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Average Price: $215

High-end/Boutique

$75

$151+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

When it comes to taming unwanted noise in your guitar rig, the Fortin Zuul Noise Gate stands out as a top contender. Designed with precision and efficiency in mind, the Zuul is a must-have for any guitarist looking to refine their sound. Its ultra-fast gating capabilities ensure that your tone remains crisp and articulate, even in the most demanding live or studio environments.

What sets the Zuul apart is its unique threshold control, which allows you to fine-tune the gate's sensitivity to match your playing style and setup. Coupled with the pedal's high-quality construction, this feature provides a seamless integration into any pedalboard. Whether you're shredding high-gain solos or laying down clean, ambient textures, the Zuul works tirelessly behind the scenes to maintain signal integrity.

The pedal also includes a handy side-chain input, giving you the flexibility to control the gate with an external source, such as a tuner or another pedal. This level of customization is perfect for players who want to tailor their gear to specific performance needs. With its compact design, the Fortin Zuul does not compromise on space, leaving you room for other essential effects on your board.

Key Features:

  • Ultra-fast gating for precise noise reduction
  • Unique threshold control for tailored sensitivity
  • Side-chain input for flexible external control
  • High-quality construction for durability
  • Compact design ideal for pedalboards

Product specs

Brand Fortin Amplification
Model Zuul Noise Gate
Finish Black, Blackout
Year 2017 - 2025
Made In Canada, United States
Categories Noise Reduction and Gates
Color Family Black
Pedal Format Standard

FAQs

How does the Fortin Zuul Noise Gate work with high-gain amplifiers?

The Fortin Zuul Noise Gate is designed to effectively eliminate unwanted noise and hum, making it ideal for high-gain amplifiers. Its precise gate control ensures that your tone remains intact while cutting out noise during silent passages.

Can the Fortin Zuul Noise Gate be used with both guitar and bass?

Yes, the Fortin Zuul Noise Gate can be used with both guitar and bass. It provides effective noise reduction for both instruments, maintaining clarity and dynamics in your signal chain.

What is the function of the KEY IN jack on the Fortin Zuul Noise Gate?

The KEY IN jack on the Fortin Zuul allows you to control the gate using an external signal, such as a clean guitar or bass signal. This feature helps to ensure the gate opens and closes precisely with your playing dynamics.

Is the Fortin Zuul Noise Gate true bypass?

Yes, the Fortin Zuul Noise Gate is true bypass, ensuring that your signal remains unaffected when the pedal is not engaged. This helps maintain the integrity of your tone.

Does the Fortin Zuul Noise Gate require a specific power supply?

The Fortin Zuul Noise Gate requires a standard 9V DC power supply. It's important to ensure the power supply provides adequate current to avoid performance issues.

Ola Englund

Ola Englund

WORST DEMO EVER? - Fortin Zuul

Video thumbnail for WORST DEMO EVER? - Fortin Zuul by Ola Englund

WORST DEMO EVER? - Fortin Zuul

Ola Englund

Ola Englund

Video thumbnail for Fortin ZUUL Pedal Review -The New King of Noise Gates by Plague Scythe Studios

Fortin ZUUL Pedal Review -The New King of Noise Gates

Plague Scythe Studios

Plague Scythe Studios

Video thumbnail for ZUUL 101 - Utilizing the Fortin ZUUL Noise Gate by FortinAmps

ZUUL 101 - Utilizing the Fortin ZUUL Noise Gate

FortinAmps

FortinAmps

Video thumbnail for Fortin Zuul vs Boss NS-2 Noise Gate Shootout [T006] by T3TRA UK

Fortin Zuul vs Boss NS-2 Noise Gate Shootout [T006]

T3TRA UK

T3TRA UK

Reviews

PROS

  • 1) Exceptionally reduces high gain noise

  • 2) Simple, user-friendly single knob operation

  • 3) Enhances punchiness and tightness of tone

  • 4) Provides cleaner, more articulate palm mutes

  • 5) Offers remarkable transparency in sound

  • 6) Highly sensitive threshold adjustment

  • 7) Unique key input configuration for versatile setup

  • 8) Particularly beneficial for metal genres

  • 9) Can effectively clean up noisy rigs

CONS

  • 1) May negatively affect the presence and clarity of the guitar tone

  • 2) Some users find it less effective across different setups compared to alternatives

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Zuul's key input benefits from a clean signal, achievable with a bypass output from tuners like the Boss TU series.

