Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $2,732
High-end/Boutique
$100
$501+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Drawmer 1960 Compressor & Mic Preamp". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Introducing the Drawmer 1960 Compressor & Mic Preamp, a perfect blend of vintage aesthetics and modern technology. This two-channel unit is your ticket to the world-class warmth and body that only vacuum tubes can offer. Known for their distinctive "warmer, punchier" sound, the vacuum tubes in the 1960 infuse your music with a rich resonant tone that digital devices only dream of replicating.
Each channel combines an ultra low-noise microphone preamplifier with switchable 48 volt phantom power and a 'soft knee' vacuum tube compressor, delivering a natural and lively sound. Whether you're working with line or mic level signals, the Drawmer 1960 is versatile and accommodating. This is not just a throwback to the 60's, it’s a fusion of the best of then and now.
Key Features:
- 2 Channel, 2 rack space vacuum tube compressor with mic/line/instrument preamp
- Proprietary vacuum tube/FET based discrete VCA
- Classic attack/release curves used in vintage compressors
- Auto ratio depending on signal attack slope (1:30 maximum)
- VU switchable metering
- Vacuum tube preamp accepts mic, line or front panel instrument
- Hi-gain switch for high impedance instrument inputs (guitar)
- Bright switch on instrument input
- +4 operation
Owner's manual
Drawmer 1960 Compressor & Mic Preamp User ManualProduct specs
| Preamp Type | Tube |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Phantom Power | Yes |
| Compressor | Yes |
| Other Processing | Aux. Input EQ |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz-22kHz |
| Analog Inputs | 2 x XLR (Mic), 2 x XLR (Line), 1 x 1/4" (Aux) |
| Analog Outputs | 2 x XLR |
| Other I/O | 2 x 1/4" (+4dBu Insert), 2 x 1/4" (-10dBu Insert), 2 x 1/4" (+4dBu Side Chain) |
| Rack Spaces | 2U |
| Height | 3.5" |
| Depth | 9.84" |
| Width | 19" |
| Weight | 13.23 lbs. |
FAQs
-
What type of preamp does the Drawmer 1960 use?
-
The Drawmer 1960 uses a tube preamp, which is known for providing warm and rich sound characteristics, ideal for vocals and instruments.
-
How many channels does the Drawmer 1960 Compressor & Mic Preamp have?
-
The Drawmer 1960 features two channels, allowing for stereo processing or the simultaneous use of two separate audio sources.
-
Does the Drawmer 1960 provide phantom power for condenser microphones?
-
Yes, the Drawmer 1960 includes phantom power, making it suitable for use with condenser microphones that require external power.
-
Can the Drawmer 1960 be used as a direct input box for instruments?
-
Yes, the Drawmer 1960 functions as a DI box, allowing instruments like electric guitars and basses to be directly connected for recording.
-
What are the connectivity options available on the Drawmer 1960?
-
The Drawmer 1960 offers multiple connectivity options, including XLR and 1/4" inputs and outputs, making it versatile for various studio setups.
-
Is the Drawmer 1960 suitable for rack mounting in a studio setup?
-
Yes, the Drawmer 1960 is designed to fit into a standard 19-inch rack, occupying 2U of rack space, making it convenient for studio integration.
Videos
MixbusTv
Best Affordable Stereo Preamp and Compressor Drawmer 1970
Reviews
PROS
-
Exceptional warmth and clarity for acoustic instruments and electric piano
-
Can be used as an external plugin to enhance recordings
-
Compressor provides unmatched quality
-
Easy to use with a noticeable "sweet spot" for recording
-
Adds a unique "sparkle" and warmth without coloring sound negatively
-
Versatile: works great for both mono and stereo recordings
-
Improves the intimacy and warmth of recorded projects significantly
CONS
-
Vocals might require a different character; not the best for vocal recordings
-
EQ adjustments are limited to the aux input, not available for mic inputs
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Drawmer 1960 Compressor & Mic Preamp.
Use cases and applications
-
The Drawmer 1960 Compressor & Mic Preamp's preamp circuit is often overlooked but provides unique tonal characteristics for recording, available at relatively low prices around $800.
Source -
The Drawmer 1960's tube preamp and compressor combination is recommended for those interested in vintage-style tube warmth, complementing ribbon mics such as the Royer 121.
Source
Comparisons
-
The Drawmer 1969 is preferred over the 1960 for its sidechain feature in the compressor, although both models offer strong performance in studio settings.
Source -
While the Creamer from Sonic Farms offers extensive impedance settings and versatility, the Drawmer 1960 provides a simpler, yet distinct tube personality for those seeking character-driven sound.
Source
Value and pricing
-
Despite being a lesser-known brand now, Drawmer gear, including the 1960, is considered a sleeper hit, offering great value in the used market.
