Drawmer 1973 Multi-Band Compressor by Softube plugin interface

Drawmer 1973 Multi-Band Compressor: Three-Band FET Compressor Plugin by Softube

Rated 4.7/5 on Plugin Boutique (138 ratings)

Drawmer 1973 Multi-Band Compressor is a three-band FET compressor plugin by Softube, modeled on the original Drawmer 1973 hardware. It gives independent dynamics control over three frequency bands, plus Mid-Side processing and sidechaining.

VST3VST2AUAAXRTASWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

Drawmer 1973 Multi-Band Compressor is built around the three-band compressor design of the original Drawmer 1973 hardware. Softube developed the plugin with Drawmer's research and development team, and Drawmer approved the model. Each band can be shaped independently, which makes it useful for pulling back a boomy instrument, controlling low-end dynamics while keeping the top end lively, or taming harsh consonants on a vocal. The plugin also adds Mid-Side mode and sidechaining, features the original hardware did not have.

Best for

Mix bus dynamics
Bass dynamics control
Vocal de-essing
Acoustic guitar tone
Piano mix placement
Mastering frequency control

Developer: Softube
Category: Compressors
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Three-band FET compressor with independent control of each band
Precise control over the dynamics of a sound source
Mid-Side mode not available on the original hardware
Sidechain input for linking gain reduction to an external source
Component-level model of the original Drawmer 1973 hardware
Model approved by Drawmer
Presets from the Drawmer S73 included, plus additional presets
Available in VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and RTAS formats

03In depth

Three-Band FET Compression and Sound Character

The Drawmer 1973 is a three-band FET compressor. Because each frequency band is compressed separately, you can control the dynamics of one part of the spectrum without changing the others. Softube says every component of the original hardware was carefully modeled, which the developer presents as the basis for its analog character.

The plugin is meant for detailed dynamics work. Softube describes uses such as brightening a mix, tightening the lows, or pulling a single instrument forward in a dense arrangement. It can also be used on individual sources, for example to reduce the boominess of an acoustic guitar or to remove sharp consonants from a vocal track.

Mid-Side Mode and Sidechain Features

Beyond the original hardware, Softube added Mid-Side processing and sidechaining. Mid-Side mode lets you work on the mid portion of a sound while leaving the rest of that frequency range alone. Sidechaining allows the gain reduction to be linked to an external sound source.

The plugin includes presets derived from the Drawmer S73, along with additional presets, to help you start quickly. Its interface follows the look of the hardware original, and Softube notes that it is CPU friendly.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Softube
Type	Plugin
Category	Compressor
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX, RTAS
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does Drawmer 1973 support?

Drawmer 1973 is listed in VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and RTAS formats. The developer recommends VST3 because some of its features are not present in the older VST format.

Which operating systems are supported?

The plugin supports Windows and macOS. Supported macOS versions include Big Sur 11, Monterey 12 and Ventura 13, and Windows 10 and Windows 11 are supported, both in 64-bit.

What do I need to use Drawmer 1973?

You need a compatible 64-bit host, such as a DAW that supports AU, VST, VST3 or AAX, plus an iLok account and an internet connection for downloading the installers and managing licenses. Softube tests the plugin officially in Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Ableton Live, Studio One and Reaper.