Drawmer MQ-1 Single-channel 7-band 500 Series EQ

Description

The Drawmer MQ-1 single-channel 7-band 500 series EQ brings the soulful tone of the 1960s into modern production spaces with its analog precision and vintage-inspired design. Modeled after the iconic “Motown EQ” used in Detroit’s legendary studios, this equalizer offers seven bell curve bands set at the original musical frequencies, each providing 10dB of cut or boost. Its proportional-Q design ensures that bandwidth narrows as gain increases, allowing for more precise and musical adjustments. What sets the MQ-1 apart is its “CRUSH” feature, delivering pleasing harmonic saturation to add warmth, depth, and presence to your mixes. Designed and manufactured in the UK, the MQ-1 combines vintage tone-shaping with contemporary build quality, making it a standout addition to any 500 series rack.

Seven-Band Proportional-Q EQ for Musical Precision

The MQ-1 features seven carefully selected frequency bands, each offering a proportional-Q design that becomes narrower with increased gain. This ensures precise tonal adjustments that maintain musicality, allowing you to fine-tune your sound while preserving its natural character. Whether you’re boosting the low end for added weight, enhancing the midrange for clarity, or adding brilliance to the top, this equalizer delivers intuitive and effective results. The 10dB boost/cut range gives you ample room for subtle refinements or dramatic tonal shifts, making it an excellent tool for both corrective and creative EQ applications. The proportional-Q design ensures that every adjustment enhances the musicality of your mix.

CRUSH Feature for Analog Warmth and Harmonic Saturation

What truly elevates the MQ-1 is its integrated “CRUSH” circuit, inspired by Drawmer’s celebrated 1971 compressor. When activated, this feature introduces harmonic saturation that enhances your signal with classic analog warmth. The CRUSH circuit fattens the low end, adds richness to the midrange, and brings a polished shimmer to the high frequencies. This dynamic saturation reacts to how hard you drive the EQ, delivering a tactile, responsive character that analog enthusiasts will appreciate. Whether you’re looking to add subtle warmth or bold harmonic coloration, the CRUSH feature transforms the MQ-1 into a powerful tone-shaping tool that brings life and depth to your tracks.

Hard-Wired Bypass and Low-Noise Design for Transparent Operation

Designed with professional audio integrity in mind, the MQ-1 includes a hard-wired bypass that ensures your signal remains uncolored when the unit is not engaged. This feature is invaluable for A/B testing and preserving the purity of your original audio. Additionally, its low-noise circuitry ensures clean operation even when processing intricate mixes or delicate sources. The MQ-1 delivers the warmth and musicality of classic analog gear without introducing unwanted noise or artifacts, making it a reliable choice for both tracking and mixing. Its transparent design ensures that your mix benefits from precision EQ adjustments without sacrificing clarity.

Classic Build Quality for Long-Term Reliability

The MQ-1 embodies Drawmer’s renowned commitment to craftsmanship, combining vintage-inspired functionality with rugged, modern engineering. Built in the UK, this 500 series module is housed in a durable enclosure that ensures years of dependable performance in demanding studio environments. The high-quality components and attention to detail make it a reliable workhorse for professional engineers and producers. From its precision controls to its robust construction, the MQ-1 is designed to withstand the rigors of daily use while delivering consistent, high-quality results. Its classic build quality guarantees reliability and performance for years to come.

A Modern Take on Timeless Tone

The Drawmer MQ-1 single-channel 7-band 500 series EQ pairs the musicality of vintage EQs with modern enhancements like harmonic saturation and proportional-Q design. Whether you’re sculpting vocals, tightening up a bassline, or adding depth to a mix, the MQ-1 offers the precision and warmth you need to achieve professional results. Designed for engineers and producers who demand both character and flexibility, this EQ is a must-have for crafting rich, vibrant mixes with unmistakable analog charm.