The KMA Machines Pylon is a noise gate built around a Blackmer VCA. This is the same type of voltage-controlled amplifier used in professional studio dynamics processors.
The Blackmer VCA is known for transparency and its ability to gate cleanly without pumping. KMA combine this with an Active Transformer Boost (ATB) circuit that adds a clean signal level boost alongside the gating function.
Most noise gates simply cut the signal when it drops below a threshold. The Pylon goes further. The ATB circuit adds up to 30dB of clean boost on top of the gating, which means you can use it to raise the level of your clean signal as well as taming noise.
The Blackmer VCA gives a natural, musical gate response that doesn’t chop notes unnaturally or introduce the metallic click that cheaper gate circuits can produce.
A built-in audio transformer adds heft and low-end harmonics without the phase issues EQ can cause.
Controls
- Threshold: Sets the signal level below which the gate closes. Turn it up to gate more aggressively; turn it down for a more open response.
- Cut: Selects the centre frequeny of the 6dB/octave slope – 65Hz to 730Hz
- Range Toggle Switch: Sets detection range for trigger circuit
- Boost: Output level control with +30dB gain if needed
- Boost Toggle Switch:
- Sync: Boost turns on with gate
- Off: Boost always off
- On: Boost always on
- EXT input:
- A slide switch sets it to BP or TR. In BP, an external momentary switch toggles bypass.
- In TR, an external source triggers the gate, for example feeding in a kick drum to lock riffs to it.
- Channel Output: switches your amp’s channel in sync with the pedal, with a polarity switch. Also works as a remote switch for other gear.
- Send / Return : jacks allow the 4-cable method.
- Internal DIP Switch: Ground lift
Key Features
- Blackmer VCA-based noise gate — studio-grade transparency
- Active Transformer Boost (ATB) — up to 30dB clean boost
- Threshold control for precise gate behaviour
- Boost independently switchable from gate
- Natural, musical gate response — no pumping or metallic artefacts
- True bypass
- Made in Berlin, Germany
Power
9V DC centre-negative. 160mA current draw
Watch The KMA Audio Machines Pylon In Action
FAQs
A Blackmer VCA (Voltage-Controlled Amplifier) is a type of audio gain control circuit used in professional studio dynamics processors. It’s known for exceptional transparency and a natural, musical response. In a noise gate, a Blackmer VCA gives cleaner, more natural gating without the pumping, breathing, or metallic click artefacts that cheaper gate circuits introduce.
It adds a clean signal boost of up to 30dB, independently switchable from the gate function. You can use the boost with the gate active, or use just the boost on its own as a clean level-raiser. The transformer-based design gives the boost a slightly musical character rather than a purely transparent boost.
Typically at the beginning of the chain, before your drive pedals, to tame noise from pickups and cables before it enters the rest of your signal chain. Some players prefer it after high-gain pedals to gate the output of those pedals specifically. Try both positions.
Yes, the ATB boost is independently switchable from the gate function. You can use it as a clean boost on its own.
Yes, true bypass throughout.
9V DC centre-negative. 160mA
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