Can a quad compressor compete with full-function stereo units? Paul White believes Drawmer's latest processor can.

The DL441 is a general-purpose four channel compressor/limiter. It's Drawmer's first 'four-compressors-in-a-1U-rack' device, and the restricted front panel space of such a unit means that some controls have to go; unless very careful thought is applied at the design stage, this can result in an unacceptably compromised piece of equipment. However, careful thought seems to be exactly what Drawmer are good at!

Each of the DL441's four channels is electronically balanced (though the unit may also be used unbalanced), and independently switchable between +4dBu and -10dbu operating levels, so you're OK if your equipment follows the semi-pro -10dBv standard. The audio inputs and outputs on the review model are on XLRs (a jack version is available), while mains power is via a standard IEC mains cable.

Offering switchable hard- or soft-knee operation, each of the channels has a programme-dependent, auto attack/release system which keeps the number of controls to a minimum. There's also an independent peak limiter following the compressor; if the limiter threshold is exceeded for more than a few milliseconds, the limiter steps in to restrict maximum output level.

THE PACKAGE

The DL441's four VCA-based channels may be used independently or linked as two pairs for stereo processing. In linked mode, the left-hand channel controls serve as masters, with the channel bypass switches remaining independent. The Threshold control works conventionally, setting the input level above which gain reduction takes place. In Soft Knee mode, the onset of compression is gradual, the curve eventually settling down to the selected ratio value. According to the manual, this happens over an input range of around 15dB - quite gentle. In Hard mode, the selected ratio applies as soon as the input signal reaches the threshold level.

The DL441's metering is generous: an 8-segment LED bargraph display keeps tabs on the degree of gain reduction, up to a maximum 30dB; a 5-segment bargraph monitors output level over the range -10dB to +10dB, referenced to the -10dBu or +4dBu operating level as selected. A make-up gain control comes after the compressor but before the limiter, so the limiter can exercise absolute control over the maximum output level. The limiter itself is fast enough to catch anything you throw at it, and though it would normally be used as a safety limiter, it sounds quite good when deliberately overdriven for pumping rock sounds.

You can use each channel as a separate mono compressor, but the 441's stereo linking facility is useful for dealing with mixes or stereo subgroups. The auto attack and release feature makes setting up very easy, while the ratio setting is determined by the choice of Hard or Soft compression and by how much gain control is required. Once a suitable Threshold setting has been established, the make-up gain may be adjusted and the peak limiter threshold set. In the event that the limiter is not required, its Level control should be set fully clockwise, as there's no dedicated limiter bypass.

The effectiveness of Drawmer's auto system is such that I didn't miss the lack of attack and release controls at all. On complex mixes, compression was firm yet surprisingly transparent. On signal sources, such as guitar and bass, that would normally require individual adjustment of attack and release times, the DL441's auto circuitry produced results that would have been hard to improve upon. The choice of Hard or Soft operation really helps here.

VERDICT

Auto compressors can be rather bland affairs, but I feel the DL441 really scores where it matters. It's easy to set up and retains transparency when compressing complete mixes on the Soft setting, yet can still generate punch and excitement when heavily driven with the Hard ratio selected. The limiter is a bonus and works so well that it could even be used on its own to generate hard-limited drum, guitar or vocal sounds. This is obviously not what it was intended for, but if the cap fits...

I feel it's unfair to dismiss this unit as a 'general purpose' compressor. Of course it can be used on just about any audio signal, but the term 'general purpose' often holds connotations of 'Jack of all trades, master of none'. Nothing could be further from the truth in the case of the DL441; in fact, it makes you wonder why some compressors need so many knobs!

Further Information

£617 inc VAT.

Drawmer Distribution Ltd, (Contact Details).