Drawmer MQ-1
500 Series Module
- 7-band vintage equaliser with proportional Q-curves
- Inspired by the Motown EQ of the 1960s
- ‘CRUSH’ function for harmonic saturation
- Stepless boost or cut by ±10 dB
- Hardwired bypass
- EQ Frequencies: 50 Hz, 130 Hz, 320 Hz, 800 Hz, 2,000 Hz, 5,000 Hz, 12,500 Hz, +/- 10 dB Gain
- Input impedance: 20 kOhm
- Max. input level: +21 dB
- Frequency range: 20 - 20.000 Hz +/- 0.5 dB
- Dimensions: 1 x 500 series slot
- Weight: 0.38 kg
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Available since June 2025
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Item number 620138
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Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
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Pre-Amp No
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48 V Phantom power No
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compressor No
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limiter No
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equalizer Yes
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De-Esser No
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other processors No
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Rack/Frame No
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supplies No
Motown sound in a compact format
The Drawmer MQ-1 is a single-channel, 7-band equaliser in the 500 Series format that brings that distinctive Motown sound into the modern studio. The focus here is on shaping the overall tone and adding instantly usable colour, without the complexity often associated with some over-engineered studio EQs. Thanks to its fixed frequency points and proportional Q curves, the MQ-1 is straightforward to use and delivers an organic, warm sound. One of its standout features is the CRUSH saturation circuit, inspired by the Drawmer 1971, which adds extra harmonics and analogue depth at the press of a button. There's also a hard-wired bypass for quick and easy A/B comparisons.
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Gain plus Q makes MQ-1
Built around a fully analogue circuit design, the Drawmer MQ-1 provides seven bell-shaped EQ bands, selected at the same frequencies as the original Motown EQ that inspired it – musically, it's similarly effective. Each band offers a continuously variable boost or cut of up to ±10dB, allowing for precise adjustments when needed. The proportional Q design links gain and filter bandwidth, automatically adjusting the width of the filter as settings change. As a result, the Q curve remains broad and organic when making subtle corrections, becoming narrower and more focused as larger adjustments are applied. This gives the EQ an intuitive feel and keeps the track sounding natural, even when the MQ-1 is used more aggressively.
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Organic, warm, unmistakable
The Drawmer MQ-1 is aimed at engineers and producers looking for an equaliser with a distinctive sonic identity. Its musically voiced fixed-frequency bands, proportional-Q behaviour and CRUSH saturation combine to produce organic, warm tones without the need for complex parameter adjustments. Rather than prioritising surgical precision and absolute neutrality, the MQ-1 will help add a carefully judged amount of analogue colour and unmistakable vintage character. For genres such as Soul, Funk, R&B and Retro Pop, that can make all the difference.
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About Drawmer
Drawmer is a British manufacturer of professional audio equipment, founded by Ivor Drawmer in 1982. The company's debut product was the DS201, the world's first frequency-conscious noise gate, which remains in production to this day – in fact, all Drawmer products continue to be designed and manufactured in South Yorkshire. Drawmer's innovative circuit designs combine classic analogue technology with practical, engineer-focused functionality. The product range includes compressors, equalisers, microphone preamps, monitor controllers and signal processors for studio, live sound and broadcast applications. Products such as the 1960 channel strip (which combined two preamps, a tube compressor and a DI box, and was used by renowned artists including Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Madonna and Stevie Wonder) remain a fixture in many professional production environments.
Broad-stroke boosts and gentle saturation
The broad tonal adjustments a producer can achieve with the Drawmer MQ-1 are particularly effective for shaping the overall character of an individual signal, refining its tonal balance and adding warmth, weight, and openness. Used as a pair on buses, broad boosts and cuts can be especially effective as a form of sonic glue, helping to unify the material and create a more cohesive overall sound. The CRUSH function takes this a step further by complementing broad EQ boosts with gentle harmonic saturation. It enriches the lows, mids and highs alike, adding extra depth and presence to both individual sources and full mix signals.
