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Drawmer 1968 MKII Description
Unit is in stock and shipping now.
MKII version offers 2 levels of "BIG" sidechain hi-pass.
The 1968 MKII is a 1U Tube/FET ‘stereo bus' compressor which by design delivers a transparent ‘open' sound even during periods of heavy compression. Featured on both channels is a switchable ‘BIG' or '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.
The 1968 MKII is a ‘stripped down' version of the 1969 introduced to the market by customer demand for those not requiring the instrument and mic preamps incorporated in the 2U 1969.
Drawmer 1968 MKII 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
Read the Manual (pdf)
Drawmer 1968 Stereo Compressor Review / See All ZenPro Audio Reviews Here: Review Page
The 1968 is the result of obviously a very nice effort to bring something new to the compression table. This FET design acts pretty much as you would expect a good FET to act, with plenty of smackage available and the ability to act very quickly and in an obvious manner. The 5 preset attack and release times are super easy to find a good combo to go with. You've got those and the BIG switch (which filters bass from the sidechain allowing sources to breathe easier), and beyond that you're varying the threshold which also raises the ratio at the same time. There's even a sidechain insert LISTEN function when keying off an external source. Sound easy? Well...it pretty much is...and it delivers character as well as control.
The 1968 doesn't really do straight up "clean", it always has a mojo working and an obvious sound (in a good way). It goes from some character to nothing but character in many ways. The drive can be crunchy or pumpy, it's on the more aggressive and edge-y side which I really dig. In some ways it kind of reminds me of a more aggressive VCA style comp, with great control but a very solid state sounding PUSH. Things really get interesting however if you absolutely push the tube output section HARD and it can really take a hard push too. The 1968 responds very well to hot signals in this regard, it outshines stuff costing way more and takes you right back to those 1960's pounding distorted sounds that we all love. The VU meters even glow RED when clipping, talk about fun! The "BIG" switch does just what it promises, allows low frequency content to shine without being pushed down so in the end a bigger signal flows out.
Conclusion: For major control and plenty of character, even extreme (but useable!) character, this is an easy box to reach for. It doesn't take long to learn the limits but the good news is, when you hit those limits the 1968 still finds a way to deliver without completely folding up when the push is on. A very rock and roll "hear me roar" box for sure.
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