Drawmer DS201 Noise Gate
Drawmer DS201: Industry Standard Noise Gate
The Drawmer DS201 is a sophisticated dual-channel noise gate that has become the industry standard for high-end noise gating. It incorporates several advanced features pioneered by Drawmer, such as variable high-pass and low-pass filters for frequency-conscious gating. These unique features make the DS201 invaluable to sound engineers, providing greater control over unwanted noise compared to conventional noise gates.
Gate with Ease
Setting up noise gates can often be a challenging and time-consuming process, especially when trying to separate a signal from unwanted noise or crosstalk. This is particularly true when recording instruments like drum kits, where nearby sounds, such as hi-hats, can trigger the gate on a snare drum microphone. To address this issue, the DS201 includes two variable filters—a high-pass and a low-pass filter—that act on the side-chain keying circuitry. By using the key listen function, users can adjust these filters to reject unwanted frequencies, ensuring the gate only opens for the desired signal.
Comprehensive Envelope Filtering
The DS201 features an extremely fast attack time, capable of opening in microseconds to preserve the natural attack of the sound being gated. Comprehensive envelope controls, including attack, hold, and release, allow for precise shaping of the gate’s behavior. For vocals, a fast attack is used to avoid clipping leading consonants, while a slower release time prevents the abrupt cutoff of words, providing a more natural fade-out that reduces listener fatigue. This nuanced control over envelope settings ensures optimal gating performance in a wide range of audio applications.
Sound Shaping & Creative Control
The DS201 is not just a noise gate but also a powerful tool for reshaping existing sounds. For instance, it can be used to modify the attack or decay characteristics of a sampled sound, providing greater flexibility in shaping its dynamics. When used with samplers or drum machines, the DS201 functions as a triggered envelope shaper, adding unique character to the sound. Additionally, the DS201 can accept an external key input, allowing it to be triggered by another audio source—such as using a snare drum signal to open the gate on an ambient microphone—creating a natural gated reverb effect.
Flexible Gating & Ducking Options
Each channel of the DS201 can be independently switched between gating and ducking modes, making it suitable for a variety of applications, such as voice-over work or removing clicks and pops. This versatility ensures that the DS201 can handle any gating task, whether in the studio, on stage, or in broadcast environments.
Key Features
- Dual-channel noise gate with advanced frequency-conscious gating
- Variable high-pass and low-pass filters for precise side-chain control
- Extremely fast attack time for preserving natural sound transients
- Comprehensive envelope controls for attack, hold, and release
- External key input for creative gating effects
- Switchable gating and ducking modes for versatile dynamic control
- Ideal for studio recording, live sound, and broadcast applications
