Drawmer 1979 Channel Strip

The Drawmer 1979 is a modern take on the classic channel strip, combining pristine clarity, tone shaping, and vintage compression in a single 1U unit. It delivers the transparency of an ultra-clean pre-amplifier, the natural control of Lift, the precision of a three-band parametric equalizer, and the warmth of a soft-knee FET compressor - all designed to bring true analog musicality to your recordings.

PRISTINE AND VERSATILE PREAMPLIFIER

The 1979's preamplifier offers mic, line, and instrument DI inputs with up to 66 dB of stepped gain, allowing you to capture ultra-clean, transparent recordings, enhance dull sources, or refine your instrument tone. Switched impedance matching helps every microphone perform at its best - from high-end condensers to ribbons and older dynamics - revealing each mic's perfect sweet spot.

LIFT - BRING QUIET DETAILS TO LIFE

Lift - first introduced on the 1972 - is a dynamic gain module that boosts quieter signals below 0dB while leaving louder passages untouched, naturally reducing dynamic range without compression artifacts. It adjusts gain in real time for a smooth, musical response - a genuine 'set and forget' solution. Ideal for vocals, finger-picked guitars, piano, or ambient recordings, Lift enhances subtle detail and balance without introducing noise or distortion.

PRECISE PARAMETRIC EQUALIZER

The 1979 features a fully variable three-band parametric equalizer with ±12 dB of cut or boost and a switchable bandwidth control on the mid band. Smooth, musical, and highly controllable, it excels at gentle tonal shaping as well as more surgical work to tame problem frequencies in a mix.

VINTAGE FET COMPRESSION

The soft-knee FET compressor delivers the smooth, musical control for which Drawmer is renowned. It offers everything from transparent vocal leveling and mix glue to more assertive drum or instrument compression.

OUTPUT STAGE AND FINAL CONTROL

The output section includes a wet/dry mix for parallel processing, allowing you to fine-tune how much EQ and compression you blend into the signal. Output gain provides make-up level or lets you match interface inputs with precision. A large backlit VU meter ensures accurate level monitoring, while a bypass switch disables both EQ and compression for an ultra-clean, direct pre-amplifier output.

As with other Drawmer products, the Engineer is in complete control. The signal path can be set as either Equalizer > Compressor or as Compressor > Equalizer, with each creating a distinctly different tonal quality and coloration. The result is a modern take on vintage classics that provides an incredible degree of control over the clarity, tone and warmth of your recordings, helping to capture perfect audio every time.

DRAWMER 1979 FEATURES:

• Ultra-clean THAT Corporation mic preamplifier with 66 dB of gain, phantom power, and switchable mic impedance for precise mic matching
• Mic, line, and instrument DI inputs, plus XLRs for both the dedicated direct pre-amplifier output and overall output
• Lift feature, taken from the award-winning 1972, boosts very low signals without impacting louder sources
• FET stage can be fully bypassed for ultra-clean operation
• Variable low-cut filter and phase reverse help remove rumble, tighten the low end, and ensure optimal signal integrity
• Three-band parametric equalizer inspired by vintage 1970s analog gear, with variable frequency, ±12 dB cut/boost, and adjustable bandwidth
• Soft-knee compressor with standard controls and rear-panel sidechain insert point for flexible operation
• Switchable EQ/compressor order in the signal path, with independent bypass for quick comparisons
• Variable wet/dry mix and output gain controls provide parallel EQ and compression for precise tonal balance
• Large backlit analog VU meter with switchable +10dB rescale mode
• Time-delay relays on the outputs ensure clean power-up and power-down
• Internal low-hum toroidal linear power supply with voltage selector
• Classic Drawmer build quality with rugged steel chassis and aluminum front panel
• Designed and handmade by Drawmer in the United Kingdom