Drawmer DL441 Quad Auto Compressor Limiter

This perfect balance of features makes the Drawmer DL441 ideal for use in sound reinforcement and outside broadcast applications where economising on rack space is essential.

Each channel combines a 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 simultaneous viewing of gain reduction and output level, which is particularly useful in dark concert halls 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 SOFT mode, the ratio increases gradually over a 10dB input level range until it reaches the ratio set on the front panel control, achieving more natural-sounding compression. In HARD mode, the compressor provides precise gain control, where the ratio set on the front panel is applied immediately when the signal exceeds the threshold.

This is particularly useful in broadcast applications. HARD knee compression can also be used creatively as an effect, especially in the treatment of drum and guitar sounds, or for giving rock vocals a ‘compressed sound’.

The need for manual adjustment is eliminated by a response that constantly follows the dynamics of the signal. This enables the Drawmer DL441 to preserve crisp transients without allowing excessive peaks. A smooth yet lively recovery from compression minimises side effects such as ‘pumping’ and ‘breathing’.

This feature is especially valuable for programmes with unpredictable or inconsistent dynamics, such as complete mixes, vocals, or ‘slapped and pulled’ bass guitar.

‘Zero Response Time’ and ‘Zero Overshoot’ circuitry 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 ensures that the Drawmer DL441 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 also prevents unpleasant distortion when used for digital mastering.

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.