The Key and the Gate or Zuul?

[Docster]

Was thinking about a new gate and these have received a fair amount of positive feedback. Anyone have experience with both?

 

[Monomyth]

I use the zuul In the fx loop with the key input sent from my second pedal, it’s really good, I would recommend it to anyone.

 

[psychodave]

I use a Highwind Phalanx. It’s a Zuul copy but with more option and way less price.

 

[Docster]

I use the zuul In the fx loop with the key input sent from my second pedal, it’s really good, I would recommend it to anyone.

What's your second pedal?

 

[Docster]

I use a Highwind Phalanx. It’s a Zuul copy but with more option and way less price.

I took a look at these but backed off due to the fact that the November build is already sold out (3 month lead-time) and the footprint is huge!

 

[psychodave]

I use a Highwind Phalanx. It’s a Zuul copy but with more option and way less price.

I took a look at these but backed off due to the fact that the November build is already sold out (3 month lead-time) and the footprint is huge!

It footprint is a worry, get the mini Zuul. I had one and liked it more than the full size Zuul.

 

[Docster]

I use a Highwind Phalanx. It’s a Zuul copy but with more option and way less price.

I took a look at these but backed off due to the fact that the November build is already sold out (3 month lead-time) and the footprint is huge!

It footprint is a worry, get the mini Zuul. I had one and liked it more than the full size Zuul.

My only concern regarding footprint is that I don't want it to take up 2xstd pedal size. That's why I'm also inquiring about the Key and the Gate?

Lichtlaerm Key and the Gate

 

[Metal1977]

I would say if you want it more aggressive or a bit quicker in response go with Zuul or Phalanx. If you want absolute transparency and want longer sustain notes go with key and the gate. I have both and love them equally for what they are.

 

[psychodave]

I would say if you want it more aggressive or a bit quicker in response go with Zuul or Phalanx. If you want absolute transparency and want longer sustain notes go with key and the gate. I have both and love them equally for what they are.

The key and gate is like $260 shipped. Thats a lot of loot.

Have you tried the Endless Blockade? That pedal gets a lot of hype on FB.

 

[hstlaurent]

I would say if you want it more aggressive or a bit quicker in response go with Zuul or Phalanx. If you want absolute transparency and want longer sustain notes go with key and the gate. I have both and love them equally for what they are.

The key and gate is like $260 shipped. Thats a lot of loot.

Have you tried the Endless Blockade? That pedal gets a lot of hype on FB.

The endless blockade is about the same price, 250 plus shipping and taxes.

 

[Metal1977]

I would say if you want it more aggressive or a bit quicker in response go with Zuul or Phalanx. If you want absolute transparency and want longer sustain notes go with key and the gate. I have both and love them equally for what they are.

The key and gate is like $260 shipped. Thats a lot of loot.

Have you tried the Endless Blockade? That pedal gets a lot of hype on FB.

Yes, i had the Endless Blockade. Had more options but was messing with my signal a bit more than the others. Preferred the Zuul, Phalanx and The Key & Gate for that reason.

The Key and Gate respond a bit differently, a bit smoother on the decay if you will. I can say it's the only gate if set well, feels like i don't have any gate on. But on the other hand, is slightly slower to shut off completely compare to the Zuul.

 

[Docster]

Metal1977 - Thanks for the first hand experience on all these gates! How do you set up your gates (rig and signal chain)

 

[Metal1977]

Metal1977 - Thanks for the first hand experience on all these gates! How do you set up your gates (rig and signal chain)

I usually set my gate in front of my amps cause i don't like their loop. Boost, gate into the amp.

Choice of noise gate will depend on the amp and applications.

 

[Tone_Master]

Yes, i had the Endless Blockade. Had more options but was messing with my signal a bit more than the others. Preferred the Zuul, Phalanx and The Key & Gate for that reason.

The Key and Gate respond a bit differently, a bit smoother on the decay if you will. I can say it's the only gate if set well, feels like i don't have any gate on. But on the other hand, is slightly slower to shut off completely compare to the Zuul.

