The Drawmer 1976 is a three-band stereo saturation and width processor crafted to infuse recordings and live sound with the warmth, character, and depth reminiscent of classic 1970s analogue gear. Its design offers independent control over low, mid, and high-frequency saturation, letting you enhance tracks with harmonic distortion that adds richness and warmth. Inspired by Drawmer’s DC2476, the Drawmer 1976 captures the pleasing imperfections of vintage equipment, transforming cold, sterile audio into something full of life and colour.
What sets the Drawmer 1976 apart is its addition of three-band stereo width control. Unlike traditional saturation units, it not only shapes the tone but also enhances spatial imaging. You can widen or narrow the stereo field within each band, creating depth and presence in your mix with simple yet comprehensive stereo controls.
Saturation, as used in audio production, adds subtle harmonic distortion that can enrich sound. Historically, this came from analogue equipment, where the signal path naturally imparted warmth and character. In today’s digital world, audio can sound too clean or clinical. The Drawmer 1976 reintroduces analogue warmth in a natural, tactile way. It works on all kinds of audio sources – digital or analogue – whether you’re processing drums, vocals, synths, or bass.
With three independent saturation bands, the Drawmer 1976 offers far more control than single-band processors. You can add grit and weight to the bassline without disturbing high-end clarity or bring out vocal detail without muddying the low end. It delivers the classic analogue vibe with ease, adding that elusive sparkle that digital tools struggle to replicate.
Saturation works particularly well on certain sources. On percussion, it can glue drum tracks together, add punch, tame harsh transients, and bring excitement to the mix. Basslines gain weight and presence, sounding more natural and cutting through the mix more effectively. Synths lose their digital edge and gain warmth and grit, emulating true analogue tones. Vocals benefit from added body and smoothness, subtly controlling harshness and making even thin recordings sound rich and full. Across the entire mix, saturation brings cohesion and life, helping digital productions sound like classic analogue recordings.
Passing audio through any analogue gear adds some warmth, but running it through the Drawmer 1976 elevates your mixes significantly.
The width section of the Drawmer 1976 enhances stereo imaging, making mixes more immersive. You can expand or narrow stereo width in each frequency band, spreading high frequencies wider while keeping low-end elements tight and focused. This three-band approach gives you surgical control over the stereo field, helping your mix jump out of the speakers and create a compelling 3D soundstage—quickly and easily.
