Drawmer 1960 Vacuum Tube Compressor & Pre-Amplifier

The Drawmer 1960 is a dual-channel unit and includes a soft knee vacuum tube compressor and an ultra-low noise microphone pre-amplifier with switchable 48V phantom power. An auxiliary instrument pre-amp with EQ provides added flexibility, making it perfect for direct-to-digital stereo recording of live performances without a mixing console. The classic valve circuit offers unmatched tonal quality, while the balanced microphone input delivers up to 60dB of gain, maximizing the potential of high-performance condenser microphones.

The soft knee compressor requires minimal controls due to its design. The “Threshold” control adjusts the amount of compression, ranging from infinity to -24dB. Attack and release settings are switchable rather than continuously variable, with three attack options (slow, medium, fast) and six release settings, including two program-dependent modes for complex dynamics. Make-up amplification provides a +20dB range to compensate for gain reduction during compression.

VU meters on the Drawmer 1960 can monitor either gain reduction or output signal level, with independent or stereo pair operation. Side chain access allows for equalizers to be patched in, enabling the compressor to function as a de-esser. The bypass switch offers Normal, Bypass, and Side Chain Listen modes for easy monitoring of side chain processing effects.

Connectivity options on the Drawmer 1960 include balanced microphone and line inputs on the rear panel, and a front panel auxiliary input for direct access for guitars or electronic instruments. The auxiliary input features built-in equalization and enough gain to overload the tube pre-amp for sustain effects, functioning as a D.I. box and equalizer, allowing simultaneous processing and routing to a mixing console or recorder.

The Drawmer 1960 combines classic tube warmth with modern reliability, making it an indispensable tool for capturing and shaping sound in any professional audio environment.

Features

• Stereo Preamp and tube compressor with soft knee circuitry from the legendary 1960’s series.
• Dual mono or stereo operation, with link function.
• 2 high-quality microphone preamps.
• Classic soft knee compressor.
• 2 switchable VU meters that can be switched to G.R. & V.U.
• Based on the legendary Fairchaild 670 compressor.
• 8 active tube stages.
• Very low noise.
• Side-chain input with listen function for isolated monitoring of the S/C signal
• Aux instrument input with additional EQ and its own tube stage.
• Classic Drawmer build quality with rugged steel chassis and aluminium front panel.
• Designed and Handmade by Drawmer in the United Kingdom.