Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $880

High-end/Boutique

$100

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Drawmer DS201". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Elevate your studio recordings with the Drawmer DS201 Dual Noise Gate, a staple for audiophiles seeking pristine sound quality and innovative gating capabilities. Renowned for its sophisticated dual-channel operation, the DS201 stands out with its unique approach to noise gating. Unlike standard gates, this powerhouse offers variable high and low-pass filters, enabling "frequency conscious gating" that adapts to your sound's specific needs. Perfect for live and studio environments, the DS201 ensures that your audio remains immaculate, free from unwanted noise and interference.

This unit isn't just about silencing; it's about sculpting your sound with precision. With comprehensive envelope control, including attack, hold, decay, and range, the DS201 offers an unmatched level of customization. Its proprietary features, such as trigger stabilization and a FET-based discrete VCA, ensure reliability and top-notch performance, making it a must-have tool for serious sound engineers. Whether you're looking to clean up a live drum kit or manage complex studio sessions, the Drawmer DS201 is your gateway to professional-grade audio clarity and finesse.

Key Features:

  • Dual-channel operation for versatile gate application in live and studio settings
  • Variable high and low-pass filters for tailored frequency gating
  • Comprehensive envelope control with attack, hold, decay, and range adjustments
  • Proprietary trigger stabilization for consistent gating
  • FET-based discrete VCA for high-quality sound processing
  • Drawmer "traffic lighting" metering for easy visual feedback
  • Optimized for +4dB operation, fitting seamlessly into professional setups

Product specs

Total Channels 2
Analog Inputs 2 x XLR, 2 x 1/4"
Analog Outputs 2 x XLR
Rack Spaces 1U
Sidechain Yes
Circuit Solid State
Kind Gate
Linkable Yes

FAQs

What is the primary function of the Drawmer DS201 noise gate?

The Drawmer DS201 is designed to reduce unwanted noise by gating audio signals, allowing only signals above a certain threshold to pass through. It can be used for both "gating" and "ducking" applications.

How does the Drawmer DS201 enhance frequency control?

The DS201 features variable high pass and low pass filters, enabling "frequency conscious" gating to target specific frequency ranges for precise noise reduction.

Can the Drawmer DS201 be linked for stereo operation?

Yes, the Drawmer DS201 is stereo linkable, allowing you to use it effectively on stereo audio sources.

What type of inputs and outputs does the Drawmer DS201 have?

The Drawmer DS201 includes 2 x XLR and 2 x 1/4" analog inputs, as well as 2 x XLR analog outputs, providing balanced connectivity for professional audio setups.

Does the Drawmer DS201 support external triggering?

Yes, the DS201 includes a key input for external triggering, allowing you to control the gate using an external audio source.

What makes the Drawmer DS201's attack time noteworthy?

The DS201 features an extremely fast attack time to preserve the natural attack of the sound, ensuring that the initial transients of your audio are not compromised.

SynthMania

SynthMania

Synthmania quick tip #15 - Synthesizer Gated Lines

Video thumbnail for Synthmania quick tip #15 - Synthesizer Gated Lines by SynthMania

Synthmania quick tip #15 - Synthesizer Gated Lines

SynthMania

SynthMania

Video thumbnail for Rhythmic Pad Secrets: Recreating 1986 Synth Pop by Distort the Preamp

Rhythmic Pad Secrets: Recreating 1986 Synth Pop

Distort the Preamp

Distort the Preamp

Video thumbnail for Drawmer DS201 Expertly Gesticulated At Chicago Recording Company by gearwire

Drawmer DS201 Expertly Gesticulated At Chicago Recording Company

gearwire

gearwire

Video thumbnail for DRAWMER DS201 DUAL GATE by Djus Flinz

DRAWMER DS201 DUAL GATE

Djus Flinz

Djus Flinz

Video thumbnail for Drawmer Dual Gate DS201 by HA Pro Audio

Drawmer Dual Gate DS201

HA Pro Audio

HA Pro Audio

Reviews

PROS

  • Well-defined noise gate abilities

  • Maintains transparent sound quality

  • Durable, built like a tank

  • Considered a studio staple and classic gear

  • Effective even with high-end audio setups

CONS

  • Steep learning curve for beginners

  • Pricey when bought new

  • Controls can be confusing without prior knowledge of dynamic processing

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Drawmer DS201.

Features and functionality

  • The Drawmer DS201 is a classic choice for synth gating, known for its external key input that allows for effective side chain gating.

    Source
  • The Drawmer DS201 allows adjustable range from subtle vibrato to full-on glitchy ducking, providing versatility in sound manipulation.

