Fortin ZUUL Pedal Review -The New King of Noise Gates

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  • Опубліковано 31 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 123

  • @mikefortin430
    @mikefortin430 7 років тому +91

    Thank you so much for the review. I appreciate all your feedback on it. To address the reason as to why I didn't put a bypass out with the KEY input was mainly because of the numerous times I've seen guitar players connect through the wrong 2 of the 4 jacks on other NG pedals. So the single KEY input jack was used to try to eliminate pilot error. The thought was that most players would already have a spare output from a tuner, splitter or simple $4 Hosa y-cable. Cheers! Mike Fortin

    • @PlagueScytheStudios
      @PlagueScytheStudios  7 років тому +12

      +Mike Fortin Good to hear from you again Mike! I think your assumptions are sound on both parts. If someone is buying one of your pedals, they probably already have the gear to use the Key input, which is why its not a grievous design flaw to me. And most of us guitarists are liable to screw up our signal chain somewhere, so idiot proofing is a positive side effect.

    • @dhunter813
      @dhunter813 6 років тому +2

      I have a question about that. I just run a 1/4" from my Boss Tuner "bypass" port to the Key input, correct? The Boss Pedal is the 'Waza Kraft" and it has a selection to make that Bypass port a "Buffer" or a "Thru". How should i set this?

    • @Max93_Bavaria
      @Max93_Bavaria 5 років тому

      Mike Fortin How about a Europe-distribution for your gear? I bet that I‘m not the only german guy who ordered a Zuul and who wants to try out your boost pedals;)

    • @gtizzle101
      @gtizzle101 5 років тому

      @@ThornWithin In stock now, I just got mine

    • @ddubbz1979
      @ddubbz1979 4 роки тому +1

      Does it have to be used in an effects loop?

  • @matttaylor1449
    @matttaylor1449 5 років тому +8

    Probably the best review of this pedal on youtube.

  • @JoshOlsen89
    @JoshOlsen89 7 років тому +21

    I'm subscribed to more than a few guitar channels, and this is fast becoming one of my favorites after discovering it last month. I enjoy the great, well-spoken delivery and effective explanation of the product/concept of the day. Thanks especially for the triangle pick recommendation; I never would have tried them otherwise.

    • @dave6564
      @dave6564 7 років тому +2

      THIS

    • @PlagueScytheStudios
      @PlagueScytheStudios  7 років тому +6

      +Josh Olsen Thank you Josh, it's always refreshing to be reminded of why I love making videos. It's easy to drown yourself in a small puddle of negative feedback, so I greatly appreciate the affirmation. Hope the picks work out for you!

  • @thecartatree
    @thecartatree 5 років тому +4

    Like how you snuck “Do not look down” in there.

  • @bearzden
    @bearzden 5 років тому +2

    The best NG on the market period..!!!..
    When the jvm loop is set at 100% wet..the gate is set to zero..kills everything right now..love it..

  • @OlFoolish
    @OlFoolish 7 років тому +1

    I know it’s asking a lot but keep pumping out these videos, hands down favorite guitar channel

  • @jasonstallworth
    @jasonstallworth 4 роки тому

    Dude, this is a great in-depth review!

  • @arnieslab
    @arnieslab 6 років тому +2

    Wow man, great explanation of this pedal! Finally! lol. I subbed after watching.

  • @toddmichael7184
    @toddmichael7184 7 років тому +2

    I would love to see you ad in a delay pedal in the FX loop with the ZUUL.

    • @PlagueScytheStudios
      @PlagueScytheStudios  7 років тому +1

      +Todd Michael I've played my AX8 in 4CM with the Thrasher and Fortin pedals with delay and Reverb and it works great, better in some ways than the Fractal gate block

  • @evilasreligion
    @evilasreligion 7 років тому +3

    Mike Fortin makes quality products. I hope to get many of the things he makes. Great vid.

