Drawmer 1968ME Tube and FET Compressor

Manufacturer's Description for Drawmer 1968ME Tube and FET Compressor

The 1968 ME is a 1U tube / FET stereo bus compressor which delivers a transparent, open sound even during periods of heavy compression. Featured on both channels is a switchable "big" 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.

Drawmer UK and Mercenary Audio continue to answer the demands of the discriminating engineer with their latest entry, the 1968 Mercenary Edition.

The 1968 ME is a stripped-down version of the 1969 introduced to the market by customer demand for those not requiring the instrument and mic pre-amps incorporated in the 2U 1969 ME.

Based on the exceptional compressor design found in the 1969 ME mic pre/DI/compressor, the 1968 ME features improved metering and function with the incorporation of separate "big" switches for each channel; making it ideal for use in both tracking and stereo compression applications.

The 1968 ME's gain reduction cell is the same FET compressor with variable tube output stages as the 1969 ME; giving it a rich euphonic tone with the speed and musical grace made famous by the 1969 ME. The "big" switch feature on each channel provides the user front panel control to easily remove the low frequency component of the program material from control of the gain reduction cell, effectively boosting the bass output. A patch-able side chain is available in conjunction to the "big" switch; offering the user complete flexibility in frequency-dependent ducking. The 1968 ME also features 'side chain listen' capability; granting the user the ability to perform precise and specific side chain control.

The metering on the 1968 ME has also been expanded to meet the demands of modern tracking and 2 buss requirements. The VU meter can display either gain reduction or output levels while a sophisticated LED warning system has been implemented to warn the user as they approach the maximum operating level.

The 1968 ME is a unit that was designed to be capable of being driven hard (which is the reason for the +10 meter re-scaling switch), yet one need not be a maniac to enjoy the musical qualities of what you will find to be one of the most musical compressors you can add to your arsenal of tools.

Features
2 soft-knee compressors with variable threshold, attack, release and output gain

Switchable "big" 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 zZounds is an authorized dealer of Drawmer products.

Attack times:

-- 1: 2 ms

-- 2: 8 ms

-- 3: 15 ms

-- 4: 25 ms

-- 5: 30 ms

-- 6: 50 ms

Release times:

-- 1: 100ms (fixed)

-- 2: 500ms (fixed)

-- 3: 1 second (fixed)

-- 4: semi-auto 200ms to 2 sec program dependent

-- 5: semi-auto 500ms to 5 sec program dependent

-- 6: automatic 1 sec to 10 sec program dependent

Input impedance: 20 kilohms

Maximum input level: +20dBu

Output impedance: 50 ohms

Maximum output level: +22dBm (balanced)

Bandwidth: <17Hz to 28KHz -1dB, <10Hz to 47.5kHz -3dB

Unity gain noise: -85dB, 22Hz-22kHz

Distortion @ 1KHz: line input with 'bypass' selected < 0.1%, line input with 'normal' selected < 0.35%

Crosstalk: >70dB@10kHz