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 equaliser, and the warmth of a soft-knee FET compressor – all designed to bring true analogue musicality to your recordings.  With switchable EQ and compressor order in the signal path, plus independent bypass for each section, the 1979 offers complete flexibility for shaping tone and dynamics.

 

Pristine and Versatile Preamplifer

The 1979’s pre-amplifier offers mic, line, and instrument DI inputs with up to 66dB 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 artefacts. 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 EQ

The 1979 features a fully variable three-band parametric equaliser with ±12dB 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 levelling 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.

 

Key Features

• Ultra-clean THAT Corporation mic pre-amplifier with 66dB 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 equaliser inspired by vintage 1970s analogue gear, with variable frequency, ±12dB 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 analogue 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

 

Product Manual PDF LINK