Drawmer
Drawmer 1973 3-Band Stereo FET Compressor
Best studio workhorse for professional audio shaping.
The Drawmer 1973 is an all-analog 3-band stereo FET compressor designed for precise audio control. It features three independent compressor sections with variable-frequency crossovers for low, middle, and high frequency bands. Each section offers familiar controls like threshold, gain, attack, and release, along with dedicated gain-reduction metering. The unit includes 'Big' and 'Air' switches to enhance low and high frequencies respectively, and a variable wet/dry mix for parallel compression. Illuminated VU meters provide intuitive monitoring, with switchable modes for detailed transient display. Its classic Drawmer build ensures durability with a rugged steel chassis and aluminum front panel.
$1538.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
33
/ 343
#33 in Noise Gates & Compressors
Price vs Category Average
+25%
Above average
Who it's for
- Mix engineers needing detailed frequency-specific dynamic control
- Producers seeking iconic analog punch and versatile dynamic shaping
- Mastering engineers and mix engineers refining stereo tracks
Who should skip it
- Novice engineers or those preferring simpler, single-band compressors
- Home studio owners or producers with limited equipment budgets
- Engineers prioritizing extreme transparency or subtle, uncolored compression
Performance breakdown
Frequency Precision
Variable crossovers offer surgical control over complex multi-band audio signals.
FET Transient Response
Fast-reacting circuitry captures sharp transients with signature analog punch.
Parallel Processing
Integrated wet/dry mix makes blending compressed and dry signals effortless.
Build Integrity
Rugged steel chassis ensures long-term reliability in demanding studio environments.
Tone Shaping
Big and Air switches provide instant, musical enhancement to frequency extremes.
Monitoring Clarity
Illuminated VU meters provide intuitive, real-time visual feedback for gain reduction.
Key Specs
3 independent compressor sections
Two variable-frequency 6dB/octave crossovers
Low, middle, and high frequency compression sections
Threshold, gain, attack, and release controls per section
Gain-reduction metering per section
Independent mute and bypass per section
'Big' switch for enhanced low-end
'Air' switch for enhanced high-end
Features
- Three independent compressor bands
- Variable crossovers for precise frequency control
- Parallel compression via wet/dry mix
- Enhance low-end with 'Big' switch
- Enhance high-end with 'Air' switch
- Intuitive controls and metering
- Fast-reacting FET design with excellent tracking
- Classic Drawmer build quality
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Drawmer 1973 for its exceptional build quality and robust sonic character. Many highlight its versatility, noting how effectively it shapes a wide range of audio sources from individual tracks to full mixes. Users appreciate its intuitive controls, making it surprisingly easy to dial in desired compression effects despite its sophisticated capabilities. The unit is frequently described as a studio workhorse, delivering a distinct warmth and punch that enhances professional productions. Its reliable performance and premium feel contribute significantly to its high regard among audio engineers.
Know before you buy
Unlike a full-band compressor that reacts to the entire signal, the 1973 splits your audio into three frequency bands. This allows you to compress the low end independently of the mids and highs, preventing heavy bass hits from triggering unwanted gain reduction on your vocals or cymbals.
Yes, the unit features a dedicated wet/dry mix knob. This allows you to blend the compressed signal with your original, uncompressed audio, which is ideal for retaining natural transients while adding density.
The 'Big' switch applies a subtle boost to the low-end frequencies to add weight, while the 'Air' switch enhances the high-end to add clarity and shimmer. These are useful for quickly shaping the tone of a mix without needing an external equalizer.
The 1973 is versatile enough for both. Its fast-reacting FET design makes it excellent for tracking instruments that require tight control, while the independent band control and precision metering provide the surgical accuracy needed for mastering applications.
The variable crossovers allow you to define exactly where the low, mid, and high bands begin and end. By adjusting these, you can fine-tune the compressor to react specifically to the problem areas in your mix, such as isolating a muddy low-mid range.
Yes, it features individual gain-reduction metering for each of the three bands, plus illuminated VU meters for the overall output. You can also switch the VU meters to a 'Peak' mode, which is helpful for monitoring fast transients that standard needle meters might miss.
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