    Source
  • The Zuul functions effectively even without its key input engaged, provided the side switch is correctly set.

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

    Source
  • A stereo loop switcher can help achieve silent tuning by routing one channel before the amp and another at the end of the loop for complete signal cut-off.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Without an amp effects loop, placing the Zuul after drive pedals but before the amp optimizes its performance.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A tuner with dual outputs can simplify setup by providing the necessary clean signal to the Zuul's key input.

    Source
  • A common signal chain setup includes placing the Zuul+ after a Boss tuner and before distortion pedals like the Plumes and Swollen Pickle, enhancing noise management.

    Source
  • Some users experience a minimal signal bleed during silent tuning, potentially caused by the tuner’s buffer, which can interfere with silent operation.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users report the Zuul+ is significantly more responsive compared to the Boss noise suppressor, particularly in metalcore and death metal contexts.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners playing in metalcore bands note the Zuul+ improves dynamics and noise control, making it a preferred choice over previous noise suppressors.

    Source
  • Owners report that connecting the tuner’s bypass output to the Zuul’s key input can initially lead to setup confusion but eventually resolves silent tuning issues with proper configuration.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Zuul+ is approximately $10 more than the Zuul Blackout, but users find the additional features justify the price difference.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 11 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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2 star
1 star
givethemgenocide

excellent

Playing metal this is an always-on pedal. Recommended key function through the effects loop.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

Recommended the key function through the effects loop.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mike Wead uses Fortin Zuul Noise Gate

Mike Wead

Guitarist

Candlemass

...
Verified via Facebook

In this Facebook post, Mike Wead shows part of his gear for King Diamond and Mercyful Fate shows, including a Fortin Zuul pedal.

See how Tim Howley uses Fortin Zuul Noise Gate

Tim Howley

Guitarist

Fit for an Autopsy

...
Verified via YouTube

In a 2022 Rig Rundown video, Tim Howley of Fit For An Autopsy discusses his live pedal setup, highlighting the Fortin Zuul Noise Gate. Although he mentions not being a pedal enthusiast initially, he is now exploring different options to find his preferred sound.

See how Jonathan Donais uses Fortin Zuul Noise Gate

Jonathan Donais

Guitarist

Anthrax

...
Verified via Premier Guitar

For a noise gate, Jon uses a Fortin Zuul.

See how Jamie Oldfield uses Fortin Zuul Noise Gate

Jamie Oldfield

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Jamie has a fortin zull on his board

See how Peter Spinazola uses Fortin Zuul Noise Gate

Peter Spinazola

Bassist

Fit for an Autopsy

...
Verified via Photo

Pete uses a fortin zuul pedal on his board

See how Euge Valovirta uses Fortin Zuul Noise Gate

Euge Valovirta

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "STUDIO TOUR 2025 | GUITARS, AMPS, CABINETS & GEAR IN GENERAL," Euge Valovirta, a guitarist and music producer, presents his studio setup. At the 4:00 timestamp, he showcases his pedalboard where the Fortin Zuul Noise Gate is clearly visible. This serves as definitive proof of his use of this specific gear.

Album Usage

The Fortin Zuul Noise Gate has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fortin Zuul Noise Gate, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
zvn777

zvn777

Gear IQ 947

zvn777

zvn777

Gear IQ 947

zvn777

zvn777

Gear IQ 947

joshzeigler420

joshzeigler420

Gear IQ 80

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