Callate Gate

Rev.2.Nov.19.2003

Build the MXR Noise Gate, this circuit will mute the output when the input is below the threshold level
set by the potentiometer, removing noise while not playing. The part labeled MOM is a normally open
momentary switch, when conducting it momentarily defeats the noise gate (opens the gate no matter
what the input is) which works like bypassing it, if this function is not required or when using true
bypass the switch and associated 100ohm resistor can be left out. Off board components except for
the potentiometers are not shown on the layout. Trademarks are property of their owners.
2
500k

1k

0.047

0.047
1M

Q3

+
1uF

2002 PF

1uF
1uF

1uFNP

10uF

0.047
22k
150k
100k
1M
1M
100

100

IC 1

10k
680
1M

Q1

0.01
22k
470k
10uF

IN

0.01
1M

10uF
GND

SENSITIVITY

D1

+9V
1k
22k
1M

pot is backwards

OUT

22k
100k
1M
Q2

ETALLAC

MOM.

Capacitors
Pots
3 - 10F
1 - 500k Log.
3 - 1F
Diodes
1 - 1F / NP
1 - 5.1v Zener
3 - 0.047 F
2 - 0.01 F
Transistors &ICs
2 - 2N3904
1 - 2N5952 (other FETs will work)
IC1 - 4558
Schematic

22k

AC
ADAPTOR

+9v

1M
.01

Vb
22k
10uF

10uF

Layout and presentation by Francisco Pea 2001 - 2003.

All rights reserved. Authorization for personal use only,
any commercial use is forbidden.
Permission for posting/serving limited to
http://www.tonepad.com
Permission refused for posting from other sites.

Parts List
Resistors
7 - 1M
1 - 470k
1 - 150k
2 - 100k
4 - 22k
1 - 10k
2 - 1k
1 - 680
2 - 100

8
IC1b

5.1

1M
10uF

1M

.047

1uF

100

10k

+
1M

+9v

9v

100k

Q3

.01
1M
3

INPUT

500k
1k

.047

IC1a

Q1

Vb Vb

3
2

Vb

1M
1M
.047

1k
470k

680

22k

150k
Q2

22k

1uF

1uF/NP

1uF
Vb

Vb

100

100k

Vb

MOM.

OUTPUT

Callate Gate
Rev.2.Nov.19.2003

Mods for the MXR Noise Gate. These mods are NOT verified, theyve only been simulated in the
computer, procede at your own risk.

500k

1uF
1uF
100

IC 1

10k
680
1M

Q3

1k

0.047
+
1uF

1uFNP

22k
150k
100k
1M
1M
100

10uF

0.047

0.047
1M

Q1

0.01
22k
470k
10uF

IN

0.01
1M

10uF
GND

SENSITIVITY

D1

+9V
1k
22k
1M

pot is backwards

OUT

22k
100k
1M
Q2

NOTES:
These mods require cutting traces, soldering to the back of the board and/or soldering to flying leads.
Attack:
Use a 5k or 10k linear pot. (larger resistance=longer attack time)
This mod needs cutting the trace from Q2 collector as shown in the layout image, and insert the pot
wired as a variable resistor between the two sides of the cut as shown on the schematic.
Release:
Use a 250k or 500k linear pot. (larger resistance=longer release time)
This mod can be done by lifting one of the 150k resistors ends and wiring the pot as a variable resistor
as shown on the schematic.
The value of the 150k resistor can be lowered to get faster release times.

Schematic (attack and release controls added)

22k

AC
ADAPTOR

1M
.01

Vb
22k
10uF

10uF

+9v

8
IC1b

5.1

1M
10uF

1M

.047

1uF

100

10k

+
1M

+9v

9v

100k

Q3

.01
1M
3

INPUT

500k
1k

Layout and presentation by Francisco Pea 2001 - 2003.

All rights reserved. Authorization for personal use only,
any commercial use is forbidden.
Permission for posting/serving limited to
http://www.tonepad.com
Permission refused for posting from other sites.

cut this trace at this location

MOM.

.047

IC1a

Q1

Vb Vb

3
2

Vb

2
1

1M

ATTACK
1M
.047

1k

150k

680

Q2
3

470k

22k

22k
1uF

Vb

Vb

100

100k
1uF/NP

RELEASE
1

Vb

1uF

MOM.

OUTPUT