The Drawmer 1979 is a modern take on the classic channel strip, combining pristine clarity, tone shaping, and vintage compression in a single 1U unit.

It delivers the transparency of an ultra-clean pre-amplifier, the natural control of Lift, the precision of a three-band parametric equaliser, and the warmth of a soft-knee FET compressor - all designed to bring true analogue musicality to your recordings.

The 1979's pre-amplifier offers mic, line, and instrument DI inputs with up to 66dB of stepped gain, allowing you to capture ultra-clean, transparent recordings, enhance dull sources, or refine your instrument tone. Switched impedance matching helps every microphone perform at its best - from high-end condensers to ribbons and older dynamics - revealing each mic's perfect sweet spot.

Lift - first introduced on the 1972 - is a dynamic gain module that boosts quieter signals below 0dB while leaving louder passages untouched, naturally reducing dynamic range without compression artefacts. It adjusts gain in real time for a smooth, musical response - a genuine 'set and forget' solution. Ideal for vocals, finger-picked guitars, piano, or ambient recordings, Lift enhances subtle detail and balance without introducing noise or distortion.

The 1979 features a fully variable three-band parametric equaliser with ±12dB of cut or boost and a switchable bandwidth control on the mid band. Smooth, musical, and highly controllable, it excels at gentle tonal shaping as well as more surgical work to tame problem frequencies in a mix.

The soft-knee FET compressor delivers the smooth, musical control for which Drawmer is renowned. It offers everything from transparent vocal levelling and mix glue to more assertive drum or instrument compression.

As with other Drawmer products, the Engineer is in complete control. The signal path can be set as either Equaliser > Compressor or as Compressor > Equaliser, with each creating a distinctly different tonal quality and coloration. 

The output section includes a wet/dry mix for parallel processing, allowing you to fine-tune how much EQ and compression you blend into the signal. Output gain provides make-up level or lets you match interface inputs with precision. A large backlit VU meter ensures accurate level monitoring, while a bypass switch disables both EQ and compression for an ultra-clean, direct pre-amplifier output.

The result is a modern take on vintage classics that provides an incredible degree of control over the clarity, tone and warmth of your recordings, helping to capture perfect audio every time.

Designed and handmade by Drawmer in the UK.

Free 3-Year Warranty

Sound Pure stands behind our products. Free three-year warranty on this item. Coverage exclusions live in Terms & Conditions, Section 27.

Level of support and expertise that simply isn't available at big-box megastores. Read the warranty →

Returns

This item is not eligible for the Try-Before-You-Buy 48-hour audition. Standard return policy applies — see Terms & Conditions, Section 18 for details.