Drawmer FC-1 500 Series FET Compressor

The Drawmer FC-1 brings Drawmer compression to the 500 Series format. With a complete control set and advanced shaping tools, it delivers the precision, flexibility, and character you'd expect from a full Drawmer rack-mount unit in a single 500 Series slot. The FC1 is a FET compressor, ideal for adding punchy compression due to its fast attack and release times. Output Gain control allows the compressed signal to be adjusted. Comprehensive metering shows Gain Reduction, and a choice of Input or Output level on the VU meter. To complete the feature set, a hard-wire unit Bypass connects the input directly to the output without alteration.

TOTAL CONTROL

Uncommon in 500 Series compressors, the FC-1 offers a full complement of features. Input/Output gain, all the familiar Threshold, Ratio, Attack, and Release controls, as well as parallel compression capabilities with the Wet/Dry Mix knob - all fully adjustable, and recallable through the 21-position detented high precision pots - allowing total control of dynamics.

BIG AND AIR MODES

A high-end feature taken from the award winning 1973 multi-band studio compressor, the fully selectable BIG and AIR modes shape how the compressor responds to low and high frequencies, adding extra richness and warmth on the lows, and more sparkle and brightness on the highs BIG reduces the side chain's sensitivity to low frequencies, creating the effect that the bass is louder or bigger. It also has the benefit of reducing the ducking and pumping effect that occurs due to highs being ‘pulled down’ by low-frequency dominance, helping to make mix compression much more affable.

AIR preserves high-frequency detail that is sometimes lost in the compression process. The result being that the treble sounds more intimate, detailed and transparent, but without making it sound harsh or introducing any noticeably unnatural artifacts, adding definition, particularly to the human voice and acoustic instruments. Cymbals appear more vibrant without becoming splashy, and vocals sound more open but without becoming sibilant.

CRUSH SATURATION

The FC-1 also includes the popular CRUSH harmonic feature. The effect varies with the level of input gain, and adds harmonic richness, subtle distortion, and that elusive analogue warmth that brings mixes to life. The low end fattens, the mids gain presence, and the top end sparkles with smooth shimmer. A PGM mode switch introduces a second, slower release time in proportion to the program material above the threshold. The effect is to reduce excessive 'pumping' and unnatural artifacts under heavy compression

STEREO LINKING

Using the dedicated Link pin 6 on the 500 chassis, the Gain Reduction of compressor modules placed in adjacent slots can be linked together using the LINK button. This feature is ideal for linking multiple channel modules. The module requiring the highest gain reduction is master and trigger for all the other linked modules. The link feature includes the Big and Air, Threshold and Ratio controls.

DRAWMER FC-1 FEATURES:

• FET compressor in a single 500 Series module
• Fast attack and release times for punchy, dynamic compression
• Complete compressor controls: Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release, Input Gain, and Output Gain
• Wet/Dry Mix control for parallel compression
• 21-position precision detented potentiometers for accurate recall
• BIG mode reduces sidechain sensitivity to low frequencies for fuller bass and reduced pumping
• AIR mode preserves high-frequency detail and enhances clarity without harshness
• CRUSH harmonic saturation adds analog warmth, harmonics, and musical coloration
• PGM (Program) mode provides program-dependent dual-stage release for smoother compression
• Comprehensive VU metering with Gain Reduction plus selectable Input or Output level display
• Output Gain control for precise makeup gain adjustment
• Hard-wire bypass routes input directly to output when bypassed
• Stereo linking via 500 Series Link pin 6 for adjacent modules
• Linked operation shares Gain Reduction, Threshold, Ratio, BIG, and AIR settings
• Ideal for tracking, mixing, stereo bus compression, vocals, drums, bass, guitars, and acoustic instruments