Drawmer 1978 Stereo Tone Shaping FET Compressor

The Drawmer 1978 is a Buss Compressor like no other, offering compression with character, controlled distortion, tonal shaping, and wet/dry mixing. Others have tried, but none have managed to build a compressor that is this versatile and intuitive. Achieving that elusive characteristic sound that sets you apart from the rest has never been easier. Glue your mix, bring out the bass, control the highs, add warmth and distortion, smoothen, widen, and make your sound less digital and more analogue – all at a price that’s accessible for even the smallest studio.

In addition to the usual Ratio, Threshold, Attack, and Release controls, the 1978 features four-character switches that provide a wide range of compression flavours. It also includes a variable saturation control to add harmonic distortion to the signal. Side chain functionality is included, with side chain insert points on both channels and a comprehensive and flexible Side Chain EQ section offering LF and HF controls with a choice of specific shapes and frequencies for precise frequency-conscious compression, such as de-essing. A wet/dry mix control allows you to blend the processed signal with the dry signal for parallel compression.

Drawmer 1978 Highlights

• Compression: The familiar Threshold, Ratio, Attack, and Release controls, along with a Gain Reduction Meter, make setup easy and intuitive.
• Character: Four-character switches offer a multitude of compression flavours, and a variable Saturation knob lets you dial in harmonic distortion with complete control. These features can smooth out a fast release, widen the stereo effect, warm up the sound, and more, depending on the material and amount of compression. Experiment with all options to find your favourite combination and add your unique character to the mix.
• Shaping: Comprehensive tonal shaping is provided via the side chain EQ, which offers simultaneous control of frequency and level filtering for the low and high bands. This works in conjunction with insert points for even greater control.
• Output: Wet/Dry Mix and output level knobs offer a parallel compression effect, giving you complete control over the mix.
• VU Meters: Dual colour backlit VU meters provide a visual indication of the amount of saturation and fast-reacting level indication.

A fast-reacting, dual-colour backlit VU meter provides a visual indication of the amount of saturation added. Time delay relays are incorporated into the outputs to ensure clean power-up and power-down with no pops or bangs, and the unit features a low-hum toroidal linear power supply. The Drawmer 1978 is a truly flexible compressor, made in the UK with high-quality components.

Features

• Fast Reacting Stereo FET Design compressor with excellent Left/Right Tracking across the Full Range of compression and in a 1u rack mount housing.
• Threshold, Ratio, Attack and Release controls and Gain Reduction Metering provide familiar and intuitive control over the audio. Anyone that knows how to use a compressor can operate the Drawmer 1978.
• 4-character switches provide a multitude of compression flavour combinations that allow the Drawmer 1978 to take on the characteristics of other compressors.
• A Saturation knob allows you to dial in variable amounts of 2nd and 3rd harmonic distortion, and under complete control.
• Comprehensive side chain EQ giving simultaneous control of frequency and level of filtering for the low and high bands. This works in conjunction with the rear panel stereo insert points that provide even further control.
• Variable Wet/Dry Mix plus Output Gain Knobs give a ‘Parallel Compression’ function without the need for external mixing devices, providing Complete and Effortless Control over the amount of compression used and Output Levels.
• Two Analogue V.U. Meters with Switchable +10dB Meter Rescale Mode. These have additional dual colour backlighting that act as a visual indication for the amount of saturation.
• Time delay relays on outputs for clean power up/down.
• Internal Low Hum Toroidal Linear Power Supply with Voltage Selector Switch.
• Classic Drawmer Build Quality with Rugged Steel Chassis and Aluminium Front Panel.
• Designed and manufactured by Drawmer in the UK.