1979
1U Channel Strip
The Drawmer 1979 is a refined modern channel strip that captures the soul of classic analogue recording while delivering the precision and flexibility required in today’s studios. Designed as an all-in-one recording solution, it combines an ultra-clean pre-amplifier, Drawmer’s unique Lift dynamic control, a musical three-band parametric equalizer, and a smooth soft-knee FET compressor in a compact 1U rackmount.
From transparent vocal tracking to characterful instrument recording, the 1979 adapts effortlessly. Switchable EQ and compressor order, independent bypasses, and parallel mix control allow engineers to shape tone and dynamics exactly as needed, while preserving clarity, headroom, and musicality. Whether used as a pristine front end or a creative tone-shaping tool, the Drawmer 1979 delivers detail, control, and unmistakable analogue warmth on every source.
Capture Every Detail, Every Time
The Drawmer 1979 is a modern interpretation of the classic channel strip, combining pristine signal capture, refined tone shaping, and musical vintage-style compression in a single, elegant 1U unit. Designed for engineers who demand clarity without sterility, it delivers true analogue musicality across tracking, mixing, and production workflows.
At its core, the 1979 brings together an ultra-clean pre-amplifier, Drawmer’s unique Lift dynamic control, a precise three-band parametric equalizer, and a smooth soft-knee FET compressor. With switchable EQ and compressor order in the signal path, plus independent bypass for each section, it offers exceptional flexibility and control over tone and dynamics.
Pristine & Versatile Pre-Amplifier
The 1979 features mic, line, and instrument DI inputs with up to 66dB of stepped gain, making it equally capable of capturing transparent vocals, enhancing dull sources, or refining instrument tone with confidence. Its ultra-low-noise design preserves detail and depth at every gain stage.
Switchable input impedance allows precise microphone matching, helping every mic reveal its optimal character. From modern condensers to vintage dynamics and ribbons, the 1979 ensures each source finds its natural sweet spot.
Lift – Bring Quiet Details to Life
First introduced on the Drawmer 1972, Lift is a dynamic gain process that enhances quieter signals below 0dB while leaving louder passages untouched. Rather than compressing, Lift intelligently adjusts gain in real time, gently reducing dynamic range without pumping, distortion, or compression artefacts.
Perfect for vocals, fingerstyle guitar, piano, and ambience, Lift brings subtle details forward with ease. It’s a true “set and forget” solution that adds balance, presence, and clarity without adding noise.
Precise Parametric Equaliser
The three-band parametric EQ provides fully variable frequency control with ±12dB of cut or boost, alongside a switchable bandwidth control on the mid band. Its response is smooth and musical, allowing for delicate tonal enhancement as well as more focused corrective shaping.
Whether gently opening a vocal, tightening low mids, or addressing resonant problem areas, the EQ remains transparent and controlled, never harsh or clinical.
Vintage FET Compression
The soft-knee FET compressor delivers the signature Drawmer compression sound: smooth, responsive, and musical. From subtle vocal levelling and mix cohesion to more assertive drum or instrument control, it adapts effortlessly to the task at hand.
Output Stage & Final Control
The output section includes a wet/dry Mix control for parallel processing, letting you blend EQ and compression precisely to taste. Output Gain provides accurate level matching or make-up gain for downstream equipment.
A large backlit analogue VU meter offers clear, reliable level monitoring, while the bypass function disables both EQ and compression to deliver a pure, uncoloured signal directly from the pre-amplifier when required.
Features
- Ultra-clean THAT Corporation mic pre-amplifier with up to 66dB of gain, phantom power, and switchable mic impedance for precise microphone matching
- Mic, line, and instrument DI inputs, plus XLR connections for both dedicated direct pre-amplifier output and main output
- Lift feature, derived from the award-winning 1972, transparently boosts very low-level signals without affecting louder passages
- FET stage can be fully bypassed for an exceptionally clean, uncoloured signal path
- Variable low-cut filter and phase reverse remove rumble, tighten low-end response, and maintain optimal signal integrity
- Three-band parametric equalizer inspired by vintage 1970s analogue designs, with variable frequency control, ±12dB cut/boost, and adjustable bandwidth
- Soft-knee compressor with full control set and rear-panel side-chain insert for advanced dynamic processing
- Switchable EQ and compressor order in the signal path, with independent bypass switches for fast A/B comparison
- Variable wet/dry mix and output gain controls enable built-in parallel EQ and compression for precise tonal balance
- Large backlit analogue VU meter with switchable +10dB rescale mode for accurate level monitoring
- Time-delay relays on the outputs ensure clean, noise-free power-up and power-down
- Internal low-hum toroidal linear power supply with rear-panel voltage selector for worldwide operation
- Classic Drawmer build quality with rugged steel chassis and aluminium front panel
- Designed and handmade by Drawmer in the United Kingdom
Specifications
| Input Impedance | 20k Ohms or greater |
| Maximum Input Level | +25 dBu |
| Output Impedance | < 100 Ohms |
|
Maximum Output Level Into 10k Ohms load |
+22 dBu |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz ±0.2 dB |
|
Noise at Unity Gain 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
> 91 dB |
|
Distortion (THD & Noise) @ 1 kHz, 0 dB |
0.003% |
| Mic EIN A-weighted |
–130 dB |
| Power Requirements |
115 V or 230 V at 50–60 Hz 15 VA |
| Fuse Rating @ 230 V |
T160 mA |
| Fuse Rating @ 115 V |
T315 mA |
| Fuse Type |
20 mm × 5 mm, Class 3 Timed-Blo, 250 V working Conforming to IEC 127-2 |
| Case Depth |
200 mm |
| Case Width |
482 mm |
| Case Height |
44 mm |
| Weight | 2.6 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.