  • @bohdilama
    @bohdilama 3 роки тому +1

    Just got my Zuul today, I have it hooked up through a Boss tu3 tuner into effects loop but it’s not gating the sound or stopping the noise. Tried different cables and power supplies to no avail. Your demo shows it cutting off the noise and gating really well. Any help would be appreciated before I return it. My amp is a EVH LBX

    • @ekaone
      @ekaone 3 роки тому

      Did you find a solution to your problem? Sounds like we’re having the same problem. The Zuul works excellent when playing but whenever I mute to tune I get feedback coming through. I’m running everything through a mid 2000’s Mesa triple rectifier, I thought I read something about having to mod the effects loop to serial mode? Not sure what to do, frustrating!

  • @smufmigeifmig
    @smufmigeifmig 6 років тому

    not only do you do killer videos, but your tone is also badass. sooo glad you fixed the youtube sound problem haha

  • @TheWolvesCurse
    @TheWolvesCurse 6 років тому +4

    is it better than an ISP Decimator G-String?

  • @philippgrunert8776
    @philippgrunert8776 4 роки тому +1

    Are there splitters without buffers? Using a Lot of fuzzes Here. Would be really interesting.
    Great recommendation!

    • @bensharpe6708
      @bensharpe6708 4 роки тому

      daisy chaining power supply totally destroys this video... he meant well and is very knowledgeable.... the Zuul kiks ass when hooked up right .... shit in is shit out nuff said ....and you want the splitter to have a good buffer so the Zuul gets a good strong clean signal and the rest of signal goes to your main strong... also if you use passives and actives like i do they both sound strong...... i tried a chorus pedal to split the signal and it naturally has delay on the split so yes use a good buffered splitter...ie Roach / Spliff or a little bit budget if you only need two outs go with the JHS buffered/splitter

  • @rayfoster4339
    @rayfoster4339 6 років тому +1

    super cool ...i use ISP Theta pedal in my loop ...it has gate ...it switches by RJM MIDI controller so can program clean preset so gate turns off

  • @SWizz871
    @SWizz871 3 роки тому +1

    Would you recommend the Fortin Zuul mini as a pedalboard friendly alternative to this?

  • @cast390
    @cast390 4 роки тому +1

    @5:12 sounds like when you walk into a guitar center. BTW whats that JHS pedal?

  • @johnnydollar8784
    @johnnydollar8784 6 років тому +1

    This guy has some real smarts .
    I'll be listening to more of his vids

  • @bensharpe6708
    @bensharpe6708 4 роки тому

    Love your videos. just curious why would you use daisy chain to supply power to those pedals ? not to be rude but what are you thinking. You are doing a video of how the Zuul or any noise gate is working and you use the worst setup that introduces unwanted noise by daisy chaining power. Not trying to be an ass, maybe that was the intention to show how extra cool the Zuul is but i could hear the background noise when the gate was open during your playing. Nice playing also.

  • @happosai09
    @happosai09 Рік тому

    Hello.not sure I would get any reply on an old video but I'll try
    Thanks a lot for that video. I wonder if this noise gate would do well with fuzzes. Of course it would cut the noise, but how does it fare when you ride a lot the volume knob?. That key input gives me hope

    • @PlagueScytheStudios
      @PlagueScytheStudios  Рік тому

      Luckily l, I did happen to see this one. So the gate issues you're likely going to face with riding the guitar volume with a fuzz pedal are two fold.
      First, if you use the key input feature of the ZUUL or similar pedal, you have to buffer and split your signal prior to the fuzz pedal for it to work. That's fine for some more contemporary fuzz designs, but not so good on classic designs with low input impedance. Adding a buffer prior to something like a fuzz face ruins the tonal characteristics and volume rolloff behavior because your guitar pickups are no longer reacting to that pedals impedance, but rather the buffer's.
      Secondly, if you skip out on the key input, you are just left with a "dumb" gate after the fuzz. Setting the threshold on the gate for typical "full volume" output levels may be too aggressive for low volume settings, and vice versa.
      In summary, it really depends on what fuzz pedal you use, and whether it reacts to a buffer in front in a way that you find acceptable. Otherwise, using noise gates with old fuzz pedals is a tricky matter to resolve.

