In the world of analog hardware, some pieces transcend mere functionality and become true musical instruments. Today, I’m diving deep into my studio’s crown jewels: the extraordinary analog equipment from D.W. Fearn and Hazelrigg Industries. These aren’t just pieces of gear – they’re sonic sculptors that breathe life into every signal that passes through them.
From the VT Five equalizer that harmonically excites sound with tube and transformer magic, to the VT Seven compressor that offers transparent compression, and the groundbreaking VLC preamp that might just be the greatest tracking device of the last decade, these units represent the pinnacle of analog design. Each piece, meticulously crafted by legendary designers like Doug Fearn and the Hazelrigg brothers, transforms recording from a technical process into an art form.
Whether you’re tracking vocals, capturing a Rhodes, or mastering a complex mix, these units don’t just process sound – they elevate it. This is more than equipment; this is a testament to the magic that happens when engineering meets pure musical passion.
Justin Gray is an award-winning mix engineer, mastering engineer and producer based in Toronto, Canada. He works with artists from around the world in a wide range of musical styles, in his world-class facility equipped for stereo and immersive audio music production.
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