Drawmer
Drawmer 1977
Best professional channel strip for adding vintage character to vocal recordings.
The Drawmer 1977 is a versatile 3-channel strip designed for comprehensive audio processing and imparting a vintage character. It features a high-quality microphone preamp with selectable inputs, a variable high-pass filter, and a 3-band parametric EQ inspired by 1970s designs. The integrated compressor offers manual or automatic release times, along with unique "Big" and "Air" functions for tonal shaping. This channel strip allows for flexible signal routing and sonic manipulation, making it suitable for a wide range of audio production tasks.
$1545.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
22
/ 218
#22 in Channel Strips
Price vs Category Average
-36%
Below average
Inputs
2326.3516.35
/ x XLR -pin (Line, Mic), x mm jack (Instrument DI, Thru), x mm jack (Side Chain)
Who it's for
- Engineers seeking classic warmth and cohesive analog glue
- Producers needing a versatile tool for tracks and stereo mixes
- Studio owners prioritizing long-term reliability and rugged construction
Who should skip it
- Home recordists working with limited equipment budgets
- Engineers requiring perfectly transparent, colorless compression
- Novices intimidated by complex, hands-on analog signal processing
Performance breakdown
Preamp Versatility
High-gain headroom handles everything from ribbon mics to aggressive instrument signals.
Vintage Character
The 1970s-inspired EQ and saturation stage add authentic, musical harmonic warmth.
Compression Flexibility
Big and Air modes provide essential tonal shaping for modern vocal tracking.
Signal Routing
Switchable processing order offers professional-grade control over your signal chain.
Parallel Processing
The dedicated wet/dry control makes blending compressed and dry signals effortless.
Build Integrity
Robust rack-mount construction designed for the rigors of daily studio use.
Key Specs
Inputs
2x XLR 3-pin (Line, Mic), 2x 6.35mm jack (Instrument DI, Thru), 1x 6.35mm jack (Side Chain)
Output
1x XLR 3-pin (Output), 1x XLR (PreAmp)
Frequency response
20Hz to 20kHz
Input gain
0 - +66dB (microphone) or -24 - +42dB (instrument)
Output gain
off - +12dB
Noise (unity gain, 20Hz - 20kHz)
> 93dB
Dimensions (W x H x D)
482 x 88 x 270mm
Weight
4.2kg
Features
- Selectable order of EQ and compressor
- Hard bypass of EQ and compressor sections
- Sidechain insert for external compressor control
- Instrument input on the front panel
- Phase inversion switch
- Saturation stage for harmonic distortion
- Wet/Dry rotary control for parallel processing
- PreAmp direct bypass switch
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Drawmer 1977 for its exceptional sound quality, noting its ability to deliver transparent compression while adding a desirable musical character. Users frequently highlight its robust build, suggesting a high level of reliability and durability for professional studio environments. Many find it an indispensable tool, appreciating its versatile performance across various audio sources. The consensus points to a premium device that performs exactly as expected, offering significant sonic enhancement and dependable operation. This makes it a highly regarded piece of equipment among audio professionals.
Know before you buy
Yes, the 1977 features a selectable order switch that allows you to place the EQ before or after the compressor, giving you more control over how the dynamics interact with your tone shaping.
Yes, it includes a dedicated Wet/Dry rotary control, which makes it easy to blend your original signal with the compressed signal for parallel processing without needing external routing.
These are specialized tonal shaping tools integrated into the compressor section. 'Big' helps preserve low-end weight, while 'Air' adds a subtle high-frequency lift to enhance clarity and presence.
Yes, the unit features a PreAmp direct bypass switch, allowing you to bypass the internal preamp and use the 1977 strictly for its EQ, compression, and saturation stages.
Yes, the instrument DI input is conveniently located on the front panel, allowing you to plug in guitars or basses quickly without needing to reach behind the rack.
The saturation stage introduces harmonic distortion to the signal, which adds warmth and vintage character, helping your tracks sit better in a dense mix.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.