DRAWMER
STEREO TONE SHAPING FET COMPRESSOR
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
CONTENTS
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Safety Consideration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Audio Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Power Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Chapter 2 - Control Description
Control Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Chapter 3 - General Information
If a fault develops. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Contacting Drawmer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
COPYRIGHT
This manual is copyrighted 2015 by Drawmer Electronics Ltd. With all rights reserved. Under copyright laws, no part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, stored in a retrieval system or translated into any language in any form by any means, mechanical, optical, electronic, recording, or otherwise, without the written permission of Drawmer Electronics Ltd.
ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Drawmer Electronics Ltd., warrants the Drawmer 1978 Stereo Tone Shaping FET Compressor to conform substantially to the specifications of this manual for a period of one year from the original date of purchase when used in accordance with the specifications detailed in this manual. In the case of a valid warranty claim, your sole and exclusive remedy and Drawmer’s entire liability under any theory of liability will be to, at Drawmer’s discretion, repair or replace the product without charge, or, if not possible, to refund the purchase price to you. This warranty is not transferable. It applies only to the original purchaser of the product.
For warranty service please call your local Drawmer dealer. Alternatively call Drawmer Electronics Ltd. at +44 (0)1709 527574. Then ship the defective product, with transportation and insurance charges pre-paid, to Drawmer Electronics Ltd., Coleman Street, Parkgate, Rotherham, S62 6EL UK. Write the RA number in large letters in a prominent position on the shipping box. Enclose your name, address, telephone number, copy of the original sales invoice and a detailed description of the problem. Drawmer will not accept responsibility for loss or damage during transit.
This warranty is void if the product has been damaged by misuse, modification or unauthorised repair.
THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL WARRANTIES, WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN, EXPRESSED, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY. DRAWMER MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTY EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FORAPARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. PURCHASER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY UNDER THIS WARRANTY SHALL BE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENTAS SPECIFIED HEREIN.
IN NO EVENT WILL DRAWMER ELECTRONICS LTD. BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY DEFECT IN THE PRODUCT, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS, DAMAGE TO PROPERTY, AND, TO THE EXTENTPERMITTED BY LAW, DAMAGE FOR PERSONAL INJURY, EVEN IF DRAWMER HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
Some states and specific countries do not allow the exclusion of implied warranties or limitations on how long an implied warranty may last, so the above limitations may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may have additional rights that vary from state to state, and country to country.
DRAWMER
1978
Stereo Tone Shaping FET Compressor
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
CAUTION - MAINS FUSE
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE
REPLACE THE MAINS FUSE ONLY WITH A FUSE THAT CONFORMS TO IEC127-2.
250 VOLT WORKING, TIME DELAY TYPE AND BODY SIZE OF 20mm x 5mm. THE MAINS INPUT FUSE MUST BE
RATED AT 230V=T160mA and 115V=T315mA.
CAUTION - MAINS CABLE 
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CHANGE
OR TAMPER WITH THE
SUPPLIED MAINS CABLE.
CAUTION - SERVICING
DO NOT PERFORM ANY SERVICING. REFER ALL SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
WARNING
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
In the interests of product development, Drawmer reserve the right to modify or improve specifications of this product at any time, without prior notice.
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DRAWMER 1978 OPERATOR’S MANUAL |
CHAPTER 1
DRAWMER
1978
STEREO TONE SHAPING FET COMPRESSOR
INTRODUCTION
The Drawmer 1978 builds on the success of the award winning 1973 multiband FET compressor and adorns an unparalleled array of controls to give complete mastering over your mix, and all in a deceptively simple 1U frame.
In addition to the usual Ratio, Threshold, Attack and Release controls, the 1978 features four character switches offering a wide range of compression flavours, as well as a variable saturation control to add harmonic distortion to the signal. Side chain functionality is also included with side chain insert points on both channels and a very comprehensive and flexible Side Chain EQ section which offers LF and HF controls with a choice of specific shapes and frequencies for precise frequencyconscious compression such as de-essing. A wet/mix control also allows you to blend the processed signal with the dry for parallel compression.
