The Pigtronix Gatekeeper Micro is a compact, studio-quality noise gate pedal designed to eliminate unwanted noise from an audio signal path. It provides 100% attenuation and boasts an ultra high-speed J-FET circuitry for unprecedented response time, effectively removing hum, hiss, buzz, and other non-musical sounds. The pedal's design focuses on delivering smooth transient response, a feature often found only in rackmount, studio-oriented noise gate processors.
Function Description:
The primary function of the Gatekeeper Micro is to act as a noise gate, muting the signal when it falls below a user-defined threshold and allowing it to pass through when it exceeds that threshold. This helps to clean up the audio signal by preventing unwanted noise from being heard during pauses in playing. The pedal is designed for lightning-fast operation, ensuring that the gate opens and closes quickly and naturally without cutting off desired notes or introducing artifacts.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Power Supply: Requires a negative tip, 9VDC power supply.
- Current Consumption: Under 20mA.
- Attenuation: Provides 100% attenuation when the gate is closed.
- Circuitry: Utilizes ultra high-speed J-FET circuitry for fast response.
- Dimensions: Micro pedal format, indicating a compact size suitable for pedalboards.
- Connectivity: Features standard input and output jacks, and a DC 9V power input.
Usage Features:
The Gatekeeper Micro features three main controls and indicators:
- Threshold Knob: This is the most crucial control, determining how much signal is required to open the gate.
- Setting the Threshold: To set the Threshold, start with the knob turned fully counter-clockwise. Slowly rotate it clockwise until the gate remains closed when no signal is present (i.e., when you are not playing) but opens immediately when you play a note.
- Signal Level Interaction: A hotter input signal will require a lower Threshold setting. The ideal setting places the noise in your system below the gate's opening level and your instrument's sound above it.
- Muting Functionality: If the Threshold knob is set completely counter-clockwise, the gate will not open, and the sound will remain muted.
- Release Knob: This control dictates how long it takes for the gate to close once the signal drops below the Threshold level.
- "Feel" Adjustment: The Release control influences the overall "feel" of the gate's response to your playing style.
- Fastest Performance: For most applications, the fully counter-clockwise setting is recommended as it provides the fastest overall performance, closing the gate instantly when you stop playing.
- Smoother Gating: Turning the Release knob clockwise increases the time it takes for the gate to close, offering a looser feel that extends the window for the gate to remain open between notes and provides a smoother, more gradual gating effect.
- Mute LED: This indicator lights up when the signal has fallen below the threshold required to keep the gate open.
- Release Knob Interaction: When the Release knob is at its maximum (fully clockwise), the pedal will mute shortly after the Mute LED illuminates. When the Release knob is at its minimum (fully counter-clockwise), the pedal will mute immediately as soon as the Mute LED comes on.
The Gatekeeper Micro is designed for ease of use, allowing players to quickly dial in the desired noise reduction without compromising their tone or playing dynamics. Its wide-range Threshold control and exceptional headroom contribute to its ability to handle various signal levels and deliver a natural response.
Maintenance Features:
- Power Requirements: The pedal does not take batteries and must be powered by an external 9VDC power supply with a negative tip. This simplifies maintenance by eliminating the need for battery replacements.
- Warranty: Pigtronix offers a 1-year limited warranty on parts and workmanship for the Gatekeeper Micro.
- Warranty Service: During the warranty period, defective parts or pedals will be repaired or replaced free of charge.
- Exclusions: The warranty does not cover damaged, modified, or misused pedals, which will incur a standard repair charge.
- Registration: Users are encouraged to register their product at pigtronix.com/product-registration.
- Contact for Service: Warranty service inquiries can be directed to support@pigtronix.com.
The manual also emphasizes an environmentally conscious approach by offering product manuals digitally, encouraging users to consider this before printing.
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