Drawmer 1968 MkII Dual Vacuum Tube Compressor

The original Drawmer 1960 featured a tube stage at the front of the compressor, whereas the Drawmer 1968 MkII utilizes a J-FET (Field Effect Transistor) gain reduction circuit that operates faster than an opto-isolator. The Drawmer 1968 compressor employs a 12AX7 tube makeup gain amplifier, allowing you to add up to 20 dB of additional gain using the Output Gain control. The need for a ratio control has been eliminated, as the compressor operates on the soft knee principle, providing a progressive onset of compression.

The Drawmer 1968 MkII offers expanded attack times with six options: 2, 9, 15, 25, 30, and 50 ms. Release times include three fixed settings (100 ms, 500 ms, and 1 second) and three program-dependent choices (200 ms to 2 sec, 500 ms to 5 sec, and 1 to 10 seconds), all of which are automatic.

The Drawmer 1968 MkII features full sidechain access for connecting an external equalizer, ideal for vocal stressing or de-essing.

Both channels include a switchable ‘BIG’ and ‘BIGGER’ mode. This mode applies less processing to the fundamental low frequency while disciplining the associated harmonics, preventing a ‘boomy’ or ‘boxy’ sound. The result is a solid bottom end with enhanced sub-bass and a smoother, wider frequency response overall. This allows for more compression on an overall mix with less pumping action caused by kick or bass instruments.

The outputs of Channels 1 and 2 are monitored on two yellow illuminated VU meters, which feature a red warning glow to indicate ‘approaching clipping.’ A three-position switch allows the meters to display normal output level, gain reduction, or VU +10dB mode, which re-scales the meter for users working at ‘hot’ output levels. An output switch provides options for selecting normal compressor output, hard-wired bypass, and sidechain listen.

Features

• 2 Channel Tube/FET Compressor.
• 2 soft-knee compressors with variable threshold, attack, release and output gain.
• Switchable BIG and BIGGER control on each channel.
• Dual mono or true stereo link operation.
• Side chain access and side chain listen facility.
• VU metering of gain reduction and output levels.
• Switchable +10dB mode on VU re-scales the meter for users working at ‘hot’ output levels.
• VU red warning glow to signify ‘approaching clipping’.
• Balanced +4dB XLR in/outs.
• Classic Drawmer build quality with rugged steel chassis and aluminium front panel.
• Designed and Handmade by Drawmer in the United Kingdom.

Due to customer demand Drawmer have introduced new features to the 1968 MkII:

• Expanded the BIG to include BIGGER – setting the filters to 75Hz and 150Hz.
• Added internal jumpers that can be configured to remove the soft clip section.
• Added internal jumpers to make the output hotter by 6dB, if required.
• Improvement have been made to the PSU to lower the noise floor.