Brand new from Drawmer are two compressors designed for the 500 Series format, the FC1 500 Series FET Compressor, and the OC1 500 Series Opto Compressor.
The FC1 is based on the FET design of Drawmer’s 1970s range, featuring soft-knee feedback compression with a fast response, enabling it to control transients and help bring sources forward in the mix.
The FC1 employs 21-step detented controls for accurate, repeatable settings, including Input and Output gain, Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release and a Wet/Dry mix control for parallel compression. The FC1 PGM mode introduces a second, slower release time that adapts to the program material above the threshold, reducing pumping and unnatural artifacts during heavy compression. LED metering is provided for Gain Reduction and switchable Input or Output level.
The FC1 also incorporates two features borrowed from the Drawmer 1973 three-band compressor: BIG and AIR modes.
BIG reduces sidechain sensitivity to low frequencies, allowing bass energy to pass through the compressor more naturally and reducing unwanted ducking or pumping that might otherwise be caused by strong low-frequency content. The result is said to be more open and musical compression.
AIR preserves high-frequency detail that can often be lost during compression, resulting in a more open, detailed, and transparent HF response without harshness or artifacts.
The FC1 also features Drawmer’s popular CRUSH harmonic saturation circuit, which varies with input level to add harmonic richness, subtle saturation and analog warmth. According to the folks at Drawmer, CRUSH adds weight to the low end, increases midrange presence and gives the top end a smooth, natural sparkle.
Adjacent FC1 modules can be linked together using the LINK button and dedicated Link pin 6 on the 500 Series chassis for stereo or multi-channel operation.
The OC1 is a full-featured optical compressor designed for smooth, natural soft-knee feedback compression with a gentle, program-dependent response that enhances sources without sounding over-processed.
The OC1 also employs 21-step detented controls for accurate, repeatable settings with dedicated controls for Input and Output gain, Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release and a Wet/Dry mix control for parallel compression. Adjacent OC1 modules can be linked together using the LINK button and dedicated Link pin 6 on the 500 Series chassis for stereo or multi-channel operation.
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As with the FC1, the OC1 features PGM, BIG and AIR modes, CRUSH and LED meters for Gain Reduction and (switched) Input or Output level. Both units incorporate a hard-wire bypass that connects the input directly to the output for completely transparent bypass operation.
The FC1 and OC1 are designed and handmade by Drawmer in the United Kingdom. They can be used for tracking vocals, drums, bass and a variety of other instruments, as well as for program material. They are available now at a street price around $499 each.
