Drawmer MQ-2 B-Stock
500 Series Module
- 7-band vintage equaliser with proportional Q-curves and programme-dependent, easy-to-use one-knob compressor
- Inspired by the Motown EQ of the 1960s
- ‘CRUSH’ function for harmonic saturation
- Stepless boost or cut by ±10 dB
- Hardwired bypass
- The EQ and compressor order can be swapped in the signal path to suit your preference.
- Level indicator
- EQ Frequencies: 50 Hz, 130 Hz, 320 Hz, 800 Hz, 2,000 Hz, 5,000 Hz, 12,500 kHz, +/- 10 dB Gain
- Input impedance: 20 kOhm
- Max input level: +16 dB
- Frequency range: 20 - 20.000 Hz +/-0.5 dB
- Dimensions: 2 x 500 series slot
- Weight: 0.54 kg
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Available since June 2025
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Item number 624069
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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 Yes
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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 plus compression
The Drawmer MQ-2 is a 7-band stereo 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-2 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. This is complemented by a programme-dependent one-knob compressor, as well as a hard-wired bypass for quick and easy A/B comparisons.
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Gain plus Q makes MQ-2
Built around a fully analogue circuit design, the Drawmer MQ-2 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-2 is used more aggressively. The one-knob compressor is equally straightforward to operate, automatically adapting its attack and release times to the incoming signal thanks to its programme-dependent design.
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Organic, warm, unmistakable
The Drawmer MQ-2 is aimed at engineers and producers looking for a stereo vintage equaliser with a distinctive sonic identity. Its musically voiced fixed-frequency bands, proportional-Q behaviour, CRUSH saturation and programme-dependent one-knob compressor combine to produce organic, warm tones and intuitive dynamics processing without the need for complex parameter adjustments. Rather than prioritising surgical precision and absolute neutrality, the MQ-2 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.
Shaping, compression and harmonics
Broad tonal adjustments with the Drawmer MQ-2 are particularly effective for shaping the tonal balance of stereo mixes and subgroups, adding warmth, weight and openness to the signal. The seven frequency bands allow for both extensive tonal correction and musical enhancement. The integrated one-knob compressor provides additional glue and a denser overall sound. Thanks to the switchable signal flow between the equaliser and compressor, both workflow and processing character can be adapted with a high degree of flexibility. 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 throughout the signal.
