The Drawmer 1968 MK2 Compressor is a 1U Tube/FET stereo bus compressor that delivers a transparent open sound even during periods of heavy compression. Utilising a J-FET gain reduction circuit and a 12AX7 tube makeup gain amplifier, the 1968 MK2 offers a blend of valves and FETs for quality compression.
The Drawmer 1968 MK2 Compressor is a dual channel vacuum tube compressor offering 2 soft-knee compressors with variable threshold, attack, release and output gain.
The original Drawmer 1960 used a tube stage at the front of the compressor, whilst the Drawmer 1968 MkII utilises a J-FET (Field Effect Transistor) gain reduction circuit that operates faster than an opto-isolator. The compressor uses a 12AX7 tube makeup gain amplifier where you can add, with the Output Gain control, up to 20 dB of additional gain. The need for a ratio control has been removed as the compressor operates on the soft knee principle where the onset of compression is progressive.
The Drawmer 1968 MkII expands attack times to six choices: 2, 9, 15, 25, 30 and 50 ms. Release times come in three fixed times (100ms, 500 ms and 1 second) and three program-dependent choices--200 ms to 2 sec, 500 ms to 5 sec and 1 to 10 seconds--all program-dependent and automatic.
The Drawmer 1968 MkII provides full sidechain access for connecting an external equalizer for vocal stressing or de-essing.
Featured on both channels is a switchable BIG' and BIGGER' mode which applies less processing to the fundamental low frequency but still disciplines the upward associated harmonics which if untamed can result in a boomy' or boxy' sound. The result - a solid bottom end with enhanced sub-bass and a smoother, wider frequency response overall. This lets the operator use more compression on an overall mix with less pumping action caused by a kick and/or bass instrument.
The outputs of Channels 1 and 2 are monitored on two yellow illuminated VU meters - with a red warning glow to signify approaching clipping'. A three-position switch adjusts the meters to show either normal output level, gain reduction or VU +10dB mode, which re-scales the meter for users working at hot' output levels.
An output switch selects normal compressor output, hard-wired bypass and sidechain listen.
Drawmer 1968 MK2 Compressor Features
- 2 Channel Tube/FET Compressor
- 2 Soft-knee compressors with variable threshold, attack, release and output gain
- Switchable BIG and BIGGER control on each channel
- Dual mono or true stereo link operation
- Side chain access and side chain listen facility
- VU metering of gain reduction and output levels
- Switchable +10dB mode on VU re-scales the meter for users working at hot' output levels
- VU red warning glow to signify approaching clipping'
- Balanced +4dB XLR in/outs
- Expanded the BIG to include BIGGER - setting the filters to 75Hz and 150Hz
- Added internal jumpers that can be configured to remove the soft clip section
- Added internal jumpers to make the output hotter by 6dB, if required
- Improvement have been made to the PSU to lower the noise floor
Drawmer 1968 MK2 Compressor Specifications
- Input Impedance: 20k Ohms
- Maximum Input Level: +20dBu
- Output Impedance: 50 Ohms
- Maximum Output Level: +21dBu
- Bandwidth: <17Hz to 28kHz -1dB, <10Hz to 47kHz -3dB
- Unity Gain Noise: 22Hz - 22kHz (RMS) -85dB
- Crosstalk: better than 70dB @ 10kHz, better than 100dB @ 1kHz
- Distortion (THD & Noise) 1KHz:
- Line Input with BYPASS Selected: <0.01%
- Line Input with NORMAL Selected: <0.35%
- Power Requirements: 230Volt or 115V at 50-60hZ, 13VA
- Fuse Rating: 160mA for 230Volt, 315mA for 115Volt, Conforming to IEC 127-2
- Fuse Type: 20mm x 5mm, Class 3 Slo-Blo, 250Volt working
- Dimensions: (W x H x D) 482mm x 44mm x 225mm
- Weight: 4Kg
Drawmer 1968 MK2 Compressor Includes
- Drawmer 1968 MK2 Compressor
- Power Cord
- User Guide
- 1 Year Warranty
2 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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Very good bus and instrument
Nov 14th 2010In my studio, this compressor is great for kick or toms when I'm looking for a particularly phat sound. It is also good for bus compressing. The box's strength is that it is easy to setup and makes it quick to find out if the sound is going to take you to the "next level" or not. While I love the sound of the slow release times, I would find it more useful to have some additional fast release times to make a snare drum sound "whacky" with a ring.
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Exeptional Compressor at a great price.
Apr 12th 2006This is truly a wonderful sounding compressor. I'm primarily using it for stereo bus applications and in considering the purchase I found in shootouts it won or at least held it's own over compressors that were much more expensive. At this price tag it's an absolute, unregrettable no-brainer. It's unquestionably a great piece for making the dynamic range of everything in your mix play in the same ballpark in a subtle yet very musical way. Probably one of the best gear purchases I've made in quite a while.
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