The key features are as follows:
In addition, a fast reacting Dual colour backlit VU Meter is employed to provide a visual indication of the amount of saturation added. Time delay relays are incorporated into the outputs to provide clean power-up and down with no pops or bangs, and a low hum toroidal linear power supply. The Drawmer 1978 is a truly flexible compressor made in the UK with high-quality components.
The 1978 is a Buss Compressor like no other - compression with character, controlled distortion, tonal shaping, wet/ dry mixing - others have tried but have never managed to build a compressor that is this versatile and yet intuitive. It's never been easier to get that elusive characteristic sound that sets you apart from the rest. Glue your mix, bring out the bass, control the highs, add warmth, distortion, smoothen, widen, sound less digital more analogue - and at a price that's right for even the smallest studio.
•Fast Reacting Stereo FET Design compressor with excellent Left/Right Tracking across the Full Range of compression and in a 1u rack mount housing.
•Threshold, Ratio, Attack and Release controls and Gain Reduction Metering provide familiar and initiativ control over the audio. Anyone that knows how to use a compressor can operate the 1978.
•4 character switches provide a multitude of compression flavour combinations that allow the 1978 to take on the characteristics of other compressors.
•Comprehensive side chain EQ giving simultaneous control of frequency and level of filtering for the low and high bands. This works in conjunction with the rear panel stereo insert points that provide even further control.
•Variable Wet/Dry Mix plus Output Gain Knobs give a 'Parallel Compression' function without the need for external mixing devices, providing Complete and Effortless Control over the amount of compression used and Output Levels.
•Two Analogue V.U. Meters with Switchable +10dB Meter Rescale Mode. These have additional dual colour backlighting that act as a visual indication for the amount of saturation.
•Time delay relays on outputs for clean power up/down.
•Internal Low Hum Toroidal Linear Power Supply with Voltage Selector Switch.
•Classic Drawmer Build Quality with Rugged Steel Chassis and Aluminium Front Panel.
•Designed and manufactured by Drawmer in the UK.
DRAWMER 1978 OPERATOR’S MANUAL |
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INSTALLATION
The 1978 is designed for standard 19" rack mounting and occupies 1U of rack space. Avoid mounting the unit directly above power amplifiers or power supplies that radiate significant amounts of heat and always connect the mains
earth to the unit. Fibre or plastic washers may be used to prevent the front panel becoming marked by the mounting bolts. It is also advisable to leave space above the unit to allow the heat to dissipate.
AUDIO CONNECTIONS
The inputs and outputs are electronically balanced on conventionally wired XLRs (pin 1 screen, pin 2 hot, pin 3 cold and XLR shell is connected to chassis). The operating level is nominally +4dBu. Balanced use is recommended.
• Interference:
If the unit is to be used where it maybe exposed to high levels of disturbance such as found close to a TV or radio transmitter, we advise that the unit is operated in a balanced configuration. The screens of the signal cables should be connected to the chassis connection on the XLR connector as opposed to connecting to pin1. The 1978 conforms to the EMC standards.
• Ground Loops:
If ground loop problems are encountered, never disconnect the mains earth, but instead, try disconnecting the signal screen on one end of each of the cables connecting the outputs of the 1978 to the patchbay. If such measures are necessary, balanced operation is recommended.
1978 CONNECTOR WIRING
SIDE CHAIN
The external side chain feature on the 1978 is part of the compressor feedback stage and would normally be connected to a normalised or semi-normalised pair of patchbay contacts. This would allow the user to insert EQ in addition to the Tonal shaping on the front panel for some de-essing, or frequency conscious compression. The side-chain access point is unbalanced, connection is via stereo 1/4" jacks, the wiring convention being: ring is signal send, tip is signal return and sleeve ground.
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DRAWMER 1978 OPERATOR’S MANUAL |
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