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moosers
Published on 06/22/10 at 14:31
The Drawmer DS404 is a four channel gate that gets more in depth than most gates will out there. This is an analog piece of gear with XLR connections for each of the four channels for both input and output. Each also has a 1/4" input for key input. It is a rackable piece of equipment as it will only take up a single space in a regular rack casing.
UTILIZATION
The make up of the Drawmer DS404 is somewhat in depth for a gate, but it's still pretty easy to manipulate and understand. Those with experience and knowledge about the usefulness of gates will be able to catch on quicker, but all users should be able to figure out how to use this on their own unless you're a beginner. Each of the four channels has parameters for threshold, release, high and low pass filters, as well as buttons for selecting either hard or soft gating, for linking, and for setting the range. Each also has sliders for key source selection and output mode. A manual might be a good idea for a beginner, but those who understand what these parameters will do probably don't need it.
SOUND QUALITY
While there isn't as much use for gates in the modern recording studio as there once was since it isn't as crucial these days, the Drawmer DS404 is still an elite piece of gear in what it does. It's perfect for tracking drums, but can be used for anything that you'd want to gate as it is versatile enough to be used across the board. Again, this probably isn't essential for a recording studio, but it's definitely handy to have around just in case you want to gate your drums and get out the unwanted noise and/or bleed.
OVERALL OPINION
Drawmer has been very consistent over the years when it comes to their gates and their other dynamic processors, and the DS404 is a prime example of what they are able to do. Considering that you're getting four channels, the price is reasonable although it probably limits those who will be buying this to professional studio owners rather than home ones. Having said this, most home studio owners won't need something like this, depending of course on how big your studio is and what you're exactly doing in it. If you need a high end four channel gate, the DS404 is as good and as in depth as any out there...
UTILIZATION
The make up of the Drawmer DS404 is somewhat in depth for a gate, but it's still pretty easy to manipulate and understand. Those with experience and knowledge about the usefulness of gates will be able to catch on quicker, but all users should be able to figure out how to use this on their own unless you're a beginner. Each of the four channels has parameters for threshold, release, high and low pass filters, as well as buttons for selecting either hard or soft gating, for linking, and for setting the range. Each also has sliders for key source selection and output mode. A manual might be a good idea for a beginner, but those who understand what these parameters will do probably don't need it.
SOUND QUALITY
While there isn't as much use for gates in the modern recording studio as there once was since it isn't as crucial these days, the Drawmer DS404 is still an elite piece of gear in what it does. It's perfect for tracking drums, but can be used for anything that you'd want to gate as it is versatile enough to be used across the board. Again, this probably isn't essential for a recording studio, but it's definitely handy to have around just in case you want to gate your drums and get out the unwanted noise and/or bleed.
OVERALL OPINION
Drawmer has been very consistent over the years when it comes to their gates and their other dynamic processors, and the DS404 is a prime example of what they are able to do. Considering that you're getting four channels, the price is reasonable although it probably limits those who will be buying this to professional studio owners rather than home ones. Having said this, most home studio owners won't need something like this, depending of course on how big your studio is and what you're exactly doing in it. If you need a high end four channel gate, the DS404 is as good and as in depth as any out there...