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
1 500k pot is backwards

+9V SENSITIVITY 1½
1uF
1k 0.01
+
D1

2002 PF
22k 1M 10k
1uF

1M 680
+

1M
IC 1

1
10uF

100
+

Q1 0.047
0.01
1uFNP

22k 22k
0.047

OUT
470k 150k
0.047

GND ½
10uF

ETALLAC
10uF

100k 22k
1M
G
+
+

IN 1M + 100k
Q3
1k 1M 1M
1uF
100
Q2
0
MOM.

0 ½ 1 1½ 2
Parts List
Resistors Capacitors Pots

Layout and presentation by Francisco Peña 2001 - 2003®.

7 - 1M 3 - 10µF 1 - 500k Log.

All rights reserved. Authorization for personal use only,

1 - 470k 3 - 1µF

Permission refused for posting from other sites.

1 - 150k 1 - 1µF / NP Diodes
2 - 100k 3 - 0.047 µF 1 - 5.1v Zener

Permission for posting/serving limited to

4 - 22k 2 - 0.01 µF

any commercial use is forbidden.

1 - 10k Transistors &ICs
2 - 1k 2 - 2N3904

http://www.tonepad.com
1 - 680 1 - 2N5952 (other FETs will work)
2 - 100 IC1 - 4558
Schematic
+9v

AC 22k 1M
ADAPTOR .01
5 8 OUTPUT
Vb 1uF 100
7
22k IC1b
10uF 10uF 5.1 1M
6 4
10uF 1M .047 10k
+
+9v 1M Q3 100k
9v .01
1M
3 Vb Vb Vb
2 3
500k
INPUT 1
1k .047 1 IC1a
Q1
2
1M
1M 150k 100
.047 100k
1k 680 Q2

470k 22k 22k 1uF/NP 1uF MOM.

1uF

Vb Vb Vb
 Callate Gate Rev.2.Nov.19.2003

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

1 500k pot is backwards

+9V SENSITIVITY
1uF
1k 0.01
+
D1

22k 1M 10k
1uF

1M 680
+

1M
IC 1
10uF

100
+

Q1 0.047
0.01
1uFNP

22k 22k
0.047

OUT
470k 150k
0.047

GND
10uF
10uF

100k 22k
1M
G
+
+

IN 1M + 100k
Q3
1k 1M 1M
1uF
100
Q2

cut this trace at this location

MOM.

NOTES:
These mods require cutting traces, soldering to the back of the board and/or soldering to flying leads.
Attack:

Layout and presentation by Francisco Peña 2001 - 2003®.

Use a 5k or 10k linear pot. (larger resistance=longer attack time)

All rights reserved. Authorization for personal use only,

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.

Permission refused for posting from other sites.

Permission for posting/serving limited to
Release:
Use a 250k or 500k linear pot. (larger resistance=longer release time)

any commercial use is forbidden.

This mod can be done by lifting one of the 150k resistor’s ends and wiring the pot as a variable resistor
as shown on the schematic.

http://www.tonepad.com
The value of the 150k resistor can be lowered to get faster release times.

Schematic (attack and release controls added)

+9v

AC 22k 1M
ADAPTOR .01
5 8 OUTPUT
Vb 1uF 100
7
22k IC1b
10uF 10uF 5.1 1M
6 4
10uF 1M .047 10k
+
+9v 1M Q3 100k
9v .01
1M
3 Vb Vb Vb
2 3
500k
INPUT 1 2
1k .047 1 IC1a
1 3
Q1
2
1M ATTACK
1M 150k 100
.047 100k
1k 680 Q2
3
2
470k 22k 22k 1uF/NP RELEASE 1uF MOM.
1uF 1

Vb Vb Vb