Drawmer Pro Series

Sales of Drawmer Pro Series DS201, DS404, DS501, DL241, DL251, DL441, DSL424, DA6, LA12, and DF330 at Sweetwave Audio. For assistance, call us at 1-877-258-0563.

Drawmer DS201 Dual Gate

There's more to gating than just getting rid of unwanted noise: the humble noise gate is capable of truly creative studio trickery. David Mellor reveals some of the unusual uses for your Drawmer DS201, but if you don't own a DS201, don't despair: these tips can be adapted for most good quality gates.

It is every hi-tech manufacturer's dream to produce a piece of equipment that will become so essential that every studio will just have to have one if it wants to be seen as a serious player. The Yorkshire company Drawmer has done that and more besides -- it's not uncommon to see two, three or even more Drawmer DS201 Dual Gates in the racks of studios, and in PA circles, DS201s are bought in bulk, to eliminate unwanted noise getting from microphone to speaker. This, ostensibly, is their main function: cutting out unwanted noise when there is no wanted signal coming through -- although there are other very useful things you can do with them. Full Article

Drawmer DS404 Quad Gate

Recognizing that there are many general gating applications which require equipment that is simple to operate and which occupies the minimum of rack space, Drawmer have designed the DS404 Quad Noise Gate utilizing new and unique 'Programme Adaptive' circuitry. This makes the DS404 ideally suited for use over a wide range of input signals, ranging from drums and other percussive instruments through to vocals, pianos and even complete mixes.

Facilities available on the DS404 include:

• Frequency Sensitive. The provision of variable Low-Pass and High-Pass Filters allows 'without compromise' frequency selective gating. The unit can be switched for either Internal or External Key source and the KEY LISTEN facility enables monitoring of the filter setting.
• Hard/Soft Gating. Each channel of the DS404 can be operated as a HARD or SOFT gate, providing quite different characteristics. Two coloured LEDs clearly indicate mode status.
  In the HARD mode the DS404 offers ultra-fast response time, stable triggering with complete freedom from chatter around threshold and a specialized release contour which is ideally suited to drums and other percussive material.
  In the SOFT mode the DS404 becomes a versatile Expander capable of handling vocals and sub mixes. Drawmer's unique 'Programme Adaptive' circuitry is used to optimise the attack time and ratio as well has having some effect on the manual release setting . A more gentle release characteristic is utilized to complement the SOFT gate
• Threshold. A fully variable threshold control provides a range from +20dB to -70dB.
• Release Control. A fully variable release control is provided with release times from 10 ms to 5 sec to ensure that essential envelope control is not sacrificed in exchange for an economy in rack space.
• Attenuation Range. The DS404 has switchable attenuation between 90dB and 20dB to allow for applications where a complete mute is not desired.
• Chain Linking. Operating the LINK control switches the channel on the right to SLAVE operation, where its gating mode, threshold and envelope characteristics are controlled by the MASTER (left) channel. Any adjacent three channels or two stereo pairs can be linked in this way for use in any conceivable situation where linking may be required.
• LED Displays. Drawmer's familiar tri-colour LED display is once again utilized as the optimum method for indicating the envelope status for each channel.
• Input/Output.The DS404 is provided with balanced inputs and outputs on XLR connections.

Drawmer DS501 Power Gate

The DS501 is a sophisticated dual channel noise gate with fully tuneable 'Peak Punch' incorporating a number of features pioneered by Drawmer, which are invaluable to the sound engineer, and not found on conventional noise gates.

• 'Tuneable' Peak Punch
• variable high pass and low pass filters for "frequency conscious" gating
• comprehensive envelope control, attack, hold, decay, and range
• key input for external triggering
• "key listen" facility
• extremely fast attack time, to preserve the natural attack of the sound
• balanced inputs and outputs
• stereo linkable
• can be used for "Gating" or "Ducking"
• high audio specification.

Positioned in the Drawmer range over the industry standard DS201 Dual Gate, the DS501 Power Gate features a new dual mode ‘tuneable' Peak Punch processing section on each channel. In tuneable mode a fully variable frequency selector with a range from 75Hz to 16kHz allows the user to shape the transients of the gated signal and ‘tune-in' to the particular area of the audio spectrum where the Peak Punch is to be active. In addition a variable ‘more' control allows the user to tailor the amount of processing. A secondary Full Band Peak Punch mode is also available.

Designed principally for drum and percussive gating applications, tuneable Peak Punch makes it possible to add transient punch to frequencies lacking in individual drum sounds, adding greater definition and presence to the gated signal. Using low frequency Peak Punch adds depth to thin drums, whilst higher frequency Peak Punch can dynamically emphasise rim shots or the ‘crack' of a snare drum.

