Drawmer 1973 Three Band Stereo FET Compressor

The award-winning Drawmer 1973 is a multi-band compressor that offers unparalleled versatility, control, and sound shaping capabilities, all at an affordable price.

Drawmer 1973 Three Band Stereo FET Compressor

Expanding on Drawmer’s renowned range of dynamics processors, the Drawmer 1973 is an affordable Three Band Stereo FET Compressor that every engineer will appreciate. It combines 30 years of development and experience, merging the functionality of the world-class Drawmer S3 with the familiar quality of the illustrious 1960 and 1968 models. This results in three bands of transparent, intuitive compression for the cost of a conventional single-band compressor.

How Does the 1973 Differ from a Full-Band Compressor?
The Drawmer 1973 uses a set of crossover filters to split the audio signal into three frequency bands. Each split signal then passes through its own compressor and is independently adjusted before being recombined. The final Wet/Dry mix and levels can then be tweaked, ensuring that compression in one band does not affect the others.

Unique Features and Benefits
The Drawmer 1973 can perform tasks that a single-band compressor cannot. For instance, it can prevent instruments like acoustic guitars, cellos, or double basses from sounding boomy on low notes without thinning the highs. For vocal tracks that sound too shrill, the timbre can be altered without losing detail and clarity. Heavier compression in the bass band can add thickness to the voice, mid-band compression controls raspiness, and high-band compression adds sizzle and definition. Sibilance can also be easily tamed.

Mastering Capabilities
In mastering situations, independent control over each band can resolve mix issues, bring out individual instruments, brighten the brilliance/air, and enhance the bottom end of a mix without causing “pumping” or “breathing” artifacts, all while increasing headroom.

User-Friendly Design
Multiband compressors can be intimidating due to numerous controls and poor layouts. The Drawmer 1973 is designed to be as simple, familiar, and intuitive as possible, while still providing complete control over the audio. The front panel features three near-identical compressor bands, arranged left to right, with Variable Crossover Frequency knobs separating them. Large, illuminated V.U. Meters and Output controls are positioned on the right.

Mix Control: Precision Compression
The Drawmer 1973 includes a ‘Mix’ Control, acting like a ‘parallel compression’ effect that blends Wet (compressed) and Dry (original) signals. This provides a straightforward way to control the amount of compression with a single knob. To avoid over-compressing and ruining a mix, simply mix in less of the wet signal and more dry. Conversely, more compression can be added by increasing the wet signal.

Award-Winning Excellence
Since its introduction, the 1973 has been nominated for and won several awards, including the prestigious Resolution Award 2014 in the Dynamics category and the KEYS musik und computer Award 2015 for Best Studio Tool.

Features

  • Standard intuitive controls such as Threshold, Gain, Switched Attack & Release with Gain Reduction Metering on Each Band.
  • Fast Reacting Soft Knee F.E.T. Design with excellent Left/Right Tracking across the Full Range of compression.
  • Variable Wet/Dry Mix plus Output Gain Knobs give a ‘Parallel Compression’ function without the need for external mixing devices, providing Complete and Effortless Control over the amount of compression used and Output Levels.
  • Variable Band Split Filters at a 6dB Per Octave slope with Switch-able Mute and Bypass on Each Band make ‘Tuning In’ to a Frequency Simple.
  • ‘Big’ and ‘Air’ Modes Help to preserve the Very Deep Lows and Enhance the Sparkling Highs.
  • Two Analogue V.U. Meters with Switchable +10dB Meter Rescale Modes and a Switchable ‘Peak’ mode to Display Fast Transients Not Normally Seen on Conventional V.U. meters.
  • Dedicated Gain Reduction Meters On Each Band.
  • Internal Low Hum Toroidal Linear Power Supply with Voltage Selector Switch.
  • Classic Drawmer Build Quality with Rugged Steel Chassis and Aluminium Front Panel.

Drawmer 1973 Three Band Stereo FET Compressor Reviews

…it’s fair to say that the 1973 is one of the smoothest compressors I’ve ever had my hands on in my audio career. With the right settings, it gives subgroup signals and even entire stereo mixes a good boost, and it doesn’t even cost a fortune. Its ability to unobtrusively polish complex signals is by no means a given. Although it doesn’t actually have a sound of its own and treats the signals very faithfully, the three compressor sections and the wide range of settings make it a real sound machine…Both in terms of feel and resulting sound, it’s a real gem; it’s unlikely anyone will want to sell it once they’ve installed it in their setup. Its diverse adjustment options make it almost like the Swiss Army knife of stereo compressors. A clear recommendation for all lovers of good sound.
The Drawmer 1973 offers thoroughly professional features and interesting additional functions in a price range comparable to somewhat higher-end single-band compressors. The details in its design and manufacturing clearly demonstrate the depth of experience behind this unit—nothing is left to chance. The fact that, at this price, a few compromises have to be made here and there from the perspective of the demanding professional user compared to the much more expensive high-end range should not diminish the 1973’s truly outstanding qualities. Even a traditional manufacturer like Drawmer can’t perform magic. Fans of multiband compression will find the 1973 a competent partner at a more than reasonable price.
This is not only a great multi-band compressor but one of the nicest hardware dynamics processors we have used in some time. If you are in the market for an analogue compressor, you might want to check out the 1973 and get three bands of awesomeness for the price of one. Top job from Drawmer.
The 1973 three–band stereo FET compressor is a well–designed product, which combines three excellent FET compressors with versatile control ranges and effective crossover filtering. It allows a level of precision and flexibility in programme dynamic control, which is unobtainable with full–band compressors, and very cost–effectively. If you’re looking for something a little different in outboard compression, the 1973 warrants a serious audition.

Specifications

  • Input Impedance: 20k Ohms or greater
  • Maximum Input Level: +26dBu
  • Output Impedance: 100 Ohms
  • Maximum Output Level into 10k Ohms Load: +25dBu
  • Frequency Response: <5Hz to 51kHz: -1dB, <3Hz to 70kHz: -3dB
  • Crosstalk: @ 1kHz: <-80dB
  • Noise @ Unity Gain: AV Wideband: -82dB, AV 22Hz – 22kHz: -87dB
  • % Distortion (THD & Noise) @ 1kHz
    • 0dB (ref +4): 0.03%
    • 10dB (ref +4): 0.07%
    • 20dB (ref +4): 0.5%
  • Power Requirements: 230Volt or 115V at 50-60Hz
  • Power Consumption: 30VA
  • Fuse Rating
    • @ 230Volt: T250mA
    • @ 115Volt: T500mA
    • Conforming to IEC 127-2
  • Fuse Type: 20mm x 5mm, Class 3 Timed-Blo, 250Volt working
  • Dimensions: 270mm x 482mm x 88mm
  • Weight: 4.2kg

User Manual

Download the User Manual in PDF format.

Ordering

SKU D1973 Categories , Tag

Original price was: $2,720.Current price is: $2,340. Inc GST

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