Drawmer 1973 Multi-Band Compressor
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About this plugin
The Drawmer 1973 is a three-band multiband compressor that translates the hardware classic into plugin form with meticulous attention to the original's sonic signature. Developed in collaboration with Drawmer's R&D team and approved by Ivor Drawmer himself, this tool handles the fundamental problem multiband compression solves: independent dynamic control across frequency ranges without the phase artifacts or pumping that plague broader compression approaches.
Where the 1973 excels is in surgical mixing tasks. On individual sources, it addresses frequency-specific problems - controlling low-end bloom on acoustic instruments, taming vocal sibilance while preserving clarity, or reining in a bass's dynamic inconsistency without dulling its attack. On full mixes, it provides the kind of transparent loudness and cohesion that justifies its presence in mastering chains, particularly for material with uneven frequency balance or problematic instruments buried in dense arrangements.
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Softube's implementation adds modern conveniences absent from the hardware: mid-side processing for width control, external sidechain capability, and a CPU-efficient architecture. The interface faithfully mirrors the original's layout while remaining intuitive for digital workflow integration. Included presets provide entry points for users unfamiliar with multiband compression, though the control depth allows experienced engineers to dial in precise, transparent processing.
The 1973 occupies middle ground between surgical transparency and character. It's particularly valuable for engineers who need surgical control without the obvious compression artifacts of wideband tools. While multiband compression remains somewhat specialized, the Drawmer's consistent performance and straightforward design make it a reliable choice for mixing and mastering professionals.