Derived from D.W.Fearn's existing VT-1 and VT-2 which are optimised for condenser microphones the D.W.Fearn 70 dB VT-12 Vacuum Tube Microphone Pre-amp is designed to accommodate the low output level of ribbon and dynamic microphones. It can still be used with condenser microphones.
To make the VT-12 more versatile, a provision for phantom powering condenser microphones is included. But since many engineers are concerned about possible damage to ribbon mics if phantom power is accidentally applied, the VT-12 has a rear panel switch that disables all possibility of applying phantom power.