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Drawmer DL241 Dual Auto Compressor

The DL241 'Auto-Compressor' incorporates many automatic functions allowing the engineer to achieve optimum results in the minimum set up time but does not compromise skilled users with limited controls. Its sophisticated design produces a smooth, transparent and warm sonic performance.

Facilities available on the DL241 include:

• Expander/Gate. Drawmer's unique "Programmed Adaptive Expansion" circuitry allows effective 'single control operation' producing a fast smooth response and eliminating 'chatter' on or around threshold. This design differs from that of conventional Expanders in that the Expansion Ratio, Hold Attack and Release continually adapt themselves to the dynamics of the incoming signal. The Expander/Gate provides 80dB range and variable threshold from +20dB to 70dB with an OFF position.
  
  Switching is provided for 'Fast' or 'Slow' release characteristics. The 'Fast' mode can be used for instruments with rapid decay times or for additional tightening of the gating effect. The 'Slow' mode is more suitable for vocals and instruments with longer decay times or can be used to smooth over rough fade outs. A single LED indicates gating action.
  
  
• Compressor. A full Auto Attack/Release Compressor with variable Threshold and Ratio successfully combines the smoothness of the 'Soft Knee' principle with the precision of a 'Ratio' control. The advantage of this combination is that instead of the onset of compression being sudden at the threshold point the ratio increases over a 10dB input level range until it reaches the ratio set on the front panel control, thus achieving a more natural sounding compression.
  Selectable manual or fully automatic Attack and Release times dramatically extend the application range and user scope of the DL241. Selecting the 'Auto' mode removes the need for manual adjustment and is particularly valuable when the program being treated does not have predictable or consistent dynamics, often the case when processing a complete mix or a virtuoso bass guitar performance. Under manual control the wide range of adjustment available gives the user the ability to create dynamic effects as well as normal compression.
  
  
• Peak Level. 'Zero Response Time', 'Zero Overshoot' circuitry provides an absolute limit to the peak level of the output signal, adjustable from OdB to +16dB above system level. When set to the required level, any excessive peaks will be stopped and the gain momentarily decreased if necessary. The 'Zero Response Time' is essential to avoid unpleasant distortion when mastering for CD or sending any signal to digital equipment.
  
  'Zero Response Time' means that the DL241 provides complete protection from even the fastest and shortest signal 'spikes' (overloads), making the unit also ideally suited for speaker system protection in sound reinforcement applications.
  
  
• Metering. Comprehensive bar graph displays give 'at a glance' indications of gain reduction, and output signal level Gain reduction from 1dB to -30dB is shown simultaneously with signal level from -20dB to +15dB Other single LEDs indicate function status of Gating Acton, Auto Mode, Bypass, Peak Limiting, Stereo Linking, and Power On.
  
  
• Stereo Link. When processing stereo signals, linking should be used to prevent image shifting. This facility ties both channels together. Using channel 1 (left) as the master channel removes the need to duplicate control settings for both channels.
  
  
• Bypass. A fully balanced hard-wire bypass connects the input directly to the output allowing signal to pass through the unit with no power applied. In bypass the VU level meter displays the Input signal.
  
  
• Operating Level. The operating level of the DL241 can be instantly switched, independently on each channel, for either +4dBu or 10dBu operation using a rear panel push switch.
  
  
• Input/Output. The DL241 is available with either XLR connections and fully balanced inputs and outputs, or with stereo jack (TRS) connections, fully balanced inputs and single ended outputs.

Drawmer DL251 Spectral Compressor

The DL251 'Spectral Compressor', incorporates a variable 'Dynamic Spectral Enhancement' (D.S.E.) section which eliminates the problems associated with full band compressors by restoring the high frequency energy lost during the full band compression process. This enhancement circuitry is extremely effective where compression and limiting are employed for broadcast transmission, or across complete mixes in a stereo mixdown situation. 'Dynamic Spectral Enhancement' has many creative applications when recording individual components at the multi-track stage, particularly on such program as acoustic guitar, piano, brass and vocals.

Facilities available on the DL251 include:

• Compressor. The compressor section can be switched to provide either HARD or SOFT knee compression In both the HARD and SOFT modes a Ratio control is available In the S0FT mode the ratio increases gradually over a 10dB input level range until it reaches the ratio set on the front panel control, thus achieving a more natural sounding compression.
  
  Selectable manual or automatic Attack and Release times dramatically extend the application range and user scope of the DL251.
  
  Selecting the 'Auto' mode removes the need for manual adjustment and is particularly valuable when the program being treated does not have predictable or consistent dynamics, such as on complete mixes, vocals or 'slapped and pulled' bass guitar. Under manual control the wide range of adjustment available gives the user the ability to create dynamic effects as well as normal compression.

