Understanding dynamics is the successful mix engineer's most vital skill. Understanding how to build dynamics processors is a skill no one has performed more successfully over the last twenty years than Ivor Drawmer. Thousands upon thousands of Drawmer units are still in play across the globe. Now Ivor Drawmer and Fletcher of Mercenary Audio play the analog ace card in a vertible digital world: The 1968 Mercenary Edition jFET Valve Compressor.

Combining new ideas with vintage ones, the 1968ME puts a level of performance in your rack that is beyond your expectations. Two channels of analog compression can be used across the stereo buss independently. jFET circuitry enables the beautiful dynamic control sought after in so many vintage units. Automatic speed functions make the user an instant expert. Easy to read multifunction VU meters and side chain listen make setup straightforward. Valve gain output stages provide the ability to explore "clean" to "thick" character ranges in one device. The "big" function offers radically different behaviors in stereo or tracking mode. In just 1U, Drawmer delivers a "go-to" compressor that is unequalled by any plug-in.

The 1968ME satisfies a variety of live as well as recording and broadcast studio applications when inserted into the signal path. Live, use it on the console stereo buss or on lead vocals. Insert it on the recording console's main L/R buss or a stereo group, such as guitars, vocals, or drums. Inserted after the mic preamps, it will do wonders for digital audio workstation users. Wired across the 2-buss, the 1968ME is ideal for broadcast applications, too.