    • @happosai09
      @happosai09 Рік тому

      @@PlagueScytheStudios thank you sooo much! Very insightful. I'll test for there

  • @danieljones1782
    @danieljones1782 7 років тому +1

    Love your channel man!

  • @ddubbz1979
    @ddubbz1979 4 роки тому

    What if you are throwing all pedals in front of a Laney AOR MV with no effects loop?

  • @wesliggett2454
    @wesliggett2454 4 роки тому

    My blackout version was delivered this morning! I credit this demo for my purchase. I hope to finally play through it when I get done building three hamster cages. Lol having kids is great ha!

  • @red240red2
    @red240red2 5 років тому

    Not having to bypass on cleans is such a life saver.
    How does it compare to the neural dsp plugin version?

  • @Stretchwreckedem469
    @Stretchwreckedem469 4 роки тому

    Okay but the MXR overdrive stacked with the Fortin 33 actually sounds tight.

  • @marklugo7168
    @marklugo7168 5 років тому +1

    Hey man, I have a question about something nobody is covering in any of the demos for the Fortín Zuul, can you roll off your guitar’s volume for a good breakup sound? I find that when I roll off my guitar’s volume when using other noise gates, my signal is completely cut out due to my guitar signal being below the threshold of the noise gate. I was thinking that if the Zuul registers whether there is signal going to the “key input” in order to cut off the signal or not, then I could actually use my volume knob to change the dynamics of my playing!

  • @jimhoman4415
    @jimhoman4415 6 років тому

    Good demo wish it was compared to the TC Sentry. What is your set up? (amp cab mics?) loved the tone at the top of the video.

    • @PlagueScytheStudios
      @PlagueScytheStudios  6 років тому

      I was using the Fortin 33 into the Randall Thrasher, with its slave out into a V30 4x12 impulse response of some kind (don't remember which, it was either a Mesa or Uberkab).

  • @Thencamethechaos
    @Thencamethechaos 5 років тому

    Wow i hope fortin sending you some cash, this was a wonderful representation of this pedal. Thank you. Pretty much sold me

  • @lucamoqi
    @lucamoqi 7 років тому +1

    This has been very helpful mate! May I ask you what desk is that?

  • @DadoSimicStudiostriver
    @DadoSimicStudiostriver 3 роки тому

    So I need splitter,cant just turn guitar there?

  • @James23031976
    @James23031976 4 роки тому

    If you want to put a delay and EQ in your setup, where would you place it? Delay in the FX between the Zuul and amp? The eq after the distortion pedal? Thnx!!

  • @leakingbeads3210
    @leakingbeads3210 5 років тому

    Could it be possible to use the key input method with a preamp pedal going into my FX return somehow?

  • @joshww2339
    @joshww2339 4 роки тому

    Best gear channel!

  • @dtune30
    @dtune30 6 років тому

    Late to the party but...Why not just use a Y splitter? Thinking pedal board application with a patch panel. you could just come off the guitar jack with 2 lines. One to the signal chain and the other to this. Isolated would be best in my opinion but why not? Would there be signal loss or additional noise introduced?

    • @PlagueScytheStudios
      @PlagueScytheStudios  6 років тому

      Like Mr. Fortin said himself, you could use something like a hosa Y splitter. However, I use that buffer for more than just this application.

  • @daviddrake3481
    @daviddrake3481 7 років тому +3

    I was going to get this pedal. but I just couldn't see myself spending over $500 for two pedals. I went ahead got a TC Electronics Sentury and that thing is bad ass. It completely shuts the noise out of my amp all the way and I don't lose any tone at all coming from the Fortin 33

    • @albertassociate
      @albertassociate 6 років тому

      I bought the Sentry as well but Im thinking of getting this one.

    • @ceez3841
      @ceez3841 6 років тому +2

      Haha sorry man but the fact you bought the 33 just shows you like wasting money

    • @matttaylor1449
      @matttaylor1449 5 років тому

      @@ceez3841 what's wrong with the 33?

    • @voidabstraction
      @voidabstraction 5 років тому

      @@matttaylor1449 I think because it's just a clean boost, and other pedals do the exact same thing for much much much much cheaper. The only thing you're paying for is Fortin and Meshuggah affiliations that have no bearing on the effectiveness of the pedal.

