Drawmer FC-1 500 Series FET Compressor

The Drawmer FC-1 is a fully featured FET compressor that brings the same comprehensive control set found in full-width rack units to a single 500 series slot. Based on the FET design from Drawmer's 1970s range, it delivers soft-knee feedback compression with a fast, responsive character that excels on drums, electric guitars, and energetic vocals where transient control and presence are essential. Uncommon in the 500 series format, the FC-1 includes 21-position precision detented controls for Input, Output, Threshold, Ratio, Attack, and Release, plus a Wet/Dry mix control for parallel compression.

The FC-1 features BIG and AIR modes borrowed from the award-winning Drawmer 1973, with BIG reducing sidechain sensitivity to low frequencies to prevent unwanted ducking, and AIR preserving high-frequency detail during compression. PGM mode introduces a programme-dependent second release time that adapts to material above the threshold, reducing pumping during heavy compression. CRUSH harmonic saturation adds harmonic richness that varies with input level, while comprehensive metering provides Gain Reduction and switchable Input or Output monitoring on a dedicated VU meter. Hard-wire bypass connects input directly to output for completely transparent bypass operation.

Stereo and group linking is achieved via Link pin 6 on the 500 series chassis, with the unit applying the greatest gain reduction becoming the master to ensure accurate tracking across linked modules. Linking includes Gain Reduction, Threshold, Ratio, BIG, and AIR functions for consistent stereo imaging. The frequency response measures 20Hz to 20kHz at +/–0.4dB, with THD at 0.02% at 1kHz referenced to 0dBu. Input impedance is 20k Ohms with maximum input level of +18dBu, while output impedance remains below 100 Ohms. Designed and handmade by Drawmer in the United Kingdom.

Features

• Soft-knee FET compressor with fast, responsive transient control and dynamic shaping
• 21-position precision detented controls for repeatable and accurate compression settings
• BIG mode reduces sidechain low-frequency sensitivity to prevent unwanted ducking and pumping
• AIR mode preserves high-frequency detail and transparency during compression
• PGM mode provides programme-dependent release to reduce artefacts during heavy compression
• CRUSH harmonic saturation circuit adds warmth and analogue character to sources
• Wet/Dry mix control enables parallel compression techniques within the module
• Stereo linking via 500 series chassis Link pin 6 for multi-channel operation