Pricing and availability

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

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.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

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 Caramel Chameleon uses Drawmer DS201

Caramel Chameleon

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Instagram

In this Instagram post there is a Drawmer DS201 unit in the Caramel Chameleon's rack tower.

D

David Ferguson

Keyboardist, Composer

Random Hold

...
Verified via Soundonsound

David Ferguson's equipment list:

Apple G3 266 computer, 96Mb RAM/4Gb HD. Akai S3000XL sampler. Alesis ADAT XT digital recorder/BRC remote. Alesis Microverb effects. Bit 99 synth. Drawmer DS201 Gate & LX20 compressor. Emagic Logic Platinum 2.6 sequencer. Emu Proteus 1, 2 & 3 sound modules. ("On the album, the 'Hall Strings' preset from Emu's first Proteus module is used a lot, because it's a great marcato string sound.") Emu Proformance piano module. Ensoniq VFX synth. FriendChip Timecode Refresher. Iomega Jaz drive. Korg 1212 PCI card. Korg DRV3000 effects. ("Weird and sometimes wonderful.") Korg Wavestation SR synth. Lexicon MPX1000 effects. Logan String Melody keyboard. ("The last of Random Hold.") Mackie 32:8:2 mixer. Oberheim DPX1 sample player. Roland D550 synth. Roland S760 samplers/SP700 playback unit. Sony 600Mb optical drive. Sony DTC690 DAT recorder. Spirit Absolute 2 monitors. SPL Vitalizer enhancer. Symetrix 511A noise reduction. Tascam DA30 MkII DAT recorder. TC M2000 Wizard effects. Yamaha AN1x synth. Yamaha SPX50 effects.

See how Ben Grosse uses Drawmer DS201

Ben Grosse

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In an interview video titled "Ben Grosse Interview and Studio Tour" by Produce Like A Pro, at the 23:20 mark, Ben Grosse confirms using the Drawmer DS201.

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.

Lexicon PCM-70 Reverb
Lexicon PCM-70 Reverb Effects Processors
7
Alesis Quadraverb
Alesis Quadraverb Effects Processors
5
Universal Audio 1176LN
Universal Audio 1176LN Effects Processors
5
Yamaha SPX90
Yamaha SPX90 Effects Processors
5
Yamaha NS-10M
Yamaha NS-10M Active & Passive Monitors
4
ARP 2600
ARP 2600 Synthesizers
4
DBX 160X
DBX 160X Effects Processors
4

More Drawmer Effects Processors

Drawmer 1961

$2,195.00 - $2,499.00

 
D.Ramirez
1 artist using

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar