Drawmer DL241 Dual Auto Compressor

Each channel of the Drawmer DL241 Dual Channel ‘Auto-Compressor’ combines a fully professional ‘Auto Attack/Release’ Compressor with a variable threshold ‘Peak Level’ Limiter on the output, providing a transparent ‘endstop’.

High-resolution bar-graph displays on each channel allow gain reduction and output level to be viewed simultaneously, which is particularly important in darkened concert hall or control room situations.

The compressor section can be switched to provide either HARD or SOFT knee compression. In both modes, a Ratio control is available. In the SOFT mode, the ratio increases gradually over a 10dB input level range until it reaches the ratio set on the front panel control, thus achieving a more natural-sounding compression.

In HARD mode, the compressor provides a more precise means of controlling gain, where the ratio set on the front panel is applied immediately when the signal exceeds the threshold. This is particularly useful in many broadcast applications. HARD knee compression can also be used creatively as an effect, particularly in the treatment of drum and guitar sounds, or for giving rock vocals a ‘compressed sound’.

The Drawmer DL241 removes the need for manual adjustment by producing a response that constantly follows the dynamics of the signal. This enables the DL241 to preserve crisp transients without allowing excessive peaks to occur.

A smooth yet lively recovery from compression minimises side effects such as ‘pumping’ and ‘breathing’. This feature is particularly valuable when the program being treated does not have predictable or consistent dynamics, such as complete mixes, vocals, or ‘slapped and pulled’ bass guitar.

‘Zero Response Time’ and ‘Zero Overshoot’ circuitry of the Drawmer DL241 provide an absolute limit to the peak level of the output signal, adjustable from 0dB to +16dB above system level. ‘Zero Response Time’ transparent limiting means that the Drawmer DL241 provides complete protection from even the fastest and shortest signal overloads, making the unit ideally suited for speaker system protection in sound reinforcement applications. The sophisticated circuitry will also prevent unpleasant distortion when used for digital mastering.

Drawmer DL241 Features

• 4 channel, 1 rack unit Auto Compressor/Limiter.
• Variable Ratio, plus Soft or Hard Knee.
• Proprietary auto compressor with slope-based attack and release envelopes.
• Zero overshoot transparent limiter (+20dB).
• A fully balanced hard-wire bypass connects the input directly to the output.
• Stereo Linking of channels 1-2 and 3-4, prevents stereo image shifting.
• Extensive metering give ‘at a glance’ indications of gain reduction and output signal level.
• -10dB/+4dB individually selectable on each channel.
• Classic Drawmer Build Quality with Rugged Steel Chassis and Aluminium Front Panel.
• Designed and manufactured by Drawmer in the UK.