Drawmer MC3.1 Active Monitor Controller
Drawmer MC3.1 Active Monitor Controller Reviews
Drawmer's MC series of monitor controllers gets a tabletob-friendly makeover and some vital new features in the MC3.1. Upgrades include cue mix support, five inputs with digital AES / S/PDIF, external talkback, and an upgraded Mix Check section with three Band Solo switches and L-R reverse. As the name implies, the Drawmer MC3.1 has outputs for three sets of stereo speakers plus a dedicated subwoofer out. You can quickly mix and match all your speakers, with or without the sub, via the front panel. Whatever environment you work in, the Drawmer MC3.1's pure signal path and full feature set are guaranteed to have you on your way to better, faster mixes.
While this isn't an item we normally stock, we can still get it to you as fast as possible due to our great relationship with Drawmer. Go ahead and place your order and we'll follow up shortly to let you know when to expect it. Estimated May 2026.
Sounds great, but bad components
I bought two of these, and the talkback because staticky after a year or so of use. Also, the power button wouldn't stay on, so I had to stick a toothpick in the corner of it to keep it jammed on.
Poor Components/Workmanship
Within 6 to 9 months, the Talk-back button became stuck, effectively dimming the overall output. OK, we can work around that...
Now, a year out from installation, the power button will not stick. Replacing with something from another manufacturer, probably the Audient Nero.
Could have been a good product
I've had to replace the main volume pot twice already. The pot gets scratchy sounding in a short period of time and replacement parts have been slow to come by presumably because of supply chain issues. Also, the printing on the unit rubs away very easily. This might be fine for a project studio, but I can't recommend it for a professional facility. It's been an unreliable disappointment. If you order it, order several backup volume pots to have on hand. You'll need them.
I Love this controller
I've had an SPL unit for years that over time hasn't functioned well, probably all the moves. This unit is amazing enabling new monitoring use cases.
Adding a sub that can be used with any set of monitors
a low mid high cut filter to mix check
The sound quality is awesome.
Very happy with the purchase.
Paper weight
nice control at your fingertips
It definitely makes a difference in listening to playback.I never heard my sub like this before.The only thing is when setting up with the pink noise you are to have all trims down. There is still a decent amount of volume bleeding through.before I even turn them up.In the manual it says you should not hear anything. Other than that I like it.
Much Improved Sound
Just wanted to add that I also replaced my Presonus monitor station with the Drawmer MC3.1. Big jump in quality of sound and it's built like a tank. Long over due purchase.
Great features, poor manufacturing, and weird issue with volume knob.
Major difference
I "moved up" from a Presonus Command Center. My monitors are Focal Shape Twins (which are amazing BTW). At first I wasn't as impressed with the Focals as I thought I should be - and looked at my signal chain - and replaced the presonus with the Drawmer. HUGE difference. Clarity - volume - actually more logic layout of controls - and flexible. CAUTION - there is a preset button that will override where the volume knob is (so you can go to your favorite mix level whenever) it comes set to FULL volume. There's a little trim control in the front - just turn that (off in my case) down before using it or you could blow you monitors out. The Drawmer is a first class, well made product and I am really please with it.
Great Unit, but be aware of one thing!
I would normally give this unit a 5 star, but I cant. The unit is amazing, sounds seamless and does everything you would expect.
This is really a warning to anyone who buys the unit. There is a PRESET VOLUME button. There is a preset volume pot that you adjust with a screwdriver. Make sure before you ever use the unit, you adjust the volume all the way down on the preset volume pot. Logically it would make sense that this should be done at the factory, but instead they have set to max! I did not know this and blew up my genelecs.
So I want you to know, it is a great unit, just mae sure you adjust that pot before pushing the preset volume button!
Use the digital inputs!
Man! I don't know what converters are in this unit but man this thing sounds amazing! Hooked up to my focusrite clarett 8pre usb going from the s/pdif to xlr digitally made the monitor outputs just pointless and now I've got 2 more open outputs. The monitor outputs were just so aggressive sounding in comparison and that aggression didn't suite the unit nor payback very well either. Plug in that digital cable and listen as your world opens up on a near mastering grade (if not) level of clarity and space at least for me. Gonna throw some hardware in there on the back end (SSL Buss Comp) and really get things going.
Amazing
Phenomenal controller. Sturdy, fully featured and sturdy. I've tried 3 others before over the years and none came close.
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