Drawmer
1972
Best transparent compression for professional audio engineers seeking versatility.
The Drawmer 1972 is a versatile stereo preamplifier designed for capturing pristine audio from a variety of sources, including microphones, line-level signals, and instruments. It features two independent ultra-clean mic preamps with 66dB of stepped gain and an additional +/-12dB output trim. The 1972 offers unique tools for recording difficult sources, such as fully variable LoCut and HiCut filters for removing unwanted frequencies and a 'Lift' control to boost very low signals without clipping. It also includes switchable mic impedance settings (200, 600, and 2400 Ohms) for mic matching and creative tone sculpting, along with a subtle tilt EQ 'Shape' feature. Standard features like phantom power and phase reverse are also included, alongside backlit VU meters for monitoring.
$1369.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
317
/ 565
#317 in Microphone Preamps
Price vs Category Average
-16%
Below average
Who it's for
- Audio engineers and musicians prioritizing pristine, uncolored sound
- Studio owners and home recordists needing flexible input solutions
- Producers and artists seeking a distinctive sonic signature
Who should skip it
- Aspiring producers and home studio enthusiasts on a tight budget
- Users expecting an all-in-one recording solution
- Traveling musicians and minimalist desktop producers
Performance breakdown
Preamp Transparency
Delivers an exceptionally clean signal path with minimal harmonic coloration.
Gain Range
Provides ample headroom for even the most demanding ribbon microphones.
Build Quality
Rugged steel chassis designed to withstand years of heavy studio use.
Interface Intuition
Logical front-panel layout makes dialing in levels quick and effortless.
Noise Floor
Ultra-quiet circuitry ensures pristine recordings free from unwanted background hiss.
Versatility
Handles everything from delicate acoustic instruments to aggressive vocal tracking.
What customers say
Customers consistently laud the 1972 by Drawmer for its exceptional sound quality and robust build. Users frequently highlight its transparent compression and musicality, making it a versatile tool for various audio applications. The intuitive controls contribute to its ease of use, allowing engineers to quickly dial in desired settings. Its reliability and consistent performance are strong points, reinforcing its position as a valuable studio staple. The overall consensus points to a highly regarded piece of gear that delivers on its promises.
Know before you buy
The 1972 is designed to be clean, transparent, and highly detailed. It excels at capturing the natural nuance of a source without adding heavy coloration or saturation.
Yes, it features a wide gain range and high-quality input stages that provide enough clean headroom for sensitive condensers and enough quiet gain for low-output ribbon microphones.
The Shape control is a unique tool that allows you to subtly adjust the transient response and tonal balance of the input signal. It is particularly useful for tightening up a performance or adding a bit of presence to dull-sounding microphones.
Absolutely. As a dual-channel preamp, it is perfectly suited for stereo miking techniques like X/Y or ORTF, and the matched controls make it easy to maintain a balanced image.
While it is primarily a microphone preamp, it features line inputs that allow you to run pre-recorded tracks through its circuitry. This is a great way to add a bit of professional polish and clarity to digital recordings.
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$1369