Here's the story direct from D.W. Fearn...
The D.W. Fearn VT-12 Vacuum tube 70dB microphone Preamplifier is designed to accommodate the low output level of ribbon and dynamic microphones. It can also be used with condenser microphones. (Our VT-1 and VT-2 Vacuum tube microphone Preamplifiers are optimized for condensers.)
The VT-12 is very similar to the VT-2, but with higher gain (the VT-2 has 53dB of gain). We use the same custom Jensen transformers and the same sonic philosophy as the VT-2. So the trademark sound is there -- definitely in the D.W. Fearn family of products.
To make the VT-12 more versatile, we include provision for phantom powering condenser microphones (and ribbon mics that require phantom power). But since many engineers are concerned about possible damage to ribbon mics if phantom power is accidently applied, we have a rear panel switch that disables all possibility of applying phantom power. The front panel "+48" switches are inoperative in this mode, and a dual red/green indicator displays the status (green for disabled phantom power, off when phantom power is available but not turned on, and red when phantom power is turned on.)
Pricing and Availability:
$3925. Available late November 2010
More information:

• VT-12

More From: D.W. FEARN

• New Class-A Vacuum Tube Compressor 12-Oct-21

Even more news...