Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $888

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 The Future Sound of London uses Drawmer DS201

The Future Sound of London

Music Producer

Vangelis & The Future Sound of London

...
Verified via Muzines

Future Sound of London equipment list from the August 1992 issue of Music Technology Magazine:

Instruments

Akai S612 Sampler + MD280 Disk Drive Akai S900 Sampler Akai S1000 Sampler w/8Mb memory E-mu Proteus/1 w/Protologic board Jen SX1000 Synth Roland D110 Synth Module Roland JX3P Synth Roland MC202 Monosynth Roland MKS50 Synth Module + PG300 Programmer Roland TB303 Bass Synth Roland TR606 Drum Machine Yamaha DS55 Synth Yamaha TX81Z

Effects

Alesis Quadraverb (x2) Alesis MIDIverb II BBE 422A Sonic Maximiser Bel Electronics BD80 Digital Delay Drawmer DS201 Dual Gate Fostex 3070 Compressor/Limiter Ibanez DM1100 Digital Delay Korg DRV1000 Digital Reverb Yamaha SPX90 Multi effects Processor

Recording

Aiwa HDX1 DAT Recorder Atari 1040ST Computer w/C-lab Creator software Fostex B16 Multitrack Groove MC2V MIDI/CV Converter Korg KMS30 Sync Unit Nakamichi 480Z Cassette Deck Sony DTC1000ES DAT Recorder Soundtracs CM4400 Mixing Desk Technics SL1200 Mk2 Turntable Yamaha NS10M Monitors

See how Fjaak uses Drawmer DS201

Fjaak

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

That Gate is positioned on top of the UA Urei but turned upside-down (why ever). Location: studio in Berlin. Visible in minute 3:51.

See how Labrinth uses Drawmer DS201

Labrinth

Music Producer

The Collective (Children in Need 2011)

...
Verified via Soundonsound

On current projects "Most audio that is recorded at Labrinth's studio passes through either the Avalon VT737SP voice channel (top) or the Neve Portico 5032 (centre) and into the Apogee Rosetta converter. Other outboard includes two Roland SDE2000 delays, Lexicon PCM80 reverb, BBE 422A Sonic Maximizer, MXR Digital Time Delay, Control Synthesis Deep Bass Nine and Drawmer DS201 gate."

See how Jonathan Wilson uses Drawmer DS201

Jonathan Wilson

Guitarist

Eisley

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "Analog Mixing & Jonathan Wilson's Home Studio" by Produce Like A Pro, Jonathan Wilson discusses his studio setup, including the use of the Drawmer DS201 effects processor.

See how Daniel Miller uses Drawmer DS201

Daniel Miller

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Daniel Miller uses the Drawmer DS201 as part of his studio setup, as noted in Sound on Sound.

See how Jody Wisternoff uses Drawmer DS201

Jody Wisternoff

Music Producer

Way Out West

...
Verified via YouTube

can be spotted at 17:40 in this tour

See how Paul Epworth uses Drawmer DS201

Paul Epworth

Keyboardist

Band Aid 30

...
Verified via Miloco

According to the "equipment list" found on Church Studios, owned by Epworth, one of the things listed is Drawmer DS-201.

See how Meat Beat Manifesto uses Drawmer DS201

Meat Beat Manifesto

Music Producer

The Orb vs. Meat Beat Manifesto

...
Verified via Muzines

As listed in this 1993 interview on the Music Magazine Archive

See how Jaycen Joshua uses Drawmer DS201

Jaycen Joshua

Music Producer, Audio Engineer

...
Verified via Jaycenjoshua

Mixing engineer Jaycen Joshua includes the Drawmer DS201 in his gear list on his official website.

See how Paul Hardcastle uses Drawmer DS201

Paul Hardcastle

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Paul Hardcastle utilizes the Drawmer DS201 Dual Noise Gate in his studio setup, particularly valuing its capabilities for gating hi-hats and similar sounds. This is confirmed by his discussion of his equipment in the "Paul Hardcastle: King Of The Castle" article by Soundonsound, where he mentions, "a Drawmer DS201 looks after gating — that's really good for gating hi‑hats and that kind of thing."

See how Kenji Kawai uses Drawmer DS201

Kenji Kawai

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified

Kenji Kawai is confirmed to use two Drawmer DS201 units in his studio, as indicated on his official website profile.

See how Colin Towns uses Drawmer DS201

Colin Towns

Composer

Gillan

...
Verified via Soundonsound

List of equipment at his studio:

KEYBOARDS F Kaim & Son grand piano Korg SG1D master keyboard

SAMPLERS Akai S1000HD Akai CD3000

SOUND MODULES Emu Proteus 1 Emu Proteus 2 Orchestral Emu Proteus 3XR World Emu Morpheus Sequential Circuits Prophet 2002

DRUM MACHINE Roland R8

COMPUTING & SOFTWARE Atari 1040ST Emagic Notator Time + Space sample CD‑ROMs

RECORDING Alesis ADAT (x5) Alesis BRC remote control Soundtracs Jade mixer Drawmer dual gate TC Electronic M5000 digital effects Lexicon PCM70 digital effects

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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5
Universal Audio 1176LN
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Yamaha SPX90
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5
Yamaha NS-10M
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4
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4
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4

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