  • @thenickhill81
    @thenickhill81 7 років тому +3

    Another good one dude!

  • @Eldaryon277
    @Eldaryon277 7 років тому +1

    First of all sorry for my english, i have a question about the settings on my amplifier, my booster pedal and delay are always on in my fx loop, and I just want to turn them on when I'm playing solos, I activate this option pressing my footswitch effects, and if I want to play rhythm guitar I turn it down. When I activate the zuul to reduce the noise "it ruins" my setting preferences on the fx loop because if i want to reduce noise i have to turn my fx on. The point is what is the best option if I want to activate the boost and the delay effect just with one button? i was wondering if it was a good solution by connecting a loop pedal between the zuul out and amp return, thanks.

    • @PlagueScytheStudios
      @PlagueScytheStudios  7 років тому +1

      +Eldaryon277 It always amuses me that people who are worried about their English leave better written comments than most Americans haha. If I understand your signal chain correctly, then a looper would probably be your easiest fix here if you don't want to play tap dance with your pedal board. I would get something that can set up scenes like on amp modelers so you can change your amp channel and effects both within the loop and in front of your amp all at the same time.

  • @SleepBlackheart
    @SleepBlackheart 6 років тому +1

    Wait a minute. Your clean channel engages when you shut off the Fortin 33? So you mainly get that distorted sound with this clean boost? Did i miss something? :/

    • @PlagueScytheStudios
      @PlagueScytheStudios  6 років тому +1

      No, the Fortin 33 has a relay switch that changes the channel of the amp at the same time its turned off. The new grinds have the same feature

    • @SleepBlackheart
      @SleepBlackheart 6 років тому

      Ah, i see. Thanks for the answer !

  • @julianjannetta450
    @julianjannetta450 5 років тому +1

    How well does it do for sustained notes and chords? Immediate drop after a certain amount of time?

    • @C-mereSSBU
      @C-mereSSBU 4 роки тому

      Same here! All these guys reviewing the Zuul are just chugging into it. I'm trying to see if I can play solos through it too!

  • @ScottKroekerArtographer
    @ScottKroekerArtographer 7 років тому

    I am amazed at how much amp noise you have. What is your rig setup? I run a ReVv 7-40 and Maxon OD808 and the noise is still super quiet even without a gate. It's the quietest amp I've ever played.

    • @PlagueScytheStudios
      @PlagueScytheStudios  7 років тому +2

      +Scott Kroeker You can thank Mr Fortin's 33 pedal and amp design for that. 22 dB of clean boost in front of an already beefy amp results in some pretty intense whine, but the tone is worth it.

  • @6slayer6sam62
    @6slayer6sam62 5 років тому

    I would love to see a shootout between this and the airis Hades gate... trying to decide which to buy....

  • @coveryourears3851
    @coveryourears3851 3 роки тому

    Hi Ryan, I wasn't sure where to ask you this. Do you run your roach at 9v?

  • @MattW4319
    @MattW4319 6 років тому

    How well does this work with rolling back volume? I’ve used to have the g-string and it still cut off the signal.

  • @richwalter5322
    @richwalter5322 6 років тому +4

    I don't see how this is better than an ISP Decimator II G-String... which doesn't require you to split your signal (it has a dedicated guitar in and its own loop for your noisy stuff). So the one gripe you have with the Zuul is actually a deal breaker. My tuner doesn't have two outputs and I wouldn't want to buy a splitter just for this purpose as it should be a feature of the pedal itself.

    • @70mcnevin
      @70mcnevin 6 років тому +2

      I agree. The Decimator II G String has the same type of sensing circuit as the "key input", that determines when you are playing based on the clean guitar signal. The Decimator circuit is in the effects loop just like the Zuul, and it also uses a single knob. I'm sure the Zuul uses a downward expanding output circuit just like the decimator to keep from cutting off sustained notes. The downside being that now I need to put another buffer or splitter in effects chain? I'll wait for version 2 to be released and then compare.

