Drawmer1980sCompressor/LimiterCompressor / Limiter$$Mid-Range($250–800)
Drawmer DL221 Compressor/Limiter
Engineers wanting genuine British studio-standard compression with sidechain filtering, overlooked next to American rivals.
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Strengths
- A genuine sibling to the more famous DS201 gate, sharing Drawmer's well-regarded British studio-standard build quality
- Sidechain filtering gives real flexibility for frequency-selective compression, not just broadband gain reduction
- Considerably less discussed today than dbx or UREI's competing compressors, making it a real overlooked deep cut
Trade-offs
- Less iconic name recognition than dbx 160 or UREI 1176 despite genuinely comparable studio-grade quality
- Two channels only, requiring multiple units for larger multi-source sessions
Full Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Drawmer |
| Model | DL221 Compressor/Limiter |
| Era | 1980s |
| Typical Price Tier | Mid-Range ($250–800) |
| Device Type | Compressor/Limiter |
| Circuit Type | VCA |
| Channels | 2 |
| EQ Bands / Ratio Range | Ratio: 1:1-Infinity:1 |
| Rack Size | 1U |
| Sidechain Input | Yes |
A relative used-market guide, not a live quote — real prices vary by condition, region, and timing. Check the Reverb/eBay links on any item for current listings.
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This deckDrawmer DL221 Compressor/Limiter
Match55
Flexibility62
Ease of Maintenance50
Ease of Use60
Tonal Neutrality48
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Maintenance & Supplies
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