    Source
  • The sidechain filters on the DS201, when engaged with key listen, provide additional utility and control in processing signals.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners compare the Drawmer DS201 favorably against alternatives like the Alesis 3630 and Behringer MDX2600 for hardware gating solutions.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The DS201 excels at creating choppy synth sounds using a trigger signal to modulate the gate, a sought-after effect for many electronic music producers.

    Source
  • Used effectively to key synths to hi-hat patterns, offering dramatic effects compared to typical compression.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners have successfully used the DS201 for synth gating where other units, like the Alesis 3630, required additional signal adjustments to function correctly.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
mikefiction

Tankbox.

I'm not sure this has any competition. It's super useful and built like a tank! I was worried my house would collapse because I don't think you should put a tank on the second floor but thankfully it was ok.

roland22

Solid--- its a Drawmer

Get it used, as new it's too expensive. Classic old school gear.studio staple. everyold school stuio had at least one. ONe of the beast hardware noise gates out there.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Paul McCartney uses Drawmer DS201

Paul McCartney

Singer, Bassist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Hog Hill Mill Blog

the Drawmer DS201 Noise Gate is listed in this blog

See how Steve Vai uses Drawmer DS201

Steve Vai

Guitarist

Whitesnake

...
Verified via Vai

During the 1988 David Lee Roth and 1990 Whitesnake world tours, Vai used a DS201 as part of his offstage effects rack.

See how Billy Corgan uses Drawmer DS201

Billy Corgan

Singer, Guitarist

The Smashing Pumpkins

...
Verified via reverb.com

This Drawmer DS 201 is owned by Billy Corgan

See how Jean Michel Jarre uses Drawmer DS201

Jean Michel Jarre

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Dustbins

...
Verified via Muzines

As listed in this 1990 interview on the Music Magazine Archive

See how Richard Zven Kruspe uses Drawmer DS201

Richard Zven Kruspe

Guitarist

Rammstein

...
Verified via reverb.com

Exclusive gear from the private collection of Richard Z. Kruspe. Has been played live or in the studio with Rammstein and Emigrate. Every item comes with a certificate of authenticity, signed by Richard himself. DS201 Dual Gate, used by Richard Z. Kruspe of Rammstein & Emigrate in the studio. A signed document of authenticity is included.

See how Robin Guthrie uses Drawmer DS201

Robin Guthrie

Guitarist

Cocteau Twins

...
Verified via Robinguthrie

12th paragraph and 6th line this is mentioned as being used by robin

See how Underworld uses Drawmer DS201

Underworld

Music Producer

Freur

...
Verified via Soundonsound

"The Drawmer gate is the last in the chain before it goes to Rick's desk."

See how Orbital uses Drawmer DS201

Orbital

Music Producer

Orbital & Angelo Badalamenti

...
Verified via Hyperreal

Orbital's use of the Drawmer DS201 is documented in their equipment list on Hyperreal, highlighting its role in their studio setup.

See how Alan Wilder uses Drawmer DS201

Alan Wilder

Drummer, Keyboardist

Depeche Mode

...
Verified via Recoil

Auction for Alan Wilder's Drawmer DS201 dual gate modules.

See how Page Hamilton uses Drawmer DS201

Page Hamilton

Guitarist

Helmet

...
Verified via Photo

Used by Hamilton around 1994 according to this GuitarGeek diagram.

See how Jonathan Davis uses Drawmer DS201

Jonathan Davis

Singer, Guitarist

Korn

...
Verified via YouTube

Seen in Buck Owen's studio (owned by Korn frontman Jonathan Davis since around 2010) at the 4:45 mark in this YouTube interview with Synergistic Research.

See how Robert Del Naja uses Drawmer DS201

Robert Del Naja

Singer

Massive Attack

...
Verified via Soundonsound

"As you would expect, the studio contains some of the finest processors in the world, including an SPL Transient Designer, two Empirical Labs Distressors, an Audio & Design F760XRS compressor/limiter/expander, a Focusrite Platinum Compounder, a Drawmer LX20 dual expander/compressor and two DS201 dual gates, Fairman and Smart Research C2 compressors, a Mutronics Mutator filter bank, an Electrix Filter Factory, a Teletronix LA2A compressor, a Massenburg Model 8000 EQ, a Tubetech LCA2B compressor, a Drawmer 1960 valve compressor/preamp, a Focusrite Red 7 mic preamp/dynamics processor, and a Joemeek stereo compressor."

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Drawmer DS201, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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