Drawmer 1968 Mercenary Edition Dual Channel Tube Compressor

The Drawmer 1968 Mercenary Edition is a 1RU version of Drawmer's popular 1969 compressor, without the mic pres.
It combines valve and FET technologies for superior compression. The 1968, housed in a compact 1U chassis, embodies a Tube/FET 'stereo bus' compressor renowned for its ability to maintain a transparent, expansive sound even under intense compression.

Unlike its predecessor, the original Drawmer 1960, which featured a tube stage upfront, the 1968 MkII implements a J-FET (Jensen Field Effect Transistor) gain reduction circuit, renowned for its swift response compared to opto-isolators.

The compressor integrates a 12AX7 tube makeup gain amplifier, allowing for an additional gain of up to 20 dB with the Output Gain control. The need for a ratio control is obviated by the soft knee compression principle, where compression onset is gradual.

The 1968 MkII enhances versatility with six attack time options ranging from 2 to 50 ms, while release times offer three fixed durations (100ms, 500 ms, and 1 second) and three program-dependent ranges (200 ms to 2 sec, 500 ms to 5 sec, and 1 to 10 seconds), all automatically adjustable.

The unit offers comprehensive sidechain access for connecting external equalizers for vocal emphasis or de-essing. Each channel boasts a switchable 'BIG' and 'BIGGER' mode, designed to attenuate fundamental low frequencies while managing associated harmonics, preventing the 'boomy' or 'boxy' artifacts. This results in a robust low end with enriched sub-bass and a smoother, broader frequency response overall.

PSU is switchable between 115V and 230V, currently set to work on 230V. EU power cord included.

US and EU parcels ship via UPS, ETA 1-7 working days from pickup day zero. That also applies to most locations worldwide.

All shipments are fully insured.

Bigger shipments requiring pallets or custom made crates ship to US, CA, JP, CN, AU and other outside of EU locations via DHL Air Freight, ETA is normally approx. 7-14 working days from pickup day zero.

Big shipments inside EU ship via different freight companies, recently mostly via ACE Logistics. Freight forwarders can use different courier companies for deliveries to final destinations.

Palletising and crating time can vary depending on the size of the shipment and packaging queue. We pack all our shipments with great care.

You are most welcome to pick your order up yourself from our Retrosonic Pro Audio showroom, studio and warehouse in Tallinn, Estonia.

We ship worldwide – contact us for a personal shipping quote or any other questions.

VAT (Value Added Tax) can be deducted if you have a company with a valid EU VAT number or if you're based outside of the EU. Non-EU buyers pay all and any import tax and duty as regulated by their local customs.