The Drawmer OC-1 500-Series Optical Compressor brings smooth, warm, and naturally musical dynamics control to a single-slot 500 Series module.
Equally comfortable taming vocals, shaping acoustic guitars, controlling individual tracks, or adding cohesion to a mix, the OC-1 combines the forgiving character of optical compression with the detailed control and advanced tone-shaping tools normally associated with a full-size Drawmer rackmount processor. The OC-1 provides independent control over input gain, output gain, threshold, ratio, attack, and release, giving engineers the flexibility to dial in everything from transparent level control to more obvious dynamic shaping. Its Wet/Dry Mix control makes parallel compression easy, while high-precision, 21-position detented potentiometers support accurate settings and dependable recall between sessions. Drawmer’s selectable BIG mode reduces the sidechain’s sensitivity to low frequencies, helping bass remain full and powerful while minimizing unwanted pumping caused by low-frequency energy. AIR mode preserves high-frequency detail during compression, adding openness and definition to vocals, acoustic instruments, and cymbals without introducing harshness or excessive sibilance. For additional color, the CRUSH circuit adds harmonic richness, subtle distortion, and analog-style warmth, with the intensity responding to the input level. A selectable PGM mode introduces a secondary, slower release characteristic based on program material above the threshold. This helps the compressor respond more naturally under heavier gain reduction while reducing pumping and other unnatural artifacts. Two OC-1 modules installed in adjacent slots can also be linked through pin 6 of a compatible 500 Series chassis, allowing coordinated gain reduction across stereo or multi-channel sources. Comprehensive metering, selectable input or output level monitoring, and a hard-wire bypass complete this versatile studio compressor.
Drawmer OC-1 500-Series Optical Compressor Features
- Smooth optical compression for warm, natural-sounding dynamic control
- Well suited for vocals, acoustic guitars, individual tracks, buses, and mix processing
- Fully adjustable input gain, output gain, threshold, ratio, attack, and release controls
- Wet/Dry Mix control for easy parallel compression
- High-precision, 21-position detented potentiometers for accurate recall
- BIG mode reduces low-frequency sidechain sensitivity for a fuller low end and less pumping
- AIR mode preserves high-frequency clarity, openness, and detail during compression
- CRUSH circuit adds harmonic richness, subtle distortion, and analog-style warmth
- PGM mode introduces a program-dependent secondary release characteristic
- Stereo linking through pin 6 of compatible 500 Series chassis
- Linked operation includes gain reduction, BIG, AIR, threshold, and ratio functions
- VU meter displays gain reduction or selectable input and output levels
- Hard-wire bypass connects the input directly to the output
- Designed and hand-built by Drawmer in the UK
Drawmer OC-1 500-Series Optical Compressor Includes
- Drawmer OC-1 500-Series Optical Compressor
- Product Documentation
- Manufacturer Warranty
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