Fortin Amplification
Zuul
Best professional noise gate for high-gain guitarists seeking absolute signal clarity.
The Zuul+ noise gate pedal from Fortin Amplification offers unparalleled transparency and studio-quality silence for your guitar rig. Building on the original Zuul's legacy, this pedal introduces HOLD and RELEASE controls for precise gating adjustments. Its innovative KEY THRU jack, complete with a ground lift switch, eliminates the need for external signal splitters and effectively combats ground loops. The buffered KEY IN ensures consistent gate control across all gain levels, making it perfect for front-of-amp or series effects loop applications. Crafted in North America, it features a durable black gloss metal flake powder-coated enclosure.
$218.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
3
/ 343
#3 in Noise Gates & Compressors
Price vs Category Average
-82%
Below average
Pedal Dimensions (W/D/H)
4.402.381.061126027
/ in x in x in ( mm x mm x mm)
Who it's for
- High-gain guitarists needing immediate noise suppression
- Studio musicians requiring surgical gating accuracy
- Tone purists demanding natural sustain and decay
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious players seeking affordable utility
- Minimalists avoiding complex pedalboard cable routing
- Sound designers wanting granular control over release times
Performance breakdown
Gating Transparency
Maintains natural guitar tone without artificial artifacts or signal degradation.
Signal Routing Versatility
Integrated Key Thru eliminates the need for messy external signal splitters.
Noise Floor Control
Studio-grade circuitry effectively silences high-gain rigs with surgical precision.
Build Durability
Rugged metal flake enclosure built to withstand years of touring abuse.
Ground Loop Mitigation
Dedicated ground lift switch solves common hum issues in complex setups.
Adjustment Precision
Hold and Release controls allow for fine-tuned, natural-sounding gate response.
Key Specs
Pedal Dimensions (W/D/H)
4.40 in x 2.38 in x 1.06 in (112 mm x 60 mm x 27 mm)
Weight
360g
2CM, 3CM, or 4CM applications
Key In /Key Thru for no splitter requirements
Ground lift switch for KEY IN/KEY THRU to eliminate ground loops
Accepts 9-12vdc for increased headroom
Power requirements
9-12VDC/40mA Center Pin Negative
Made in USA
Features
- Most transparent noise gate available
- KEY THRU eliminates external signal splitters
- HOLD and RELEASE for precise gating
- Independent gate control via KEY IN
- Dual color LED for gate status
- Ground lift switch for ground loop issues
- Supports 2CM, 3CM, or 4CM loops
- Studio quality specifications
What customers say
The Fortin Zuul is overwhelmingly praised as the definitive noise gate for high-gain setups. Users consistently highlight its unparalleled ability to eliminate hum and hiss without sacrificing tone integrity or sustain. The key feature is its transparent operation; the gate activates precisely when needed, preserving note attack and decay even under extreme gain. This intelligent suppression makes the pedal effectively disappear into the signal chain. Reviewers also note the robust, road-ready build quality, confirming its durability. While premium priced, the consensus is that the Zuul offers professional grade performance, making it a worthwhile investment for guitarists demanding absolute silence and sonic precision.
Know before you buy
The Zuul+ builds on the original design by adding dedicated HOLD and RELEASE controls. These allow you to fine-tune exactly how the gate behaves, giving you more precise control over the decay of your notes.
Yes, the Zuul+ is fully compatible with 2CM, 3CM, and 4CM setups. Its KEY IN and KEY THRU jacks are specifically designed to integrate into your rig's signal path without needing external splitters.
The ground lift switch is designed to eliminate ground loops that often occur when connecting your pedalboard to an amplifier's effects loop. It helps remove unwanted hum or buzz from your signal chain.
The pedal requires a 9-12VDC center-pin negative power supply with a minimum of 40mA. Using 12V can provide increased headroom, which is beneficial for high-gain applications.
The Zuul+ features an all-analog signal path. It is designed to maintain the integrity and transparency of your guitar's tone without any digital conversion or latency.
The KEY IN allows you to trigger the gate using a clean signal directly from your guitar, while the gate itself acts on your high-gain signal. This ensures the gate tracks your playing accurately, even when you are using heavy distortion or effects.
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