Source -
It's suggested that investment in high-quality preamps like the Drawmer 1960 is more beneficial than modifying existing gear, as it adds significant value to the recording chain.
Source
Features and functionality
-
The Drawmer 1960 is noted for its versatile preamp and compressor combination, making it a valuable tool in varied studio applications.
Source -
The Drawmer 1960 is noted for its distinct personality, particularly when used with tube-based audio setups, offering unique tonal characteristics for acoustic guitar, vocals, and drum overheads.
Source
User experience
-
Owners of Drawmer products express satisfaction, highlighting the brand's consistent quality, though noting its current under-the-radar status compared to its past prominence.
Source -
Owners emphasize the importance of trusting personal auditory preference when evaluating preamps, suggesting hands-on testing with familiar equipment to ensure satisfaction with the Drawmer 1960.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
As part of his 1988 Soldano/Cornish Guitar Routing System, Eric Clapton used the Furman PL-8 Power Conditioner and Light Module, a SAMSON UR-5D UHF wireless receiver, a SAMSON BR-3 VHF receiver, a Drawmer 1960 tube compressor, a YAMAHA SPX-90 multi-effect processor, a Dyno-My-Piano CS-5 Tri-Stereo Chorus, a TC Electronics 2290 dynamic digital delay, a DYNACORD CLS 222 Leslie simulator, a YAMAHA GEP 50 multi-effect processor, a Roland SDE-3000 digital delay as well as the TC1210 spatial expander with VHS/UHF aerial unit at rear.
The Drawmer 1960 Compressor & Mic Preamp was sold on his official Reverb.com shop. Corgan stated that it was utilized during the production of Mellon Collie & The Infinite Sadness and Machina, as well as in many of his home demos.
Seen in the picture of his studio rack in the May 2018 Sound on Sound interview.
Bernard is asked, "What other equipment do you use when writing/recording?" He responds, "We record my vocals through a Drawmer 1960 Compressor and EQ mic pre-amp," in this interview.
Well, speaking of that evolution, “Losing Sleep” goes through some pretty interesting changes in dynamics, which makes it stand out from the rest of the album. The guitar is just a clean Strat with some direct signal, and we may have switched to a Fender Champ. I can’t remember exactly, but sometimes I get that sound by going direct into a Drawmer 1960 [mic pre/compressor]. The stereo tube compression just slams it, and it’s got the EQ on the front end so you can brighten it up. I remember the day we put it up to mix. Beau was like, “What do we do with this?” I was still trying to write words for the last song, so I told him to have some fun for five hours and went in the other room. The demo had that same sparseness and structure, but it was nowhere near as colorful as what Beau came up with. That one’s the outlier on the album for sure, so everybody’s talking about it.
In a video on VK, Lorn is seen using the Drawmer 1960 Compressor & Mic Preamp, highlighting its role in his studio recording setup.
Used mainly on room microphones to find nice tones. This can be seen as part of the rack-mountable equipment in the studio in this video.
"As you would expect, the studio contains some of the finest processors in the world, including an SPL Transient Designer, two Empirical Labs Distressors, an Audio & Design F760XRS compressor/limiter/expander, a Focusrite Platinum Compounder, a Drawmer LX20 dual expander/compressor and two DS201 dual gates, Fairman and Smart Research C2 compressors, a Mutronics Mutator filter bank, an Electrix Filter Factory, a Teletronix LA2A compressor, a Massenburg Model 8000 EQ, a Tubetech LCA2B compressor, a Drawmer 1960 valve compressor/preamp, a Focusrite Red 7 mic preamp/dynamics processor, and a Joemeek stereo compressor."
In this photo, Waters is seen with Drawmer 1960 Compressor. Many thanks to jimmarchi1 for identifying the model!
“This is really lovely. The compression is very subtle but it gives mixes this finesse – a great big orange swell.”
In response to a tweet that said "Show me a picture on your phone that has your energy. Not a selfie." Skee quoted tweeted with his rackmount setup.
"I use six dbx 160A compressors for the bass and acoustic guitars, then two dbx 160XT for the kicks and snares, coupled with four Drawmer DS201s stereo gates so you have a gate/compressor setup there, where the signal goes into the Drawmers then into the 160XTs. I also have a Drawmer 1960 tube compressor that I use on the guitars. I also use a dbx 1046 compressor; I use two lines for the keys and two for the stereo Leslie inputs."
— Terry Pearson, Morissette's FOH engineer for Under Rug Swept's promotional tour
Album Usage
The Drawmer 1960 Compressor & Mic Preamp has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Drawmer 1960 Compressor & Mic Preamp, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yoursMore Drawmer Effects Processors
Accessories & Related Items
Similar
Most Popular Effects Processors
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
nikfarrGear IQ 15323
-