I am looking for a simple way of removing voltages under a certain level.
I have been successful in doing this with a the use of an LED, but the drop in voltage is far too much.
This is for a synthesizer I have been working on. The voltage controlled amplitude module works well, except that when it should be silent, you can still just barely hear the sounds of the input signal.
Thanks.
Well use a plain diode!
Schottky 1N5819 0.3 V
1N4001 0.6V
both 1A, many more types for lower and higher current
Verbal description probably won't be very effective for this question.
I agree, except has there been a 'verbal' description so far posted. 
Without an operational definition of "removing voltages " there is too much room for us not understanding your requirements. Does remove mean voltage should measure zero below the defined threshold? Does it mean the measurement point should be 'floating' below the threshold? Along with a circuit drawing a clear discription of what it is that you are trying to accomplish would be most useful.
Lefty
whats wrong with an internet handle?
the zener diode worked perfect thanks.
i know there are noise gate circuits out there, but the ones i see are usually variable (i just need something constant) and i'm trying to keep this schematic as simple as possible.
and i'm trying to keep this schematic as simple as possible.
What schematic?
the zener diode worked perfect thanks.
Who here suggested a zener?
here's some pictures:
schematic:
module:
picture describing the problem:
and to clarify, I am using a 1N914 diode where the signal output is in the schematic. it's not zener, i don't know where i got that from.
here's a video of the synthesizer so that you may have a better understanding of what is going on.
the diode will reduce all voltages though, you should be aware of that.
you could use a 1381 voltage controlled trigger integrated circuit, but I think the lowest trigger voltage they go to is 2v, so it may not be suitable, and they are getting harder to find.
another option is the Maxim 8212, which should be more configurable, and is easy to find, but is only available as a smt device.
both of the above are meant as voltage supervisors, so I don't know how good their audio performance will be.
I think I can live with the voltage drop. 5v is a bit higher than line level anyways.
Thank you for the suggestions, though.
;D