Drawmer 1974 Stereo Parametric Equalizer

Description

The Drawmer 1974 is a vintage-style stereo 4-band parametric equalizer that delivers the exceptional clarity and analog musicality have come to expect from the English company, which has been making world-class pro audio gear since the early 1980s. The 1974, not surprisingly, takes its sonic inspiration from the great-sounding analog equipment of that era. The 1974 is an EQ for all seasons. You can use it in mastering for subtle shaping tasks that demand a light touch and easy recall, but it's just as capable at surgical sculpting. However you use it, the Drawmer 1974 imparts classic analog warmth and character that is very difficult to emulate in the digital domain.

Key Features:

Modern design, vintage soul

The 1974 offers stereo operation with one set of controls for both channels. Its precision dual-channel architecture and stepped potentiometers deliver exceptional accuracy for quick and easy recall. Variable bandwidth gives you control over the Q of the parametric Low Mid and High Mid bands, for adjustments ranging from surgically exacting to broad and natural-sounding. Fully adjustable Low Cut (highpass) and High Cut (lowpass) filters are also included, perfect for dialing out unwanted signal at the frequency extremes. The Low and High bands also feature switchable slope, which allows you to change the focus there, plus a Low Peak setting that emphasizes and enhances the bottom end. Despite its undeniably modern versatility, the 1974 stays true to the sound of the '70s.

Stereo operation with accurate, stepped pots

As powerful as the 1974 is, EQ really doesn't get any easier. Its linked channels and single control set deliver pinpoint stereo imaging and ease of use, with no more time spent fiddling with the controls attempting to match the settings of the left and right channels to each other. The 1974's precision stepped potentiometers are matched for left/right accuracy to within exacting tolerances by Drawmer's skilled technicians. The result is that both channels operate identically, giving you rock-solid imaging accuracy and fast recall.

Fully parametric with fully variable bandwidth The 1974 is a true parametric EQ, with the four bands having fully variable frequency controls and offering ±12dB of boost and cut. However, unlike EQs with a no bandwidth adjustment, or a simple switch, the two mid bands have completely variable filter bandwidth controls that allow you to notch in on narrow sections of the audio spectrum or apply a broad bell curve — or anything in between. This makes the 1974 impressively versatile and ideal for everything from subtly fine-tuning your mixes to heavy sculpting of problematic recordings.

Variable Low Cut and High Cut filters

Drawmer equipped the 1974 with fully variable Low Cut and High Cut filters. The Low Cut has a range of 10Hz–225Hz; and the High Cut, 4kHz–32kHz. Unlike fixed-frequency filters, these fully variable filters make it easy to sweep both controls to find the ideal settings to eliminate undesirable sonics. This is particularly useful when bracketing individual tracks where it will be necessary to cut the bass to remove rumble and treble to remove hiss, as these signals will otherwise add up as your tracks are layered. For example, cut all instruments below 100Hz except those with energy in that spectrum (such as bass, kick drum, or synths) to provide extra headroom for enhanced clarity and punch in your final mix.

Switchable Slope settings We don't often see analog parametric equalizers with adjustable slope on the highpass and lowpass filters, yet this is yet another feature of the 1974 that gives you a huge measure of control over your audio. The filter slopes of the 1974 were carefully chosen for their musicality, allowing you to adjust the focus of the audio at the frequency extremes of your recording — but not so obviously as with a brick-wall filter. At the bottom end, slopes of 6, 9, and 12dB/octave — plus the aforementioned Peak setting — are available, and at the high end, 6 and 12dB/octave. The Peak setting is a unique feature that imparts a narrow bell shape to the 12dB per octave Low Cut filter at the knee frequency just before it rolls off. Notably useful on bass drums, Peak gives extra weight to the impact while still filtering out subsonic mud — without clouding the lower mids. It'll give your kick added power and precision.

• Vintage-style 4-band parametric equalization
• Inspired by classic 1970s-era analog equipment
• Delivers classic sonic clarity and control at an affordable price
• Stereo operation with one set of controls for both channels
• Accurate, indented potentiometers provide precision for quick and easy recall
• Variable Low Cut and High Cut filters allow you to precisely tune out undesirable signals
• Fully variable bandwidth provides absolute control for the parametric mid bands
• Switchable Slope plus low Peak settings allow you to magnify and adjust the focus of your low end
• True hardware bypass for accurate A/B comparison
• Internal low-hum toroidal linear power supply with voltage selector switch
• Classic Drawmer build quality with rugged steel chassis and aluminum front panel
• Designed and manufactured by Drawmer in the UK