Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $255

High-end/Boutique

$75

$151+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Fortin Zuul+ Blackout". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 19, 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

Step into sonic purity with the Fortin ZUUL - BlackOut, a noise gate pedal crafted for discerning electric guitarists. This latest iteration of the renowned Zuul series introduces a Key Through socket with Ground Lift, allowing you to pass on the Key control signal seamlessly, without any hum or loss, even when integrating complex setups. Designed with the flexibility of Hold & Release controls, this pedal offers you the precision needed to tailor your sound and eliminate unwanted noise effortlessly.

At its core, the ZUUL - BlackOut is all about control. The intuitive controls for Threshold, Hold, and Release empower you to sculpt your tone with surgical precision while maintaining the integrity of your original sound. An LED indicator ensures you know exactly when the effect is active, and the bypass footswitch provides instant access to your unaltered signal.

Built for performance and durability, the pedal includes input and output jacks along with a dual Key In & Out configuration, making it an essential tool for your pedalboard. Its robust construction is matched by its sleek aesthetics, echoing the craftsmanship Fortin is known for.

Whether you're on stage or in the studio, the Fortin ZUUL - BlackOut is your ally against unwanted noise, ensuring your guitar's voice is heard loud and clear.

Key Features:

  • Noise gate with Key Through socket including Ground Lift
  • Controls: Threshold, Hold, and Release
  • Gnd/Lift switch for hum-free operation
  • LED: Effect On indicator
  • Footswitch: Effect bypass
  • Inputs/Outputs: 6.3 mm jacks
  • Key In & Out: Dual 6.3 mm jack plugs
  • Power: 9 V DC mains adapter (not included)
  • Made in Canada

Product specs

Available since June 2022
Effect Types Noise Gate

FAQs

What are the key features of the Fortin Zuul+ Blackout Noise Gate?

The Fortin Zuul+ Blackout is a noise gate pedal designed to eliminate unwanted noise without affecting your tone. It features a key input for precise gating and a threshold control to adjust the sensitivity.

Is the Fortin Zuul+ Blackout suitable for high-gain amplifiers?

Yes, the Fortin Zuul+ Blackout is designed to handle high-gain amplifiers effectively, providing tight noise control without compromising your sound dynamics.

Does the Fortin Zuul+ Blackout work well with bass guitars?

The Fortin Zuul+ Blackout can be used with bass guitars, offering effective noise reduction while maintaining the low-end frequencies crucial for bass tones.

How does the Fortin Zuul+ Blackout compare to other noise gate pedals?

The Fortin Zuul+ Blackout is known for its transparent gating and minimal tone coloration, making it a preferred choice for musicians who want to maintain their original sound while eliminating noise.

What type of power supply does the Fortin Zuul+ Blackout require?

The Fortin Zuul+ Blackout requires a standard 9V DC power supply, which is common for most guitar pedals.

Dan Gates

Dan Gates

2 Channel Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier Fortin Zuul Blackout

Video thumbnail for 2 Channel Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier Fortin Zuul Blackout by Dan Gates

2 Channel Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier Fortin Zuul Blackout

Dan Gates

Dan Gates

Reviews

PROS

  • Key-through output eliminates need for additional splitter pedal

  • Excellent noise reduction for modern "djenty" tones

  • Hold and release knobs offer precise response control

  • Transparent operation preserves original guitar tone

  • Versatile, suitable for both soft gating and aggressive styles

  • Ideal for metal players seeking tight, choppy sound

CONS

  • Sensitive setup process can be challenging

  • May cut off notes or produce "squeaks" with certain styles

  • Can be difficult to balance sustain and noise reduction

  • Not ideal for players accustomed to single-knob noise gates

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fortin Zuul+ Blackout.

Features and functionality

  • The Zuul+ includes hold and release controls for the gate and a key through, eliminating the need for a splitter.

    Source
  • The Zuul+ uses a key input to detect the dry signal, triggering the gate based on a clean guitar signal rather than an overdriven one, ideal for precise gating.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners transitioning from a Boss Noise Suppressor note the Zuul+ is more responsive, especially in metalcore and death metal genres.

