DS201 Dual Gate
Best professional tool for precise noise control in demanding audio environments.
The Drawmer DS201 Dual Noise Gate is a professional, dual-channel noise gate celebrated for its advanced design and industry-standard performance. It offers precise noise reduction with frequency-conscious gating, using variable filters for accurate side-chain tuning. Its exceptionally fast attack time preserves audio transients, while comprehensive envelope controls allow detailed shaping of the gate's behavior. With independent gating and ducking modes, an external key input, and a compact rackmount design, the DS201 provides versatile dynamic control for studio recording, live sound, and broadcast applications.
$1099.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
14
/ 343
#14 in Noise Gates & Compressors
Price vs Category Average
-11%
Below average
Input Impedance
20
/ k Ohms
Who it's for
- Engineers demanding pristine, artifact-free signal processing
- Drummers and producers needing precise frequency-based isolation
- Studio owners maximizing limited rack space
Who should skip it
- Novices intimidated by complex analog control sets
- Workflow-focused professionals requiring instant session recall
- Budget-conscious users avoiding vintage maintenance requirements
Performance breakdown
Transient Preservation
Lightning-fast attack times capture every nuance of your initial audio signal.
Frequency Precision
Variable filters allow surgical control over specific frequency-dependent gating tasks.
Build Quality
Rugged British engineering built to withstand years of demanding studio use.
Envelope Shaping
Comprehensive controls provide deep flexibility for natural, musical gate behavior.
Operational Versatility
Switchable ducking and gating modes handle complex routing with ease.
Signal Integrity
Low noise floor ensures your audio remains pristine and transparent.
Key Specs
Input Impedance
20k Ohms
Maximum Input Level
+17dBu
Output Impedance
50 Ohms (balanced), 100 Ohms (unbalanced)
Maximum Output Level
+17dBu
Bandwidth
<23Hz to 31KHz -1dB
Noise at Unity Gain
-95dB (AV), -93dB (RMS)
Distortion
<0.025% @ 1kHz, Unity Gain, +4dBu input
Weight
3.4kg
Features
- Industry-standard dual-channel noise gate
- Frequency-conscious gating with variable filters
- Extremely fast attack time preserves transients
- Precise envelope control for natural sound shaping
- Switchable gating and ducking modes
- External key input for creative triggering
- Compact 1U rackmount design
- Ideal for studio, live, and broadcast
What customers say
Audio professionals widely regard the Drawmer DS201 Dual Gate as an industry benchmark due to its exceptional transparency and precise control. Users consistently praise its ability to remove noise and tighten signals without introducing artifacts or coloring the sound. Its lightning fast attack and release times are perfect for accurate drum gating, cleaning up hits while preserving musicality. Reviewers note it avoids sounding unnatural or choppy, maintaining source integrity. Furthermore, its robust build quality ensures unwavering reliability, confirming its status as a durable investment. While the initial cost is higher, its unparalleled performance and longevity offer excellent long term value for serious audio production.
Know before you buy
The DS201 features frequency-conscious gating, which uses variable high-pass and low-pass filters to trigger the gate only at specific frequencies. This allows you to isolate a snare drum or vocal without the gate accidentally triggering from bleed or background noise.
Yes, the unit features switchable modes that allow you to toggle between gating and ducking. This makes it highly effective for broadcast applications where you need to automatically lower background music levels when a voiceover is present.
Absolutely. The DS201 is engineered with an exceptionally fast attack time, which ensures that the initial transient of your audio signal is preserved rather than clipped, keeping your drums and percussive elements punchy and clear.
Yes, the DS201 includes a link function that allows you to couple both channels. This is particularly useful for maintaining a consistent stereo image when processing stereo sources like overhead microphones or synthesizers.
Yes, the DS201 is equipped with an external key input. This allows you to use an external audio source to trigger the gate, providing creative control for complex sound design or rhythmic gating effects.
The unit is equipped with both XLR and 1/4" TRS connectors for both inputs and outputs. This provides the flexibility to integrate the gate easily into both professional studio patch bays and live sound rigs.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$1099