100% agree the endless blockade was good when it worked but messes with the signal doesn't block noise from the power supply like every other gate I tried does. Its a really crap pedal for the money been nothing but dramas. Went back to a decimator while I wait for my klirrton schnauze but may get the key and gate too

 

[braintheory]

My 2 favorite favorite noise gates so far have been the Lichtlearm Key & Gate and the Cockblocker pedal. None of them are perfect and I still have an ISP Decimator, which is still I think pretty solid. Have had the Endless Blockade, Phalanx, Zuul and Boss NS-2 in the past. Bought the Key & Gate and Cockblocker used, so prices weren’t too bad. Those 2 have been I think the best ones at keeping my tone in tact. The Key & Gate is the best one for playing leads and more single notey stuff because like others said the decay is smoother and better, but not as good for tight rhythmic stuff. That’s where the Cockblocker does better, so I have both. IMO none of the noisegates yet really tick all the boxes perfectly, but those 2 have been best for me overall of what I’ve tried so far and the ISP Decimator is still solid and for many guys can be more than adequate just depends on specific scenario. I’m curious to try the Wizard noise Gate and Atlantic Thelema

 

[dainbramage0]

Guptech also makes a zuul clone (called the Guul) for pretty cheap if you're looking for other options.

I havn't yet tried one of these new key'd noise gates myself. ISP Decimator works well enough for me.

 

[Meeotch]

FYI my Key and the Gate shipped December 3rd and I'm still waiting. Daniel (owner) told me these international shipments have been taking a very long time right now. He also mentioned that Lichtlaerm was going to be merging with another company this year. I hope it brings some positive opportunities for him! He mentioned that my pedal was basically the last batch that he could guarantee a build unique to his design.

 

[Metal1977]

My 2 favorite favorite noise gates so far have been the Lichtlearm Key & Gate and the Cockblocker pedal. None of them are perfect and I still have an ISP Decimator, which is still I think pretty solid. Have had the Endless Blockade, Phalanx, Zuul and Boss NS-2 in the past. Bought the Key & Gate and Cockblocker used, so prices weren’t too bad. Those 2 have been I think the best ones at keeping my tone in tact. The Key & Gate is the best one for playing leads and more single notey stuff because like others said the decay is smoother and better, but not as good for tight rhythmic stuff. That’s where the Cockblocker does better, so I have both. IMO none of the noisegates yet really tick all the boxes perfectly, but those 2 have been best for me overall of what I’ve tried so far and the ISP Decimator is still solid and for many guys can be more than adequate just depends on specific scenario. I’m curious to try the Wizard noise Gate and Atlantic Thelema

I got the Thelema recently and didn't liked it too much in front of my amps, like i usually use my gates. It's messes with the signal a bit, it gets kind of blurry in the lows with my stuff. I tried it in the loop like it should be used and i love it.

I've never tried the Cockblocker so i can't really tell you how it compares to it. Like you, i'm still curious about the Wizard noise gate tho.

 

[braintheory]

I got the Thelema recently and didn't liked it too much in front of my amps, like i usually use my gates. It's messes with the signal a bit, it gets kind of blurry in the lows with my stuff. I tried it in the loop like it should be used and i love it.

I've never tried the Cockblocker so i can't really tell you how it compares to it. Like you, i'm still curious about the Wizard noise gate tho.

Interesting. The Cockblocker and Lichtlaerm both need to be used with all 4 inputs to sound right (so it’s through the loop and in front simultaneously), not good if only used in front. Have you tried the Lichtlaerm Key & Gate? Where were you able to find a Thelema out of curiosity?

Wizard should be interesting. I like their Leopard Overdrive pedal a lot and the MTL

 

[Metal1977]

Interesting. The Cockblocker and Lichtlaerm both need to be used with all 4 inputs to sound right (so it’s through the loop and in front simultaneously), not good if only used in front. Have you tried the Lichtlaerm Key & Gate? Where were you able to find a Thelema out of curiosity?

Wizard should be interesting. I like their Leopard Overdrive pedal a lot and the MTL

Yes, i have the Key and Gate. Very transparent, not the quickest responding gate but offers great sustain.
For the Thelema, i bought it new there:
https://www.storenvy.com/products/30730552-thelema