Drawmer adds turntable input to monitor preamp
Published: PRODUCTS
Following the recent surge in popularity of turntables, British manufacturer Drawmer Electronics has developed the MC1.1 monitor preamp. Based on the MC2.1, the preamp adds a dedicated RIAA phono stage to accommodate turntable setups and is intended for less complex postproduction environments that don't require multiple speaker setups.
Additionally, the manufacturer has also unveiled the 1978 stereo FET compressor. The 1U model is based on the company’s 1973 multiband FET compressor and features four ‘character switches’ offering different compression flavours.
The front panel of the MC1.1 consists of two large, independent volume knobs for the main line outs and headphone amplifier, alongside individual switches for input and output selection. The unit can accept three input sources – balanced XLR, 3.5 mm jack and switchable RIAA line/phono. The output is switchable between balanced XLR and RCA, while a mono sub output is reportedly available simultaneously with the balanced output. The unit measures 272mm by 215mm by 81mm (LxWxH) and weighs 2.5kg. An additional 2U rack mounting kit is available that moves the aux input from the back to the unit to the front for easier access.
The other new Drawmer release, the 1978 compressor, features a fast-reacting stereo FET design that the manufacturer claims to provide ‘excellent left/right tracking across the full compression range’. It also features a dedicated dual-channel side chain EQ that is stated to provide simultaneous frequency and level control for the low and high bands. Additional controls include a variable wet/dry mix and output gain knobs with a parallel compression option. Two analogue VU meters with a switchable +10dB meter rescale mode are present for visual monitoring.