CMC3
Compact Monitor Controller
The CMC3 is Drawmer’s most comprehensive compact monitor controller, designed for creators who demand precision, flexibility, and absolute sonic honesty. It blends the transparency of the MC2.1, the advanced control capabilities of the MC3.1, and the streamlined footprint of the CMC2—bringing professional-grade monitoring to any studio without unnecessary complexity.
Engineered for neutrality, the CMC3 delivers an uncoloured, accurate signal path that lets you trust every decision. With support for three monitor pairs, multiple stereo inputs—including high-resolution S/PDIF—built-in talkback, and a full suite of mix-check tools, it’s built to handle everything from critical listening to fast A/B comparisons and tracking sessions. Compact, rugged, and meticulously crafted, the CMC3 is a complete monitoring hub designed to elevate the way you hear, create, and refine your work.
Full-Featured, Accurate & Affordable
The CMC3 compact monitor controller brings together the signature strengths of Drawmer’s best-known designs. It delivers the accuracy and transparency of the MC2.1, the precision control of the MC3.1, and the sleek, low-profile footprint of the CMC2. The result is a versatile, no-compromise controller built for both high-end home studios and professional environments.
Where many monitor controllers introduce subtle tonal colouration, the CMC3 is engineered for absolute neutrality. Its active circuitry preserves every detail of the source signal, avoiding the distortion, level imbalance, and loss of clarity that passive systems often introduce. What you record is exactly what you hear.
Precision Monitoring
The CMC3 supports three stereo monitor pairs plus a dedicated mono speaker or subwoofer output. Each output can be selected individually or in combination, allowing instant A/B comparisons and flexible routing. You can use multiple speaker pairs with the same subwoofer or mute the sub entirely whenever needed.
The main volume control uses a paralleled custom quad-potentiometer for exceptional channel matching and smooth operation. A secondary preset volume control allows you to store and recall a calibrated reference level instantly—ideal for maintaining consistent monitoring levels across projects.
Versatile Connectivity
The CMC3 provides four stereo inputs:
- Two balanced 1/4″ analogue inputs
- One S/PDIF digital input (up to 24-bit / 192 kHz), powered by the same high-performance DAC found in the MC3.1
- A front-panel 3.5 mm AUX input with its own level control for portable devices
Outputs include three stereo monitor pairs, a mono subwoofer output, and two high-grade headphone outputs with individual amplification and level controls. All output paths maintain the same accuracy, detail, and transparency as the main monitoring chain.
Talkback & Communication
The built-in talkback system uses an internal microphone, with the option to connect an external mic when preferred. A dedicated level control lets you route talkback to both the mono output and the headphone outputs, ensuring clear and efficient communication during recording sessions.
Advanced Mix Checking
A full suite of mix-check tools gives you the ability to:
- Identify artefacts or problem frequencies
- Evaluate stereo imaging
- Check for phase issues
- Monitor left, right, or stereo-difference signals
- Functions include dim, mono, phase reverse, left cut, right cut, and mute.
Compact Design
Despite its extensive feature set, the CMC3 maintains a low-profile design—just 3.5 cm tall with a footprint of 27 × 16 cm (10.5″ × 6.5″ × 1.4″). It keeps your workspace clean and clutter-free while keeping all essential controls within immediate reach.
Built to Last
The CMC3 is housed in a rugged all-steel chassis designed for years of dependable studio use. Premium components ensure long-term performance and reliability, while a Kensington security slot provides added protection in shared or commercial studio spaces.
Features
- Ultra-low-noise, transparent active circuit design
- Four stereo inputs: two balanced 1/4" analogue inputs, one S/PDIF digital input (24-bit / 192 kHz), and one front-panel 3.5 mm AUX input with independent level control
- Three stereo monitor outputs plus a dedicated mono subwoofer output, each switchable individually or in any combination for accurate A/B comparisons
- Main and preset volume controls using paralleled custom quad-potentiometers for precise channel matching and smooth, accurate level control
- Preset reference level control for fast, repeatable, calibrated monitoring
- Built-in talkback with internal or external microphone support, level control, and routing to the mono output and headphone outputs
- Comprehensive mix-check functions including dim, mono, phase reverse, left cut, right cut, and mute
- Two high-quality headphone outputs with dedicated amplification and independent level controls
- Timed relay protection on all speaker outputs to eliminate power-up and power-down thumps
- Rugged all-steel enclosure designed for years of reliable studio use
- Low-profile desktop design measuring just 3.5 cm high with a compact 27 × 16 cm footprint
- Kensington security slot for added theft protection
- Designed and handmade by Drawmer in the United Kingdom
Specifications
| Input Maximum input level |
27 dBu |
| Output Maximum output level (before clipping) |
27 dBu |
| Dynamic range @ unity gain |
>115 dB |
| Crosstalk L/R @ 1 kHz |
>76 dB |
| THD & noise Unity gain, 0 dBu input |
0.015% |
| Frequency response 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
±0.2 dB |
| Phase response 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
±2° |
| Power requirements | External power supply Input: 100–240 V ~ 50–60 Hz, 0.48 A max Output: 15 V ⎓ 1 A Voltage automatically selected by PSU EMC standards:
|
| Case Depth |
164 mm |
| Case Width |
276 mm |
| Case Height |
45 mm |
| Weight | 1.7 kg |
In the interests of product development, Drawmer reserve the right to modify or improve specifications of this product at any time, without prior notice.