    • @mikerobinson883
      @mikerobinson883 6 років тому

      Yeah I have the isp 2 g string and it works flawlessly. The only problem I have is it doesn't work in my other amp because it has a parallel loop. But that's not the pedals fault.

    • @97warlock
      @97warlock 6 років тому +1

      Maybe its not better. Up to the potential buyer to decide. I decided it costs too much & I need something to choke out the hissy noise when playing loud. .... 40.00 will do that for me. Ive had the ISP Dec 1 , Dec 2 and Gstring within the last 10 years. I know what they do. They do theyre job. Sometimes when products get overrated & it drives the prices up.

    • @voidabstraction
      @voidabstraction 5 років тому

      It's not better, especially at Fortin prices.

    • @97warlock
      @97warlock 5 років тому

      I bought a chinese brand called Caline Noise Gate. Ive used it for 3 gigs so far, Set it at 12 noon, works perfect. 37.00

  • @powerhitter033
    @powerhitter033 Рік тому

    Still the king 5 years later?

  • @deathmetalhead55
    @deathmetalhead55 5 років тому

    I've got a question, my amp doesn't have an effects loop. Would I still be able to use the pedal? Excuse me for my utter lack of knowledge

    • @PlagueScytheStudios
      @PlagueScytheStudios  5 років тому

      You could, but it wouldn't provide much benefit over it's cheaper competition. You would be better off with a plain EHX Silencer or BOSS NS-2 for the money.

  • @XMetalChefX
    @XMetalChefX 4 роки тому

    I think it's amazing theres no bypass. It does exactly what it supposed to do. If you run a multi effects and a real amp 4cm its amazing.

  • @Depurity
    @Depurity 6 років тому +1

    This may sound a bit ignorant, but excuse me forehand. What exactly does it do or what effect does it have when the key input switch is moved up or down?

  • @toddmichael7184
    @toddmichael7184 7 років тому +1

    Impressive. Gonna subscribe now.

  • @zackk6402
    @zackk6402 7 років тому +1

    Well done. Great video.

  • @RapierGold
    @RapierGold 6 років тому

    Does it matter if my noise gate is in parallel? I know the isp g-string requires the loop to be in series.

    • @PlagueScytheStudios
      @PlagueScytheStudios  6 років тому +1

      This pedal definitely needs to be in a series loop if your parallel loop can't do a 100% wet mix, such as Mesa boogie fx loops that max out at about 85%.

    • @RapierGold
      @RapierGold 6 років тому

      Plague Scythe Studios Do you know where the Powerball_2 maxes out? I'm thinking it will work. I have only tried the ISP_2. I will probably give the G-string version a go. If that doesn't work I'll try out a ZUUL.

  • @PatrickJuhasz
    @PatrickJuhasz 6 років тому

    How does it react with sustained lead tones?
    Some gates cut the lead tones to far

    • @toneconsultant
      @toneconsultant 6 років тому

      Finally!!! The most important question that nobody’s answered. Any gate cuts noise or the signal. It’s the sustain & attack of a single note that makes or breaks your sound. How is the Zulu and it’s key input on that issue?

    • @rocketPower047
      @rocketPower047 5 років тому

      It still can get in the way if you turn it up too high

  • @RobbieTayVaughan
    @RobbieTayVaughan 6 років тому

    Anyone try the Hades Gate yet? I'm torn of these 2

    • @matttaylor1449
      @matttaylor1449 5 років тому

      Hades Gate looks cool and is well hyped, but i'd go Zuul if you can afford it.

  • @RetroDoneRight
    @RetroDoneRight 6 років тому

    Would it be worth getting this if I would only be using it with an axe fx 2?

    • @PlagueScytheStudios
      @PlagueScytheStudios  6 років тому +1

      Not at all. Tweaking the input gate and throwing a gate block after the amp will get you more than adequate results.

    • @RetroDoneRight
      @RetroDoneRight 6 років тому

      @@PlagueScytheStudios gracias, I figured but just wanted to make sure.

  • @ildi991
    @ildi991 6 років тому

    Where i can buy it?

