Smooth, Musical Compression
Experience natural, warm compression that enhances your audio without sacrificing detail, making it ideal for vocals, acoustic instruments, and dynamic sources.
KEY FEATURES
The Drawmer OC1 Optical Compressor is a single-channel 500 Series optical compressor that combines smooth, musical optical gain reduction with modern processing features including parallel compression, CRUSH harmonic enhancement, BIG and AIR tonal shaping, programme-dependent release, stepped controls and stereo linking for precise, repeatable dynamic control in professional recording and mixing environments.
Classic Optical Compression with Modern Flexibility
The Drawmer OC1 builds on the character of classic optical compressors while introducing a comprehensive collection of modern workflow and tone-shaping features. Designed for the popular 500 Series format, it delivers smooth, natural compression that enhances performances without sacrificing detail or transparency.
Optical compression responds more gradually than other compressor designs, making the OC1 particularly well suited to vocals, acoustic guitars, bass, piano and other dynamic sources that benefit from subtle, musical control. The result remains warm, controlled and highly natural, even when applying significant gain reduction.
Comprehensive Dynamic Control
The OC1 provides complete control over compression with dedicated Input Gain, Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release and Output Gain controls. Engineers can accurately tailor compression characteristics for everything from gentle level management to more assertive dynamic shaping.
Drawmer uses high-quality 21-position stepped potentiometers throughout the module, allowing precise repeatability and fast recall of settings during recording sessions, mixing or mastering.
BIG and AIR Tone Shaping
Alongside compression, the OC1 includes two dedicated tonal enhancement modes.
BIG reinforces low frequencies by introducing additional weight and warmth, helping bass instruments, kick drums and full mixes sound richer without becoming muddy.
AIR enhances the upper frequencies, adding clarity, openness and sparkle that helps vocals, acoustic instruments and overheads sit naturally within a mix.
These enhancements work alongside the optical compression circuit, allowing engineers to shape both dynamics and tonal balance simultaneously.
Programme-Dependent Release
The PGM mode introduces a second, slower release characteristic that responds according to the programme material exceeding the threshold.
Rather than using a fixed release time, the compressor adapts dynamically to incoming audio. This approach reduces pumping during heavier compression while maintaining a more natural and transparent performance on complex programme material.
Parallel Compression Built In
The integrated Mix control allows direct blending of compressed and uncompressed signals without external routing.
Engineers can introduce the density and sustain of heavy compression while retaining the original dynamics and transient detail. This parallel compression capability proves particularly useful on vocals, drums, bass and complete mixes.
CRUSH Harmonic Enhancement
Drawmer incorporates its popular CRUSH circuit into the OC1, allowing users to introduce musically pleasing harmonic content alongside compression.
The amount of harmonic enhancement increases with input level, adding warmth, richness and character that can help sources stand forward in a mix without sounding harsh or artificial.
Professional Metering and Workflow
A large analogue VU meter displays gain reduction while also allowing users to monitor either input or output levels, providing clear visual feedback during recording and mixing.
The hard-wire bypass routes the input directly to the output without altering the signal, making instant A/B comparisons simple while preserving absolute signal integrity.
Stereo and Multi-Channel Linking
The OC1 supports module linking through Pin 6 of compatible 500 Series chassis.
Using the dedicated LINK button, adjacent OC1 modules share gain reduction information, allowing accurate stereo tracking and consistent compression across multiple channels. This feature makes the module equally suitable for stereo sources, buses and multi-channel recording applications.
Designed and Hand Built in the UK
Every Drawmer OC1 receives hand assembly in the United Kingdom, reflecting Drawmer's long-standing reputation for professional studio equipment that combines analogue character with dependable engineering and modern functionality.
Why Choose the Drawmer OC1?
- Delivers smooth, musical optical compression that preserves natural performances.
- Controls vocals and acoustic instruments without introducing harsh artefacts.
- Blends compressed and original signals directly from the front panel for effortless parallel compression.
- Adds warmth, weight and high-frequency clarity without requiring additional processors.
- Introduces harmonic character to help tracks stand out naturally in a mix.
- Provides highly repeatable settings with precision stepped controls.
- Supports stereo and multi-channel applications through built-in linking.
- Offers reliable UK-built construction designed for demanding professional studios.
- Single-channel 500 Series optical compressor
- Smooth, natural optical compression
- Ideal for vocals, acoustic guitar, bass, piano and general programme material
- Input Gain control
- Threshold control
- Ratio control
- Attack control
- Release control
- Output Gain control
- BIG mode for enhanced low-frequency warmth and richness
- AIR mode for added high-frequency clarity and sparkle
- Programme-dependent (PGM) release mode
- Built-in parallel compression via Mix control
- CRUSH harmonic enhancement circuit
- Harmonic intensity responds to input level
- Analogue VU meter
- Gain Reduction metering
- Switchable Input or Output level metering
- 21-position stepped precision potentiometers
- Stereo and multi-module linking via dedicated Pin 6 connection
- LINK function for adjacent modules
- Hard-wire true bypass
- Designed and hand-built in the UK
- Compatible with standard 500 Series racks
- UK over £99 FREE
- UK under £99 £10
- EU £36
- Rest of World £80
Large/Heavy items: Extra charges may apply (e.g., consoles, large monitors). We’ll contact you before processing if so.
We ship with DPD and UPS across the UK, EU and worldwide. Same-day within the M25 is available depending on stock.
This item, like everything we supply, comes with the complete support of our expert team. Our excellent technicians have been specifying, building and supporting studios for over twenty years. If you have any problems with installation, setup or everyday use, they’re never more than a click away, and always happy to help.
You can contact them here.
KEY BENEFITS
Advanced Tone Shaping Features
Utilize BIG and AIR modes to enrich low frequencies and add clarity to highs, allowing for precise tonal balance and dynamic control in your mixes.
Dynamic Release Adaptation
The programme-dependent release feature adapts to your audio material, reducing pumping effects while maintaining a transparent performance, ensuring a natural sound.
PRODUCT DETAILS
