Elektron Musical Instruments

I just got a used sidstation and I'm wondering whether the sometimes
extreme levels of noise are "normal" or whether this unit might be
defective.  I expected it to be noisy, but I don't see how anyone
could actually use some of these patches.  I was surprised to find the
level of noise varying dramatically from one patch to another -- is
that "normal"?

Given that Elektron themselves recognize the noise problem, and
recommend in the manual that you get a noise gate, why on earth
didn't they just build an optional noise gate into the thing in
the first place?  It can't cost more than a couple of extra dollars
in parts, and would be way cheaper and less hassle than adding an
external gate (which then needs its own power, connectors, cables,
etc.).

 - Roger