    • @lyfeviv4490
      @lyfeviv4490 6 років тому

      KimDracula Tones google Mike Fortin. Are You daft? It is out of stock right now...

  • @ofwolves
    @ofwolves 2 роки тому

    How does it work for a noisy high gain amp? With the preamp boosted up Almost all the way? Love to see and hear what it does for that.

  • @rustynales4597
    @rustynales4597 4 роки тому

    Isp decimator g string for life

  • @hectikmgj
    @hectikmgj 7 років тому

    Great review, hopefully you can grow more to get a better camera lol

    • @hectikmgj
      @hectikmgj 7 років тому

      Nvm, for some reason this video started running at 144p when I clicked on it. Lol

    • @PlagueScytheStudios
      @PlagueScytheStudios  7 років тому +1

      +M1CKss I hate when the TV or mobile UA-cam app does that to me. Thanks for watching!

    • @hectikmgj
      @hectikmgj 7 років тому +1

      Plague Scythe Studios yeah it was so dumb, the video before streamed fine at 1080p, stupid Spectrum trying to get me to pay more money for the next level up of bandwidth. I wish Florida still had Verizon FiOS instead of Frontier...sigh. Anyways, love your stuff, very articulate and informative. Also you remind me of my old find Nate haha you could be his twin.

  • @Sebaskiller100
    @Sebaskiller100 6 років тому

    Zuul vs ISP Decimator II G String. What is the winner? Why?

    • @70mcnevin
      @70mcnevin 6 років тому

      The G String works just as well and doesn't require a splitter of any kind. I have two of them on two boards where I switch between very high gain and clean sounds and they work great. The Zuul would be just as great if it didn't require the splitter. The argument that they didn't want to add it because someone might hook it up wrong doesn't hold water with me. If they would simply include a small diagram of how to hook it up, it would solve any potential issues.

  • @bradleyrayson2955
    @bradleyrayson2955 6 років тому

    5:13 holy fucking feedback

  • @timreichert9982
    @timreichert9982 5 років тому

    I always go compressor first, noise gate second, overdrive third...

  • @srh361
    @srh361 4 роки тому

    All noise gates except the boss ns-2 only have one knob so not sure how one knob is unusual.

  • @birdbraINCorporated
    @birdbraINCorporated 6 років тому

    $225??????

  • @ЛисёнокФенек-ч1ч
    @ЛисёнокФенек-ч1ч 6 років тому

    33 very noise pedal

  • @fragmanialains
    @fragmanialains 7 років тому

    Juul

  • @hittinskinz24
    @hittinskinz24 6 років тому

    Over $200 for a noise gate is ridiculous.

    • @nickpep9730
      @nickpep9730 6 років тому +1

      Pricey, I agree...But so what, you get what you pay for! I've tried countless gates/noise suppressors($50 - over $200...cheap to expensive ) and none come close, or even compare to the Zuul or ISP Decimator (original, II, or II G string). Both amazing and worth the cost!! Again, in my opinion, why pay less for crap/or stuff that doesn't perform as you want it to/as good as it should.! If you use a high gain amp, and want a tight, noiseless setup, do yourself a favor (don't be cheap/....save up if you need)....disappointment won't be an issue with the Zuul or Decimator.

    • @hittinskinz24
      @hittinskinz24 6 років тому +1

      Nick Pep for a noise gate, which just opens when you play, and closes when you don't, I don't understand what the difference is. Gates dont color your sound, or modulate. I have a gate that works like a charm and it was $20.

  • @eschristoffersen
    @eschristoffersen Рік тому

    I would really think twice before supporting this company and their shady ethics. Hitting a small Ukrainian boutique company with a cease and desist is simply too low. Especially in these times.

  • @kelvynyeang3207
    @kelvynyeang3207 6 років тому

    jesus speaks

  • @iptranslations1987
    @iptranslations1987 4 роки тому

    NS2 is the way better!

  • @8Junio76
    @8Junio76 4 роки тому

    Thumbs down for all the commercial adds.

  • @ktmrider450exc
    @ktmrider450exc 2 роки тому

    Cut the hype fortin pedals suck