About this guide
A low pass gate (LPG) is the module that gives Buchla-style patches their organic, plucky, decaying character — part filter, part VCA, all vibe. Whether you want the classic vactrol “bongo” response or a modern vactrol-free take, here are the current-production modules worth a slot in your case.
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The picks, in detail
Make Noise Optomix
The most widely used vactrol LPG in Eurorack, now in a Rev 2 with added side-chain compression and CV tools.
- Dual channel vactrol LPG
- Rev 2 adds sidechain compression
- 8HP
- The reference LPG most patch tutorials assume you have
- Deep community knowledge base
- Vactrol response has run-to-run variance typical of the design
Doepfer A-101-2 Vactrol Lowpass Gate
Doepfer's budget-friendly take on the Buchla 292 circuit, a longtime staple of the classic Eurorack system.
- Vactrol-based LPG
- VCF/VCA combination
- 8HP
- One of the least expensive real vactrol LPGs available
- No onboard resonance control found on pricier modules
Tiptop Audio Buchla 292t Quad Lopass Gate
A licensed recreation of Don Buchla's own 292 circuit, in a 4-channel Eurorack format made with Buchla's cooperation.
- 4 independent LPGs
- Vactrol-based, official Buchla design
- CV inputs per channel
- As close to the original Buchla sound as Eurorack gets
- Four channels in one module
- Premium price for the vactrol-LPG category
Erica Synths Pico LPG
A compact 3HP vactrol LPG with switchable VCA/VCF mode, good for cases tight on space.
- 3HP
- Switchable VCA/VCF operation
- Configurable resonance, built-in decay envelope
- Smallest footprint of the vactrol options here
- Inexpensive
- Single channel per module, so stereo use needs two
Make Noise DXG
A modern, vactrol-free dual stereo low pass gate and mixer, built for patches that need true stereo LPG processing.
- Dual stereo channels
- Vactrol-free LPG circuit
- Built-in mixer section
- True stereo operation unlike most single-channel LPGs
- Consistent, repeatable response (no vactrol drift)
- Higher HP and price than a single vactrol LPG
Steady State Fate Steady State Gate
A discrete, non-vactrol multi-mode LPG with an extra timbre-shaping stage, from a boutique maker known for unusual filter designs.
- Multi-mode LPG
- Discrete (non-vactrol) circuit
- Additional timbre-modifying stage
- 8HP
- Distinctive character beyond a standard vactrol LPG clone
- Smaller-batch boutique module, availability can be limited
AI Synthesis AI017 Vactrol Low Pass Gate
An updated take on the classic Buchla 200-series LPG with a tunable resonance/Depth control, sold built or as a kit.
- Vactrol-based, tunable resonance
- Depth control for vintage-to-modern response
- Available pre-built or as a DIY kit
- Cheapest way in if you’re willing to build the kit yourself
- Best value requires soldering it yourself
What each one costs
Typical price, cheapest first. Tap a name to jump to that pick and its buy link.
Compare any three
| Make Noise Optomix | Doepfer A-101-2 Vactrol Lowpass Gate | Tiptop Audio Buchla 292t Quad Lopass Gate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $219-$239 | $100-$150 | $399-$449 |
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Buying tips
- Vactrol-based LPGs (Optomix, A-101-2, 292t, Pico LPG, AI017) give the classic organic “bongo” decay; non-vactrol designs (DXG, Steady State Gate) trade some of that character for consistency and speed.
- If your case is short on HP, the Pico LPG’s 3HP footprint is the smallest here — but you’ll need two for stereo.
- An LPG needs an envelope or CV source driving its control input to do anything interesting; budget a slot for that alongside it.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.