Music / Instruments
User Manual for Fortin Zuul Blacked Out Edition Noise Gate Pedal
Quick guide for the Fortin Zuul Blacked Out Edition noise gate pedal. Learn how to set up 2-cable and 4-cable configurations, understand the KEY input, and optimize your noise gate settings.
Table of contents
Quick guide from the manual
The Fortin Zuul Blacked Out Edition is a high-quality noise gate pedal designed for guitar, bass, or any signal source. It features a threshold knob that controls the dynamics of the gate circuit. The pedal includes a dual-color LED for visual feedback: Green indicates the gate is open, Orange indicates the gate is closed, and Off indicates the pedal is in bypass mode.
Controls and Features
- BYPASS: True bypass footswitch.
- GATE: Adjusts the level required to open the noise gate and allow the signal to pass through.
- KEY: Used for 3CM (3-Cable Method) and 4CM (4-Cable Method) setups. It allows the Zuul to trigger directly from your guitar signal, unaffected by earlier pedals. A splitter cable is required to separate the in/out of the Zuul Key.
- GROUND LIFT SWITCH: Use this switch to eliminate noise caused by ground loops when using the KEY input in 3CM or 4CM configurations.
- ZUUL IN: Connect to amp effects (3CM/4CM) or instrument input (2CM).
- ZUUL OUT: Connect to time-based effects like modulations, reverbs, and delays (3CM/4CM) or to the next unit in the chain (2CM).
Setup Methods
The pedal supports various configurations depending on your rig:
- 2 Cable Method (2CM): Standard connection for simple setups.
- 3 Cable Method (3CM) / 4 Cable Method (4CM): Recommended for the best response. These methods utilize the KEY input to trigger the gate directly from your guitar signal, allowing you to go from clean to high gain without adjusting the Threshold knob.
Power Requirements
The pedal requires a 9-12V DC center pin negative, fully regulated external power supply. The power draw is 40mA.
Troubleshooting
If you experience noise caused by ground loops when using the KEY input in 3CM or 4CM setups, engage the Ground Lift switch to eliminate the interference.
Practical help
Common problems
Noise caused by ground loops
Engage the Ground Lift switch when using the KEY input in 3CM or 4CM setups.
Gate not triggering correctly with high gain
Use the KEY input with a 3CM or 4CM setup to trigger the gate directly from your guitar signal, bypassing the influence of dirt pedals.
Before use
- Ensure you have a 9-12V DC center pin negative power supply.
- Verify your desired setup method (2CM, 3CM, or 4CM).
- If using 3CM or 4CM, ensure you have a splitter cable for the KEY input.
- Check that the power supply is fully regulated.
Images and diagrams
- The manual provides signal flow diagrams for 2-cable and 4-cable methods, both with and without FX loops.
- Diagrams illustrate where to place the Zuul in relation to your amplifier, effects loop, and other pedals.
Model compatibility
- The KEY input feature is only applicable for 3CM and 4CM setups.
- A splitter cable is mandatory for the KEY input functionality.
Manual page author
Michael Turner
Technical manual editor
Reviews PDF manuals for structure, safety notes, and practical product details so readers can find the right information quickly.