Drawmer
1979
Best dynamic processor for professional audio engineers.
The Drawmer 1979 is a versatile 1U channel strip that combines an ultra-clean THAT Corporation microphone preamplifier, dynamic Lift module, musical three-band parametric EQ, and vintage-style soft-knee FET compressor. Switchable EQ/compressor order, independent bypasses, and a wet/dry mix control give total flexibility, while the pristine preamp, Lift circuit, and warm compression deliver true analogue musicality to vocals, guitars, drums, and full mixes. It features 66 dB of stepped gain, +48 V phantom power, switchable mic impedance, phase reverse, and a variable low-cut filter. The Lift module automatically boosts quiet signals below 0 dB while leaving louder transients untouched. The three-band EQ has overlapping ranges and switchable Q on the mid band, inspired by 1970s British consoles. The soft-knee FET compressor offers transparent levelling to classic drum crunch and mix-bus glue.
$1369.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
22
/ 218
#22 in Channel Strips
Price vs Category Average
-43%
Below average
Who it's for
- Audio engineers seeking a versatile compressor for tracking, mixing, and mastering.
- Producers desiring classic analog warmth and character for their digital recordings.
- Experienced mixers needing detailed dynamic control for complex stereo sources.
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious home studio owners or hobbyists with limited equipment funds.
- Novice audio engineers unfamiliar with advanced hardware compression techniques.
- Users preferring the convenience and zero maintenance of purely software-based solutions.
Performance breakdown
Saturation Character
Variable saturation adds rich, analog harmonic depth to any source signal.
Preamp Versatility
Clean gain stages handle everything from ribbon mics to line-level synths.
EQ Musicality
The three-band design offers smooth, intuitive shaping for surgical tone control.
Dynamics Control
The FET-style compressor provides punchy, transparent leveling for tracking vocals.
Build Integrity
Rugged steel chassis and high-quality pots built for years of studio use.
Workflow Efficiency
Logical signal flow makes complex routing feel straightforward and highly accessible.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise this unit for its exceptional sound quality and robust build. Users frequently highlight its ability to add a desirable warmth and punch to audio, making mixes feel cohesive and powerful. The unit's reliable performance and durable construction instill confidence, ensuring it stands up to demanding studio environments. Its intuitive controls, complemented by unique tonal shaping options, allow engineers to achieve professional results with ease. This combination of sonic excellence and dependable engineering makes it a valued tool for serious audio production.
Know before you buy
The 1979 is a specialized 'fader-style' VCA-based stereo compressor designed primarily for bus processing. It excels at adding glue and character to stereo mixes, drum groups, or keyboard sub-mixes.
Unlike a traditional channel strip that includes a preamp and EQ, the 1979 is focused entirely on dynamics control. It is designed to sit on your master bus or group inserts to provide professional-grade stereo leveling and tonal shaping.
While it is optimized for stereo bus work, you can certainly use it for tracking if you have a line-level source. However, because it lacks an integrated microphone preamp, you will need to run your mic through an external preamp before hitting the 1979.
The large, high-quality faders allow for precise, tactile control over gain reduction and output levels. This makes it much easier to perform smooth, manual fades or make subtle adjustments during a mix compared to standard rotary knobs.
The 1979 is known for a clean, punchy sound that leans toward modern transparency. It won't drastically saturate your signal like a tube unit, but it provides a polished, professional sheen that helps tracks sit better in a mix.
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