• Enhance Level. A variable Enhance control can be used to 'dynamically' boost any high frequency energy lost during the full band compression process and has sufficient range to add additional 'Spectral Energy' to the program material for creative processing. When no compression is taking place, the 'Dynamic Spectral Enhancement' circuitry is inoperative and so no change is made to the signal. However, as the signal level rises to the point where gain reduction is taking place, the Enhancement system 'kicks in' applying dynamic boost which is directly related to the amount of gain reduction taking place. A front panel switch offers an instant A/B comparison of this feature and a green LED indicates the amount of enhancement taking place.

• Metering. Comprehensive bar graph displays give 'at a glance' indications of gain reduction, and input/output signal level Gain reduction from 1 dB to -30dB is shown simultaneously with signal level from 20dB to + 15dB Other single LEDs indicate function status of Hard/ Soft compression, Auto Attack/ Release, Side chain monitoring, Bypass, Enhancement, Peak Limiting, Stereo Linking and Power on.

• Side Chain Listen. A front panel push button with LED status enables the monitoring of any external processing applied to the side chain access connections on the rear panel.

• Bypass. A fully balanced hard wire bypass connects the input directly to the output allowing signal to pass through the unit with no power applied. In bypass mode the output level bar graph displays the Input signal.

• Stereo Link. When processing stereo signals, linking should be used to prevent image shifting. This facility ties both channels together. Using channel 1 (Left) as the master channel removes the need to duplicate control settings for both channels. A rear panel switch allows the selection of 'Peak' or 'Average' stereo signal detection.

• Peak Level. 'Zero Response Time', 'Zero Overshoot' circuitry provides an absolute limit to the peak level of the output signal, adjustable from 0dB to +16dB above system level When set to the required level, any excessive peaks will be stopped and the gain momentarily decreased if necessary The 'Zero Response Time' is essential to avoid unpleasant distortion when mastering for CD or sending any signal to digital equipment. 'Zero Response Time' means that the DL251 provides complete protection from even the fastest and shortest signal 'spikes' (overloads), making the unit also ideally suited for speaker system protection in sound reinforcement applications.

• Operating Level. The operating level of the DL251 can be instantly switched, independently on each channel, for either +4dBu or -10dBu operation using a rear panel push switch.

• Input/Output. The DL251 is provided with balanced inputs and outputs on XLR connections.

Drawmer DL441 Quad Auto Compressor Limiter

Facilities available on the DL441 include:

• Compressor - The compressor section can be switched to provide either HARD or SOFT knee compression In both the HARD and SOFT modes a Ratio control is available. In the SOFT mode the ratio increases gradually over a 10dB input level range until it reaches the ratio set on the front panel control, thus achieving a more natural sounding compression In HARD mode the compressor provides a more precise means of controlling gain, where the ratio as set on the front panel is applied immediately the signal exceeds threshold. This is particularly useful in many broadcast applications. HARD knee compression can also be used creatively as an effect, particularly in the treatment of drum and guitar sounds, or for giving rock vocals a 'compressed sound'.

• Auto Attack and Release - removes the need for manual adjustment by producing a response which constantly follows the dynamics of the signal. This enables the DL441 to preserve crisp transients without allowing excessive peaks to occur. A smooth yet lively recovery from compression minimizes side effects such as 'pumping' and 'breathing'. This feature is particularly valuable when the program being treated does not have predictable or consistent dynamics, such as complete mixes, vocals or 'slapped and pulled' bass guitar.

• Peak Level Limiter - 'Zero Response Time', 'Zero Overshoot' circuitry provides an absolute limit to the peak level of the output signal, adjustable from 0db to +16dB above system level. 'Zero Response Time' transparent limiting means that the DL441 provides complete protection from even the fastest and shortest signal overloads, making the unit ideally suited for speaker system protection in sound reinforcement applications. The sophisticated circuitry will also prevent unpleasant distortion when used for digital mastering.

• Metering - Comprehensive bar graph displays give 'at a glance' indications of gain reduction, and input/output signal level Gain reduction from 1dB to 30dB is shown simultaneously with signal level from 10dB to +10dB. When the channel is in BYPASS the output bar graph displays the input signal level. Other single LEDs indicate function status of Hard/Soft compression, Bypass, Peak Limiting, Linking, and Power on.

• Bypass - A fully balanced hard-wire bypass connects the input directly to the output allowing signal to pass through the unit with no power applied.

• Stereo Linking - Channels 1-2 and/or 3-4 can be stereo linked, where the left channel of the stereo pair becomes the master.

• Operating Level - The operating level of the DL441 can be instantly switched, independently on each channel, for either +4dBu or 10dBu operation using a rear panel push switch.

• Input/Output - The DL441 is provided with balanced inputs and outputs on XLR connections.

