Pricing and availability
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Price
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
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What is the primary function of the Drawmer DS201 noise gate?
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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.
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How does the Drawmer DS201 enhance frequency control?
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The DS201 features variable high pass and low pass filters, enabling "frequency conscious" gating to target specific frequency ranges for precise noise reduction.
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Can the Drawmer DS201 be linked for stereo operation?
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Yes, the Drawmer DS201 is stereo linkable, allowing you to use it effectively on stereo audio sources.
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What type of inputs and outputs does the Drawmer DS201 have?
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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.
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Does the Drawmer DS201 support external triggering?
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Yes, the DS201 includes a key input for external triggering, allowing you to control the gate using an external audio source.
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What makes the Drawmer DS201's attack time noteworthy?
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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.
Videos
SynthMania
Synthmania quick tip #15 - Synthesizer Gated Lines
Reviews
PROS
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Well-defined noise gate abilities
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Maintains transparent sound quality
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Durable, built like a tank
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Considered a studio staple and classic gear
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Effective even with high-end audio setups
CONS
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Steep learning curve for beginners
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Pricey when bought new
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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
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The Drawmer DS201 is a classic choice for synth gating, known for its external key input that allows for effective side chain gating.
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The Drawmer DS201 allows adjustable range from subtle vibrato to full-on glitchy ducking, providing versatility in sound manipulation.
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The sidechain filters on the DS201, when engaged with key listen, provide additional utility and control in processing signals.
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Comparisons
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Owners compare the Drawmer DS201 favorably against alternatives like the Alesis 3630 and Behringer MDX2600 for hardware gating solutions.
Source
Use cases and applications
4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 6 Ratings
1264
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.
Artist usage
Add artist
During the 1988 David Lee Roth and 1990 Whitesnake world tours, Vai used a DS201 as part of his offstage effects rack.
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.
"The Drawmer gate is the last in the chain before it goes to Rick's desk."
Orbital's use of the Drawmer DS201 is documented in their equipment list on Hyperreal, highlighting its role in their studio setup.
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.
"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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