1973

Three-Band Precision with Natural Musical Control
The Drawmer 1973 is a three-band stereo FET compressor designed to deliver a level of control and musicality that no full-band compressor can achieve. By working independently across low, mid, and high frequencies, it allows you to shape dynamics with exceptional precision while preserving clarity, depth, and headroom.

Drawing on more than three decades of Drawmer dynamics expertise, the 1973 blends the technical precision of the S3 with the warmth and character associated with the 1960 and 1968. The result is intuitive, transparent multiband compression in a compact, studio-ready unit.

BIG & AIR — Depth and Sparkle at the Touch of a Button
Borrowed from the acclaimed S3, the BIG and AIR switches function as musical dynamic EQs rather than simple tone boosts. They enhance the sound while reducing how those frequencies influence the compression detector, adding clarity and impact without unwanted artefacts.

BIG reinforces low-frequency weight and punch without triggering excessive compression, making kicks, bass, and full mixes feel solid and controlled.

AIR opens the high end with smooth shimmer, bringing definition to vocals, cymbals, and acoustic instruments without harshness.

Used together, BIG and AIR add balance, depth, and polish — a defining part of the 1973’s signature sound.

True Multi-Band Compression
The incoming signal is split into low, mid, and high frequency bands using precision crossover filters. Each band is compressed independently before being recombined, giving you detailed control over the entire spectrum.

This allows targeted dynamic shaping — tame boomy lows on an acoustic guitar without dulling the highs, control aggressive mids while keeping the mix open — flexibility that full-band compressors simply cannot offer.

Control for Mixing and Mastering
With independent low, mid, and high-band control, the 1973 excels in both creative mixing and critical mastering applications.

On vocals, the low band adds body, the mid band smooths harshness, and the high band enhances clarity while naturally controlling sibilance. In mastering, you can tighten the low end, lift the top, or reveal midrange detail — all without pumping, breathing, or sacrificing headroom.

“This is not only a great multi-band compressor but one of the nicest hardware dynamics processors we have used in some time.”
— MusicRadar

Clear, Intuitive Layout
Unlike many multiband compressors, the 1973 is designed for speed and clarity. Each of the three bands uses identical controls arranged logically from left to right, separated by adjustable crossover points.

Large illuminated VU meters and dedicated output controls provide immediate visual feedback, making it easy to work quickly and confidently.

Mix Control for Effortless Parallel Compression
The built-in Mix control makes parallel compression simple. Blend the compressed (wet) signal with the original (dry) signal using a single knob, fine-tuning the balance between punch and transparency.

Add more dry signal for natural dynamics, or introduce more wet signal for density and impact — powerful parallel compression without external routing or complexity.

Award-Winning Performance
Combining musical response, precision control, and effortless operation, the Drawmer 1973 brings the power of true multiband compression into any studio. Since its introduction, it has received multiple industry accolades, including the Resolution Award 2014 for Dynamics and the KEYS musik und computer Award 2015 for Best Studio Tool.

Features

• Fast-reacting soft-knee FET design with precise left/right tracking across the full compression range
• Three independent bands, each with Threshold, Gain, switchable Attack and Release, and dedicated gain reduction metering
• Variable crossover filters with 6 dB/octave slopes, plus switchable Mute and Bypass on each band for accurate frequency control
• BIG and AIR modes enhance low-end weight and high-end clarity without harshness or over-compression
• Wet/Dry Mix and Output Gain controls provide effortless parallel compression directly within the unit
• Two backlit analogue VU meters with +10 dB rescale and Peak modes for accurate level and transient monitoring
• Low-hum toroidal linear power supply with rear-panel voltage selector
• Classic Drawmer build quality with rugged steel chassis and aluminium front panel
• Designed and handmade by Drawmer in the United Kingdom

Specifications

In the interests of product development, Drawmer reserve the right to modify or improve specifications of this product at any time, without prior notice.