Cybercow
Well-known member
Today's accomplishments - a pair of Decimator II optical noise gates.
These are identical circuit-wise and are very good at noise reduction. They are wired with four jacks for optimal usage on pedalboard. (See the wiring diagram.)
Five days ago I posted a pair of STFU Noise Gate builds and in comparison, they two different circuits perform identically. The primary difference between the two is that STFUs have a smaller footprint, fewer parts count and are true-bypass. The Decimators on the other hand have the larger footprint, higher parts-count and is 'always on', actin g like a buffer when not engaged. And in fact, the Decimator's stomp switch merely jumps the wiper of the control pot to ground when "disengaged" - effectively just setting the control pot to the far left counter-clockwise position. (See schematic and wiring diagram.)
Both the STFU and this Decimator circuit are great for dealing the high noise-floors of a large pedal chain. And both are actually soft gates - meaning that they don't slam shut like a "gate" usually does. These have a nice, rapid downward taper.
Happy building!




These are identical circuit-wise and are very good at noise reduction. They are wired with four jacks for optimal usage on pedalboard. (See the wiring diagram.)


Five days ago I posted a pair of STFU Noise Gate builds and in comparison, they two different circuits perform identically. The primary difference between the two is that STFUs have a smaller footprint, fewer parts count and are true-bypass. The Decimators on the other hand have the larger footprint, higher parts-count and is 'always on', actin g like a buffer when not engaged. And in fact, the Decimator's stomp switch merely jumps the wiper of the control pot to ground when "disengaged" - effectively just setting the control pot to the far left counter-clockwise position. (See schematic and wiring diagram.)

Both the STFU and this Decimator circuit are great for dealing the high noise-floors of a large pedal chain. And both are actually soft gates - meaning that they don't slam shut like a "gate" usually does. These have a nice, rapid downward taper.
Happy building!
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