Drawmer MC7.1 Surround Monitor Controller

Drawmer MC7.1 Surround Monitor Controller – Whether producing audio for film or television or transporting the listener directly into the venue of an all-encompassing orchestral piece in 5.1, 7.1, quadraphonic, DTS®, Dolby Digital EX, THX Surround EX™, DTS-HD™, etc., one thing is clear: the demand for surround sound is growing and will continue to do so. The market has seen an increasing number of surround products, from Blu-ray players and home cinema systems to mobile and media devices. For example, Apple devices have been capable of reproducing 7.1 surround sound since iOS 9.3. Therefore, it is likely that at some point every artist and engineer will consider trying surround sound to stay current.

The Drawmer MC7.1 is a powerful Surround Monitor Controller on its own but is also perfect for controlling and checking stereo mixes. This is an area where many other surround monitoring controllers fall short. All studios, whether dedicated to film audio post-production or small home studios, will at some point (if not most of the time) work in stereo as well as surround. In addition to its surround capabilities, the Drawmer MC7.1 includes the same comprehensive set of stereo “mix check” functions found on the Drawmer MC3.1, which can be applied to the stereo input channel or any of the surround channels when routed to stereo.

A secondary preset volume control on the front provides a repeatable, calibrated output level for the monitors, allowing the engineer to hear the mix at the same predetermined volume with the flick of a switch, time after time, without meticulous adjustments.

Boasting two sets of balanced 7.1 inputs, a 7.1 through, one balanced stereo input, and a convenient front panel aux input, along with balanced 7.1 speaker outs and an independent stereo main out with its own subwoofer option, the Drawmer MC7.1 offers an abundance of connectivity options. It supports any speaker setup, from mono to stereo, various modes of surround, or eight independent channels, depending on input type and speaker positioning.

The ability to “mix down” the surround mix to the FL and FR speakers or the independent stereo main speakers, combined with the comprehensive cut or solo matrix, allows any combination of the surround channels to be listened to in the front mains. Want to focus on the rear channels? Simply mix down to the front stereo speakers, then solo them out of the mix. Soloing the centre or LFE channels provides a central mono representation across the fronts or stereo mains.

Features such as speaker level matching with switchable mono/sub output, the popular low/mid/high band solo feature, internal talkback mic with footswitch control, and external talkback mic input are all brought over from the MC3.1, completing the rich array of features available on the Drawmer MC7.1.

While being smart and stylish, the rugged enclosure of the Drawmer MC7.1 can withstand the knocks and bumps of the studio. Coupled with high-quality components, the Drawmer MC7.1 is built to last.

Features

• Pristine, ultra-low noise & transparent circuit design gives you an accurate representation of your mix whether it be surround or stereo.
• There are a total of 20 input sources. These include two separate 7.1 inputs (one via balanced jacks and one via 25 pin D-sub) with a through output to send to a multitrack recorder, for example. A Stereo input via Neutrik combijacks, and a Top panel 3.5mm AUX Input & Level Control for connecting MP3 players, smartphones or tablets etc.
• 3x Sets of Speaker Outputs. One 7.1 (or 8 Speakers in any configuration), one Stereo Left/Right pair, and one Mono/Sub. Each can be switched individually & simultaneously or give A/B comparisons. All eleven outputs have level trims to provide precise channel matching and ease of calibration.
• Each of the eight 7.1 speakers can be cut or soloed individually.
• 7.1 channels can be mixed down to 5.1, Stereo and Mono, though any configuration of up to 8 monitors should be possible depending on the source and the speaker layout.
• Stereo outputs (including those mixed down from surround) can be monitored via the main stereo speaker outputs or the FL and FR from the surround speakers.
• When in stereo operation comprehensive Mix Checking facilities Including Low, Mid, High Solo; Dim; L/R Mute; Phase Reverse and more, help check every aspect of your Mix & Provide Ultimate Control.
• Volume can be set via the Variable Front Panel Knob or a Preset Control. Each has excellent channel matching and smooth feel.
• 2x Headphone Amplifiers with Individual Level Control.
• Built In Talkback with Level Control, Internal or External Microphone, Switching via Desktop or Footswitch, & Internal Routing to Headphones and also a Mono Output Jack.
• The Drawmer MC7.1 is all analogue so won’t need to be rebooted due to software crashes and doesn’t require firmware updates.
• Desktop ‘wedge’ form factor with a rugged steel chassis and a Kensington security slot for added protection