    Source
  • Users find the EHX Silencer ineffective for high-gain suppression compared to the Zuul+, highlighting the Zuul+'s superior performance in handling high-gain amps.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Works effectively in complex signal chains, such as guitar > Boss tuner > Zuul+ > Peavey 5150 II, enhancing dynamics for metalcore performances.

    Source
  • The Zuul+ is particularly praised for its effectiveness in stop-and-go djent styles, where precise noise gating is crucial.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Zuul+ Blackout costs about $10 more than the original Zuul but offers additional features like key through and gate control adjustments.

    Source
  • GupTech alternatives like MWAK or GUUL offer similar performance to the Zuul+ at a lower price, especially in Canada, providing an affordable option for budget-conscious buyers.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Users recommend using a buffered splitter for the key input to avoid volume drop issues, ensuring optimal performance of the Zuul+.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
psychobilly_max

Most transparent noise gate.

I have tried many other noise gate pedals like ISP Decimator G-String, Rocktron Guitar Silencer, but none of them come anywhere close to the ZUUL in terms of transparency. Setting it up has kind of a learning curve but once set up it's so transparent that you won't even know that it's engaged. It kills the noise but preserves the tone perfectly.

robert_bakker

Best noisegate on the planet

Simple and effective, from soft gating to djent. All possible.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Wes Hauch uses Fortin Zuul+ Blackout

Wes Hauch

Guitarist

The Faceless

...
Verified via Instagram

Wes Hauch uses the Fortin Zuul+ Blackout on his pedalboard, as confirmed by his Instagram post captioned "2025 Rig Rundown" where he thanks various sponsors and collaborators.

See how Riko Kohara uses Fortin Zuul+ Blackout

Riko Kohara

Guitarist

RAISE A SUILEN

...
Verified via ??????? ?STAGE?

At the "Roselia x Raise A Suilen Rausch und/and Craziness" live event on December 1, 2019, Riko Kohara used the Fortin ZUUL - BlackOut noise gate pedal, as detailed in the coverage by ??????? ?STAGE?.

See how Ryan Primack uses Fortin Zuul+ Blackout

Ryan Primack

Guitarist

Poison the Well

...
Verified via YouTube

At 6:37, Ryan uses a Fortin Zuul Plus Blackout Noise Gate Pedal during a live performance as part of Ryan's pedalboard.

See how Grayson Stewart uses Fortin Zuul+ Blackout

Grayson Stewart

Guitarist

Norma Jean

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram photo by Walrus Audio (first slide), we see Grayson's Norma Jean pedal board, including a Zuul noise gate.

See how Joe Weiss uses Fortin Zuul+ Blackout

Joe Weiss

Bassist

Four Year Strong

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video at 0:18, Joe Weiss ca be seen using FORTIN ZUUL - BlackOut noisegate on his pedalboard just on top of the JHS ProCo Rat "Rat Pack" Mod. Joe was using this on the Brain Pain album in 2020

Album Usage

The Fortin Zuul+ Blackout has been featured on the following albums:

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 Fortin Zuul+ Blackout, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Zuta GBG120
Zuta GBG120 Guitar Amplifier Heads
1
Mad Professor Sweet Honey Overdrive
Mad Professor Sweet Honey Overdrive Overdrive Effects Pedals
1
Electro-Harmonix Nano POG
Electro-Harmonix Nano POG Harmonizer & Octave Effects Pedals
1
Mesa/Boogie Rectifier 2x12H
Mesa/Boogie Rectifier 2x12H Guitar Amplifier Cabinets
1
JHS Angry Charlie V3
JHS Angry Charlie V3 Distortion Effects Pedals
1
JHS 3 Series Reverb
JHS 3 Series Reverb Reverb Effects Pedals
1

1 alternative for Fortin Zuul+ Blackout, curated by the Equipboard community.

More Fortin Noise Gate Effects Pedals

Community setups

Gear Guides