Drawmer DC2476 Mastering Unit Review
A detailed look at the Drawmer DC2476 mastering unit by William Bowden.
Introduction
The Drawmer DC2476 is part of Drawmer's Masterflow range, positioned alongside the DC2486 mastering processor and the DC2496 analogue-to-digital converter. This 1U rack unit houses six DSP modules tailored for mastering applications. The signal is split into three bands using user-definable crossover points for processing and then recombined at the output.
The unit offers 128 internal memory locations for storing user settings, with an additional 50 factory presets. Users can load entire processing chains or individual effect modules. A PCMCIA slot allows for portable memory storage via SRAM cards. Included are Mac and PC compatible Midi to RS422/232 interfaces for operating system updates from the Drawmer website.
The front panel features a 6cm by 3cm backlit LCD displaying the effects chain and DSP module parameters. LED PPM-style metering is provided for input (-50 dB to 0 dB), output (-70 dB to 0 dB), and a three-band, 10-segment LED display indicating expansion, limiting, and gain reduction activity. Navigation is managed by a four-way button and a push-button/alpha wheel combination, along with a Chain/Parameter button to switch between states and select parameters. Nine smaller buttons control functions like Bypass, Compare, and FX Solo, supported by status LEDs.
Connectivity options include digital AES/EBU (XLR) and S/PDIF (coaxial) I/O. Analogue connections are handled by electronically balanced XLR L/R inputs and outputs, switchable between -10 dB and +4 dB. The A/D converter supports sample rates from 32 kHz to 96 kHz, and the unit can operate at 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz. It offers three types, levels, and shapes of output dither (nine combinations), a digital fader, and selectable 16-bit and 24-bit word lengths. Wordclock I/O (50 ohm BNC) and Midi in/out/thru are also included. Chains and parameters can be named and stored.
Tactical Advantages
The DC2476's DSP chain consists of Dynamic EQ, Equaliser, Expander, Compressor, Limiter, Stereo Adjust, and Tube Drive modules.
Dynamic EQ
This module functions similarly to autowah pedals and de-essers, allowing selective boosting or cutting of a chosen frequency based on a threshold. It features a single parametric EQ with a frequency range from 64 Hz to 8 kHz (variable in semitone increments), adjustable bandwidth (0.25 semitone to three octaves), and +/- 12 dB boost/cut. While the 8 kHz upper limit may be insufficient for some high-frequency issues, its flexibility in the lower range is commendable. The floating threshold allows dynamic adjustments, useful for enhancing low-level signals like kick drums. Drawmer's de-essing presets may boost the top end unexpectedly, requiring customisation. The 'FILT' setting enables isolated listening to the selected band, akin to a de-esser's tune control.
The dynamic EQ section also incorporates a full-bandwidth compressor with an attack time ranging from 100 milliseconds down to 64 microseconds. This compressor is powerful, capable of extracting an additional 3 dB to 4 dB of gain without significantly degrading the signal. It's useful for tasks like transient processing without needing to split the signal into multiple bands. A gain reduction meter provides visual feedback. Combining the compressor and dynamic EQ offers numerous sonic possibilities through variable adjustments.
Stereo Adjust
This feature, located within the three-band split, allows manipulation of the stereo image width across different frequency bands. Bands are represented as horizontal blocks (high, mid, low), with a central line indicating mono, faint lines indicating normal stereo, and outer boundary lines indicating expanded stereo. Users can widen or narrow the image by adjusting these blocks. The module is versatile, enabling configurations like mono bass frequencies with wider mid and high frequencies, or varying stereo width based on crossover points. The expanded stereo modes maintain good mono compatibility, minimizing cancellation issues.
Tube Drive
The Tube section is a unique feature of the DC2476, described as a 'secret weapon'. It offers an engaging quality, akin to a full-band exciter/enhancer but less harsh than many alternatives. It imparts presence, depth, and sheen to the audio. The high-band 'virtual tube' setting is noted for its sweetness, while the low-band performs best with the lowest crossover setting. The mid-band requires careful adjustment but can enhance vocals and punch. Pushing the 'tubes' into saturation can yield desirable results, though excessive gain can lead to grainy, harsh, and uncharacteristic distortion, particularly on male vocals in the mid band. Subtle use is recommended for remarkable results.
Compression and Expansion
The expander and compressor modules are powerful and flexible, combining program-adaptive sensing with user control. They can achieve significant level changes or subtle, transparent adjustments. The expander can be configured as a fast gate. Variable release times on each band allow for detailed control over decay characteristics. Drawmer's 'bootstrapping' technique, which raises low-level signals rather than attenuating peaks, helps manage relative band levels and reduce distortion.
Conclusion
The Drawmer DC2476 is a capable mastering unit that can deliver real improvements when used judiciously. While not a replacement for a complete mastering chain, its powerful three-band processing offers significant potential. Some operational aspects, such as the rear-mounted power switch and 1 dB input adjustment steps, were noted as potential areas for improvement via software updates.
The FX Solo and FX Bypass buttons are invaluable for isolating and evaluating effects. The unit's three-band processing is potent, requiring careful application to avoid over-processing. While multiband compression is not always essential for mastering, the DC2476's power can easily lead to a squashed sound if not handled by experienced users. Despite lacking a 'Wizard' function and having a manual that could be more comprehensive, the unit's navigation system is intuitive. The DC2476 is considered a strong contender in the mastering processor market.
Distribution and Pricing
Distributed by Studio Connections. Phone: (03) 98747222. Drawmer website: www.proaudio.co.uk/drawmer.htm
Price: POA (Price on Application)
