBm or more).

The LP-1 preamp line pad is packaged in a heavy-duty die-cast aluminum box, painted with the same high-quality red paint and gold silk-screened labels as the other D.W. Fearn products. The Input and Output connectors are gold-contact XLR.

The LP-1 is typically used when the subtle signal-modifying characteristics of the VT-1 or VT-2 are needed on a line-level source, such as a previously recorded track, or at the end of a processing chain. Several LP-1/VT-2 owners use the combination on the overall mix. At least one CD mastering facility uses the LP-1/VT-2 in the mastering chain. The LP-1/VT-2 combination can also often be used to effectively salvage tracks that are otherwise too distorted or "edgy" for master use.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The LP-1 is not a "direct box." In most applications, the LP-1 cannot be used to record an electric or electronic musical instrument such as an electric bass guitar, synthesizer, etc. For direct recording of electric instruments, you need either the D.W. Fearn VT-3 Vacuum Tube DI (#180273), or the D.W. Fearn Passive Direct Box (#180294).
D.W. Fearn LP-1 Line Pad

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Two-channel Line Pad
  • High-quality bridging-type pad that accepts line-level inputs (+4 dBm nominal)
  • Actual pad loss is 45 dB
  • Produces a mic level output
  • Input and Output connectors are gold-contact XLR
  • heavy-duty die-cast aluminum box
  • Not designed to be used as a "direct box."
  • Requires no power