1978

Compression, Character & Creative Control
The Drawmer 1978 is a stereo bus compressor designed to do far more than control dynamics. Combining musical compression, tonal shaping, harmonic colour, and parallel processing in a compact 1U chassis, it makes crafting a polished, signature sound fast and intuitive.

Glue a mix together, reinforce the low end, smooth aggressive highs, add warmth, introduce subtle saturation, or enhance stereo width — all while keeping recordings musical, cohesive, and unmistakably analogue.

Characterful Stereo Bus Compression
Alongside classic Threshold, Ratio, Attack, and Release controls, the 1978 introduces four selectable Character modes, each offering a distinct compression flavour. A variable Saturation control adds harmonic richness and energy, from subtle warmth to more pronounced analogue colour.

The flexible side-chain EQ includes low- and high-frequency filters with selectable shapes and variable frequencies, making it easy to avoid unwanted pumping, enhance groove, or perform creative tasks such as de-essing. A wet/dry Mix control delivers true parallel compression directly within the unit, allowing precise blending of dynamics without external routing.

“The Drawmer 1978 is a flexible, well thought out new product… The combination of compression types, harmonic distortion and EQ sculpting is going to make it extremely useful.”
— Nick Mitchell, KMR Audio

Everything at Your Fingertips
The front panel is laid out for speed and clarity, giving instant access to every stage of processing:

• Compression: Threshold, Ratio, Attack, and Release with clear gain reduction metering
• Character: Four compression modes and variable Saturation for warmth, punch, or stereo enhancement
• Shaping: Side-chain EQ with adjustable LF and HF filters, plus insert points for external processing
• Output: Wet/Dry Mix and Output Level controls for effortless parallel compression and level matching
• Metering: Dual-colour backlit VU meters display saturation activity and fast-reacting output level at a glance

Built for Professional Reliability
Designed and built in the UK, the 1978 features a fast-reacting dual-colour VU meter, time-delay relays for silent power-up and power-down, and a low-hum toroidal linear power supply for clean, dependable performance. Premium components and thoughtful engineering ensure consistent results session after session.

Award-Winning Design
Recognised for its innovation, flexibility, and sound quality, the Drawmer 1978 is the proud winner of the Resolution Award 2016 in the Dynamics category, cementing its status as a modern classic in stereo bus compression.

Features

• Fast-reacting stereo FET compressor in a compact 1U rackmount with precise left/right tracking
• Threshold, Ratio, Attack, and Release controls with gain reduction metering for intuitive operation
• Four Character switches provide a range of compression flavours inspired by classic analogue styles
• Variable Saturation control adds 2nd and 3rd harmonic colouration with precision
• Comprehensive side-chain EQ with variable LF and HF filters, plus rear-panel stereo insert points for advanced control
• Wet/dry Mix and Output Gain controls enable effortless parallel compression and level matching
• Dual analogue VU meters with +10dB rescale and dual-colour backlighting display saturation and output level
• Time-delay relays on outputs ensure clean, noise-free power-up and power-down
• Internal 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.