The Drawmer DS404 Quad Noise Gate is designed to meet the highest standards, complementing the renowned Drawmer DS201 Dual Noise Gate, which is considered the industry standard worldwide. Recognising the need for simple and space-efficient gating equipment for various applications, Drawmer has created the DS404 Quad Noise Gate with innovative ‘Programme Adaptive’ circuitry. This makes the Drawmer DS404 perfect for a wide range of input signals, from drums and other percussive instruments to vocals, pianos, and even complete mixes.
Channel one of the Drawmer DS404 is frequency sensitive, with variable Low-Pass and High-Pass Filters allowing precise frequency selective gating. The unit can switch between Internal or External Key sources, and the KEY LISTEN feature enables monitoring of the filter setting. It offers comprehensive envelope control, including attack, hold, decay, and range, plus additional features.
Each channel of the Drawmer DS404 can operate as a HARD or SOFT gate, providing different characteristics. Two coloured LEDs indicate the mode status. In HARD mode, the Drawmer DS404 offers ultra-fast response time, stable triggering without chatter around the threshold, and a specialised release contour suited for drums and percussive material. In SOFT mode, it functions as a versatile Expander for handling vocals and sub mixes. Drawmer’s unique ‘Programme Adaptive’ circuitry optimises attack time and ratio, influencing the manual release setting. It uses a gentler release characteristic to complement the SOFT gate.
The Drawmer DS404 encompasses the following features:
- Quad Gate: Offering four channels of Drawmer DS201 calibre noise gates.
- Frequency Sensitivity: The inclusion of adjustable Low-Pass and High-Pass Filters permits uncompromising frequency-selective gating. The unit can be toggled for either Internal or External Key sources, and the KEY LISTEN function facilitates monitoring of filter settings.
- Hard/Soft Gating: Each DS404 channel can function as a HARD or SOFT gate, yielding distinct characteristics. Dual coloured LEDs clearly indicate the operational mode. In HARD mode, the Drawmer DS404 delivers ultra-fast response times, stable triggering free from threshold-related chatter, and a specialised release contour ideally suited for drums and percussive content. Shifting to SOFT mode transforms the DS404 into a versatile expander capable of handling vocals and submixes. Drawmer’s proprietary ‘Programme Adaptive’ circuitry optimises attack time and ratio while also influencing manual release settings. A gentler release profile is employed to complement the SOFT gate.
- Threshold: The fully adjustable threshold control spans from +20dB to -70dB.
- Release Control: A fully variable release control ranges from 10 ms to 5 sec, ensuring that essential envelope control remains intact without sacrificing rack space efficiency.
- Attenuation Range: The Drawmer DS404 features switchable attenuation levels between 90dB and 20dB, catering to scenarios where complete muting isn’t desired.
- Chain Linking: Engaging the LINK control designates the right channel for SLAVE operation, wherein its gating mode, threshold, and envelope characteristics are governed by the left MASTER channel. Adjacent three channels or two stereo pairs can be linked in this manner, proving useful in any situation requiring linking.
- LED Displays: Drawmer’s recognisable tri-colour LED display is once again employed as the optimal means of indicating envelope statuses for each channel.
- Input/Output: The DS404 is equipped with balanced inputs and outputs utilising XLR connections.
