The Drawmer of 7.1 Monitor Controllers
Ask any Sweetwater studio engineer and they'll tell you that accurate monitoring is the cornerstone of great recordings. Designed for high-end recording and post-production environments, the Drawmer MC7.1 active monitor controller gives you the pristine transparency and ultra-low noise of the highest-quality 7.1, 5.1, stereo, and mono monitoring circuits, plus a set of invaluable mix-checking features. You get 20 input sources and balanced outputs for seven speakers, plus a dedicated mono subwoofer/LFE output. Individual trims provide complete control for level matching and precise A/B comparisons. Two pairs of headphone outs complete your monitoring package. Whether you're making hit records or mixing feature films, you'll be able to trust what you hear with the Drawmer MC7.1.
Related Videos: MC7.1 Active Monitor Controller
All the I/O you'll ever need
The Drawmer MC7.1 provides 20 input sources, including two separate 7.1 inputs (one via balanced jacks; one via 25-pin D-sub) with a throughput for routing signal, for example, to a multitrack recorder. A stereo input on Neutrik combo jacks is fitted, along with a top-panel 3.5mm AUX input and level control for connecting devices such as smartphones, tablets, and MP3 players. On the output side, the MC7.1 offers three sets of speaker outs, including 7.1 (which will actually accommodate eight speakers in any configuration), one Stereo L/R pair, and one Mono/Sub.
A true engineers tool
In typical Drawmer fashion, MC7.1 is built to be a true engineers tool. The active circuit was designed to faithfully reproduce the audio signal — while eliminating many of the problems that are caused by passive circuits. It also offers you a set of mix-checking features that you won't find on most other controllers, including level trims on all 11 outputs for precise channel matching and ease of calibration, and the ability of each speaker output to be switched individually and simultaneously for effortless A/B comparisons.
Unerring monitoring accuracy
It's versatile, intuitive, and easy-to-use, but above all else, the Drawmer MC7.1 excels its unerring ability to faithfully represent incoming signals — and what you've just recorded. Monitoring accuracy may seem like a no-brainer, but it's surprising how many recordings are made using compromised monitoring setups. And the results are usually not pretty. If you're in the dark about what you're "committing to tape," you're nowhere. Far better to invest in two or three sets of reference-grade monitor speakers (and perhaps one or two pairs of trustworthy headphones) and a serious monitor controller.
Why you need a monitor controller
You’ve spent weeks designing the ideal studio environment, plus a fortune on active speakers, dynamics processors, mics and preamps, and a whole roomful of other gear. Don't blow it now! A monitor controller is central to every recording setup and perhaps the most important element of your entire signal chain — providing the reference that lets you achieve optimal mic placements, EQ, and mix balances. This is one thing that's non-negotiable: that you can rely on the absolute accuracy of your monitoring. With the Drawmer MC7.1, you can.
Drawmer: a legacy of pro audio innovation
Designed and crafted in the UK, Drawmer gear is sought after for its no-compromise design, build quality, and performance. Listen to your favorite music, and you’re likely hearing signal processing courtesy of Drawmer. In 1982, the company introduced its first product, the Model DS201 — the world’s first frequency-dependent noise gate — which transformed the humble gate into a powerful creative tool that would go on to play an important role in today’s music production. Two years later, Drawmer launched the 1960, a 2-channel tube preamp/DI/compressor that delivered the sonic character of coveted vintage units along with the speed and comprehensive controls modern engineers require. Since then, Drawmer has innovated with advanced technologies that address the challenges of maintaining analog warmth and musicality in the age of DAW-based production. Today, Drawmer products are used by top artists, engineers, and producers the world over. Sweetwater is proud to present to you this distinguished lineup of high-performance signal processing equipment.
Drawmer MC7.1 Features:
- Pristine, transparent, ultra-low-noise circuitry provides accurate monitoring in surround or stereo
- 20 input sources
- 2 separate 7.1 inputs (one via balanced jacks; one via 25-pin D-sub) with throughput
- 1 stereo input on Neutrik XLR combo jacks
- 1 top-panel 3.5mm AUX input and level control for connecting devices such as smartphones, tablets, and MP3 players
- 3 sets of speaker outputs: 1 7.1 (accommodates 8 speakers in any configuration); 1 Stereo L/R pair; 1 Mono/Sub
- Each speaker output can be switched individually and simultaneously for A/B comparisons
- All 11 outputs equipped with level trims for precise channel matching and ease of calibration
- Each of the eight 7.1 speakers may be cut or soloed individually
- 7.1 channels may be mixed down to 5.1, Stereo, and Mono
- Stereo outputs (including those mixed down from surround) may be monitored via the main stereo speaker outs or the FL and FR from the surround configuration
- Comprehensive mix-checking facilities help you check every aspect of your mix
- Volume can be adjusted via the front panel knob or a preset control
- 2 Headphone amplifiers with individual level controls
- Onboard Talkback (using internal or external microphone) with level control; switched via desktop or footswitch; internal routing to headphones and mono output jack
- All-analogue circuitry is impervious to software crashes; no firmware update hassles
- Desktop wedge form factor with a rugged steel chassis and Kensington security slot