Drawmer DSL424 Dual Auto Compressor / Dual Gate

The channels may be front panel configured as four individual stand alone processors, a stereo linked pair of comp/limiters with a stereo linked pair of gates. Alternatively, any combination of processing can be achieved by rear panel patching. The DSL424 combines the gates of the DS404 with the comp/limiters of the DL441 to provide a versatile 1U problem solver invaluable in applications where rack space is limited.

Features:

• 2 Channel Frequency Conscious Noise Gate / 2 Channel
  Comp/Limiter Combination Noise Gate

• Variable High Pass and Low Pass Filters
  for frequency triggering

• Auto attack

• Variable release

• Switchable range with LED status

• Selectable ‘Hard' (drums etc.) or ‘Soft' (vocals etc.) modes

• 1/4” jack Key Inputs

• Key Listen facility

• Slave linking

• ‘Traffic light' gate status metering

• Balanced +4dB XLR in/out Compressor/Limiter

• Switchable Hard/Soft knee compression with variable threshold, ratio and output gain

• Auto attack/release

• Variable ‘zero overshoot' transparent limiter

• High resolution bargraph metering of gain reduction and input/output level

• Stereo linking • Balanced +4dB XLR in/out

Drawmer DA6 Balanced Distribution Amplifier

The Drawmer DA-6 is a six channel stereo (or twelve channel mono) distribution amplifier featuring XLR balanced inputs and outputs with optional transformer balancing where remote amplifiers and recorders are fed from separate power supplies.

The stereo Input features individual left/right level controls with LED bargraph metering enabling the correct balancing of stereo material or two mono signals. Each of the six outputs incorporate further left/right level controls and a Mono/Stereo switch providing the selection of either one stereo output or two mono outputs per channel. This feature allows the DA-6 to function as either a 1 x stereo input/6 x stereo outputs or 2 x mono input/12 x mono output unit or any combination of the two.

The output section consists of a Channel Select so that the individual left/right output level of each channel is displayed on the output LED bargraph and can be monitored by the Headphone jack socket. A pair of auxiliary link stereo jack sockets (TRS) are provided via the rear panel for connection to further DA-6 units for the distribution of even more channels.

Drawmer LA12 Line Distribution Amplifier

Features

• One stereo input with master gain and balance controls.
• Twelve stereo outputs each with individual output level controls.
• An auxiliary stereo output which follows the input gain and balance controls can be linked to the input of a second LA12 if more than twelve stereo outputs are required.
• The unit will operate at system levels in the range - 20dB to + 10dB.
• A maximum gain of + 20dB is available through the unit which allows a wide range of 'source' and 'destination' equipment to be interfaced.
• All audio connections are on professional quality phono (RCA) connectors for ease of installation.
• Dimensions 482mm (w) x 44mm (h) x 180mm (d).

Drawmer DF330 Universal Noise Filter

Most noise reductions systems require that the signal be encoded in some way before recording and then decoded inversely on playback. The Drawmer DF330 is a single ended noise reduction system which does not require any previous encoding. Instead, it uses a dynamic filter which senses the highest frequency of incoming program material and opens a filter to that frequency. It has been designed to dramatically reduce noise, regardless of source, in a wide variety of recording/broadcast situations. An example of this is when old recordings are remastered for CD.

Some other applications would include: Analogue to digital mastering, reducing tape hiss and noise resulting from high gain and high frequency boost on mixing consoles. Restoring degraded or poorly recorded material for tape duplication and resolving problems with noisy synthesizers, guitar amplifiers, effects units etc. The Drawmer DF330 is a two channel unit, each with the following

features:

• Excellent visual displays are provided. The input level is displayed with a 3 colour 'traffic light' style LED meter. The filter cut-off frequency display has nine LED segments and the expander gain reduction has a five segment LED display. Further to this there are LED's to show bypass, stereo link status and power input.
• A 50Hz 'rumble' filter with a slope of 18dB per octave is available independently on both channels.
• In addition to a full system bypass, the expander and filter can be switched out of the audio path separately, enabling easy comparisons to be made. under all conditions.
• A comprehensive expander with automatic attack time, variable release and switchable ratio and attenuation gives up to 40dB reduction in overall noise during silent passages.
• Stereo linking allows both channels to track identically. This prevents image shifting with stereo program, and phase shifts when both channels are mixed into mono.
• The dynamic filter has two modes of operation. In the manual mode, the threshold is adjusted by the user to give optimum results. In the Auto mode the unit is capable of tracking the signal level thereby enabling the filter to continue to operate successfully during fade ups and downs. This makes manual adjustment unnecessary.
• Simultaneous -10dBu unbalanced 1/4" jack and +4dBu balanced XLR inputs and outputs allows the unit to be used as a level converting interface between the two operating levels, e.g. The output from a cassette machine at -10dBu could give a balanced +4dBu output and -10dBu output.