A while ago, Leo Sayer asked me if i could make him a noise gate. He uses a Decimator live, but recently he started having problems with it.

This is the result.

It had to have more functionality than many of the single knob units available. The gate had to open quickly so as to let through the initial note transient, and the release had to be controllable when used with a long sustained note or chord. The reduction level also had to be controllable.

So, we included a DEPTH control and a RELEASE control. We also added an interactive hold so a short staccato burst will trigger the gate but the release time will be shorter, play a longer note and the release time is extended.

DEPTH controls how hard the gate closes, anticlockwise is 3dB reduction, clockwise is 60dB reduction. If in doubt leave this above halfway.

THReshold sets the level when the gate starts to open. Set this high enough that noise doesn’t trigger the gate, but when you play a note the gate opens.

RELEASE sets how long the gate stays open for after the signal drops below the threshold. If in doubt leave this above halfway. Clockwise is longer release time.

When the effect is ON, the LED will be DIM for gate closed (output signal gated shut) and will become BRIGHT when the gate is open and the output signal is enabled.

Mozztronics uses the industry standard Boss style 2.1mm center negative 9V DC socket for the power supply connection.