Drawmer
Drawmer DS501 Power Gate
Best professional gate for precise audio cleanup and dynamic control.
The Drawmer DS501 Power Gate is a sophisticated dual-channel noise gate that goes beyond conventional designs with its innovative 'Peak Punch' processing. This feature allows engineers to add transient punch to specific frequencies, enhancing the definition and presence of gated signals. It's particularly useful for drum and percussive sounds, adding depth to thin drums or emphasizing snare cracks. The DS501 also includes variable high-pass and low-pass filters for the side-chain, enabling precise gating that avoids spurious triggering from unwanted bleed, such as hi-hats into a snare mic. Its extremely fast attack time preserves the natural transients of sounds, and comprehensive envelope controls offer flexibility for various audio material. The unit can also be used for ducking applications or triggered externally via a key input, making it a versatile tool for sound engineers.
$1465.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
172
/ 343
#172 in Noise Gates & Compressors
Price vs Category Average
+19%
Above average
Input Impedance
20
/ k Ohm
Who it's for
- Audio engineers seeking transparent noise reduction for critical mixes.
- Professional sound designers needing intricate control over audio dynamics.
- Touring sound engineers requiring durable, dependable equipment for demanding gigs.
Who should skip it
- Aspiring producers unfamiliar with professional audio dynamics processors.
- Home studio enthusiasts with limited budgets for high-end gear.
- Mobile producers prioritizing compact, software-based solutions for their setups.
Performance breakdown
Transient Shaping
Peak Punch processing adds professional-grade definition to percussive audio sources.
Frequency Precision
Advanced side-chain filters effectively isolate signals to prevent unwanted gate triggering.
Envelope Control
Comprehensive parameter adjustments allow for surgical shaping of audio release curves.
Signal Integrity
Extremely fast attack times preserve the natural character of original transients.
Operational Versatility
Dual-channel design and ducking modes handle complex studio routing requirements easily.
Build Reliability
Robust rackmount construction ensures long-term stability in demanding professional studio environments.
Key Specs
Input Impedance
20k Ohm
Maximum Input Level
+17dB
Output Impedance
50 Ohm Balanced
Maximum Output Level
+17dB
Bandwidth
23Hz to 31KHz - 1dB
Distortion (0dB Input)
100Hz; < 0.025%, 1KHz; < 0.025%, 10KHz; < 0.025%
Power Requirements
93-125 Volt or 185-250 Volt at 50-60Hz, 9 Watts
Fuse Rating
80mA for 230 Volt, 160mA for 115 Volt
Features
- Tuneable Peak Punch for transient shaping
- Variable high and low pass filters for frequency-conscious gating
- Comprehensive envelope controls (attack, hold, decay, range)
- Key input for external triggering
- Key Listen facility for filter monitoring
- Extremely fast attack time to preserve natural sound transients
- Stereo linkable for dual-channel operation
- Switchable Gating or Ducking modes
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Drawmer DS501 Power Gate for its exceptional build quality and unwavering reliability in demanding audio environments. Users frequently highlight its precise gating capabilities, noting how effectively it cleans up signals and controls dynamics without introducing unwanted artifacts. The unit's robust construction instills confidence, ensuring consistent performance over many years of use. While a professional tool, its core functions are intuitive, making it a trusted workhorse for studios and live sound engineers seeking dependable noise reduction and dynamic shaping.
Know before you buy
Peak Punch allows you to emphasize specific frequencies to add transient definition and impact. It is specifically designed to help thin-sounding drums cut through a mix or to add extra snap to snare hits.
Yes. The unit features variable high-pass and low-pass filters on the side-chain, which allow you to isolate the snare frequency range and ignore the unwanted high-frequency bleed from hi-hats.
Absolutely. The DS501 includes a switchable mode that allows you to toggle between standard gating and ducking, making it a versatile tool for broadcast or complex mix routing.
Yes, the DS501 is fully stereo linkable, allowing you to maintain a consistent stereo image when processing drum overheads or other stereo sources.
No, the DS501 features an internal power supply. It is designed for standard rackmount use and connects directly to your power source via a standard cable.
The Key Listen feature allows you to monitor the signal passing through your side-chain filters. This makes it much easier to tune your filters accurately so the gate triggers only when you want it to.
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$1465