The 1968 MkII blends valve and FET technology to deliver high-quality stereo bus compression. Housed in a 1U rackmount chassis, it provides a transparent, open sound - even under heavy compression.
Where the original Drawmer 1960 placed a valve stage at the front of the compressor, the 1968 MkII instead uses a J-FET (Field Effect Transistor) gain reduction circuit, operating faster than an opto-isolator. A 12AX7 valve make-up gain amplifier provides up to +20dB of additional gain via the Output Gain control. The compressor operates on a soft-knee principle, eliminating the need for a ratio control and ensuring progressive, musical onset of compression.
The 1968 MkII offers a wide range of timing options, with six selectable attack times (2, 9, 15, 25, 30 and 50ms). Release times include three fixed settings (100ms, 500ms, 1s) plus three programme-dependent modes (200ms-2s, 500ms-5s, and 1-10s), providing automatic adaptation to complex material.
Full side-chain access is also provided, allowing the connection of an external equaliser for de-essing or frequency-conscious compression.
Both channels feature switchable 'BIG' and 'BIGGER' modes. These reduce processing of the fundamental low frequencies while still controlling the associated harmonics, which if left unchecked can create a boomy or boxy sound. The result is a solid bottom end with enhanced sub-bass, combined with a smoother, wider frequency response.
This allows more compression to be applied across a full mix, with reduced pumping caused by kicks and bass instruments.
Its smooth, transparent operation and warm open sound launch it into the top flight. Not only is it a fine mix compressor, with the Big setting living up to its name, but with its fast attack time it’s also great for vocals and acoustic instruments.
The outputs of Channels 1 and 2 are monitored via dual illuminated VU meters, which glow red to indicate approaching clipping. A three-position switch configures the meters to display either output level, gain reduction, or VU +10dB mode, the latter re-scaling the meters for working at higher output levels.
An output switch provides a choice of normal compressor output, hard-wired bypass, or side-chain listen.
