D.W. Fearn has released the new M-Series VT-5M Mastering Equalizer and VT-9M Mastering Compressor, marking the company’s first new product line in 15 years. Developed specifically for mix bus and mastering work, the M-Series brings the Class-A tube sound associated with D.W. Fearn into designs focused on precise control, repeatability, and stereo operation.
Both units officially launch today, September 29, 2026. The arrival of the M-Series also marks the retirement of the previous VMC Mastering Chain Combo. D.W. Fearn plans to replace it with a new mastering bundle incorporating the M-Series units.
VT-5M Stereo Mastering Equalizer
The VT-5M takes D.W. Fearn’s passive LC tube equalizer approach and adapts it for stereo mastering. It is a true stereo processor, with a single set of controls adjusting both channels simultaneously. High-quality silver-contact rotary switches provide repeatable settings, while Class-A 6072 dual triodes are used throughout the amplifier stages. Custom transformers and inductors are also used throughout the circuit.
All equalization is handled through passive LC circuitry. The five EQ sections can be used independently or combined, including simultaneous Low Cut and Low Boost or High Boost and High Cut settings for more complex shaping.
This combination gives the VT-5M plenty of range for broad tonal shaping as well as more focused corrective work. The Mid Cut section changes behaviour as attenuation increases, starting relatively broad at lower settings and becoming narrower as more cut is applied. That makes it useful for anything from cleaning up congested mids to reducing a specific resonance.
VT-9M Stereo Mastering Compressor
The VT-9M combines an all-Class-A triode vacuum tube audio path with modern gain control circuitry. Its two channels can be linked for stereo operation, with controls for Threshold, Gain, Attack, Release, compression Shape, and sidechain high-pass filtering.
Gain reduction is handled using Pulse Width Modulation circuitry while the audio stages remain tube-based. The design includes Jensen input transformers and custom D.W. Fearn output transformers, with eight 6072A tubes used across the amplifier stages.
The Shape control changes more than a simple compression ratio. Moving toward the harder setting increases control over the signal, while softer settings provide gentler compression. Shape also interacts with Threshold, Attack, and Release, allowing the VT-9M to move from subtle bus compression to stronger dynamic control without relying on conventional fixed ratios.
A selectable sidechain high-pass filter reduces the compressor’s sensitivity to low frequencies. This can help prevent bass and kick energy from driving excessive gain reduction, making it particularly useful when maintaining low-frequency impact is important.
The VT-9M also includes a true VU meter that can display left output, right output, summed output, or gain reduction. A true bypass circuit allows direct comparisons between the processed and unprocessed signal.
Built Around Mastering Workflow
The M-Series is designed around the precision required for stereo processing and recall while maintaining the tube-based architecture associated with D.W. Fearn. Both units are handcrafted and individually tested rather than mass-produced.
Together, the VT-5M and VT-9M cover two major stages of a mastering chain. The VT-5M provides repeatable stereo tonal shaping through passive LC equalization, while the VT-9M handles dynamic control with adjustable timing, compression shape, and sidechain filtering.
With the previous VMC Mastering Chain Combo being discontinued, these two processors establish the foundation for D.W. Fearn’s next mastering package.