Description
The Drawmer 1978 takes the DNA of the acclaimed 1973 multiband FET compressor and channels it into a stereo buss processor built for engineers who want more than transparent gain reduction. Behind a deceptively straightforward 1U panel sits a genuinely deep tool for gluing mixes, adding warmth, and shaping tone with surgical precision – awarded the Resolution Award 2016 in the dynamics category.
Standard Threshold, Ratio, Attack and Release controls keep operation intuitive for anyone who already knows their way around a compressor, but four character switches unlock a wide range of compression flavours, letting the 1978 borrow the personality of other classic units. A variable saturation control adds 2nd and 3rd harmonic distortion on demand, visually tracked by dual-colour backlit VU meters with a switchable +10dB rescale mode.
For frequency-conscious work like de-essing, the side chain section offers dedicated LF and HF EQ with selectable shapes and frequencies, plus rear-panel stereo insert points for even deeper control. A wet/dry Mix knob turns parallel compression into a single-knob operation – dial back the wet signal to tame an aggressive setting, or push it forward for maximum character, all without external routing.
Practical touches round out the build: time-delay output relays for pop-free power cycling, and an internal low-hum toroidal linear power supply housed in a rugged steel chassis with an aluminium front panel. Designed and manufactured in the UK, the 1978 is engineered for tight left/right tracking across its full compression range.
- Fast-reacting stereo FET design with excellent L/R tracking, 1U rackmount
- Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release with gain reduction metering
- Four character switches for varied compression flavours
- Variable saturation control (2nd/3rd harmonic distortion)
- Side chain EQ (LF/HF) plus rear-panel stereo insert points
- Wet/Dry Mix and Output Gain for parallel compression
- Dual analogue VU meters, switchable +10dB rescale, dual-colour backlighting
- Time delay output relays, toroidal linear PSU with voltage selector
- Steel chassis, aluminium front panel, made in the UK
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