As a guitarist, achieving a clean and noise-free tone is crucial for both live performances and studio recordings. One of the most effective tools for eliminating unwanted noise and hum from your signal chain is a noise gate pedal.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top noise gate pedals on the market, how they work, and how to choose the right one for your needs.
What is a Noise Gate Pedal?
A noise gate pedal is an effects unit designed to reduce or eliminate unwanted noise from your guitar signal. It works by setting a threshold level – when the input signal falls below this threshold, the pedal automatically mutes or attenuates the output. This effectively “gates” out low-level noise while allowing your desired guitar signal to pass through unaffected.
Noise gates are particularly useful for:
- High-gain and distorted tones prone to buzz and hum
- Silent breaks between songs or sections
- Tightening up rhythmic playing, especially for metal and djent styles
- Cleaning up noisy single-coil pickups
How Noise Gate Pedals Work
The basic functionality of a noise gate pedal revolves around these key concepts:
- Threshold: This sets the signal level at which the gate opens or closes. Signals above the threshold pass through, while those below get muted.
- Attack: Determines how quickly the gate opens once the signal exceeds the threshold.
- Release/Decay: Controls how long the gate takes to close once the signal drops below the threshold.
- Reduction: Adjusts how much the signal is attenuated when the gate is closed.
Most noise gate pedals are placed at the end of your signal chain, just before any ambient effects like delay or reverb. This allows them to catch noise generated by distortion, fuzz, or other gain-heavy effects earlier in the chain.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Noise Gate Pedal
When shopping for a noise gate pedal, keep these factors in mind:
- Noise Reduction Effectiveness: How well does it eliminate unwanted noise without affecting your tone?
- Ease of Use: Are the controls intuitive and easy to adjust on the fly?
- Tone Preservation: Does the pedal color your sound or maintain transparency?
- Build Quality: Is it durable enough for gigging and touring?
- Additional Features: Some pedals offer advanced functions like multi-band gating or effects loops.
- Price and Value: Does it offer good performance for the cost?
Top Noise Gate Pedals Reviewed
1. ISP Technologies Decimator G-String II
The Decimator G-String II is widely regarded as one of the best noise gate pedals available, especially for high-gain applications.
Key Features:
- Patented tracking circuit for natural decay
- Separate guitar input for more accurate tracking
- True bypass switching
Pros:
- Extremely effective noise reduction
- Preserves note sustain and dynamics
- Versatile enough for various styles
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Slightly complex setup for beginners
Best For: Professional musicians and recording studios dealing with high-gain setups.
User Feedback: Many users praise its ability to clean up even the noisiest rigs without affecting tone quality.
2. TC Electronic Sentry
The TC Electronic Sentry offers advanced features in a compact, pedalboard-friendly format.
Key Features:
- Multi-band noise gate
- Built-in effects loop
- TonePrint technology for custom settings
Pros:
- Highly customizable
- Effective on a wide range of noise types
- Compact size
Cons:
- Can be complex to set up initially
- TonePrint editor has a learning curve
Best For: Guitarists who want precise control and the ability to create custom noise gate profiles.
User Feedback: Users love its versatility and the ability to dial in exact settings for different guitars or amp setups.
3. Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor
A classic choice known for its reliability and simplicity.
Key Features:
- Threshold and decay controls
- Built-in effects loop
- BOSS build quality
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Affordable
- Durable construction
Cons:
- Some users report slight tone coloration
- Not as transparent as higher-end models
Best For: Guitarists looking for a straightforward, budget-friendly noise gate solution.
User Feedback: While some experienced users prefer more advanced options, many praise its effectiveness for general use and live performances.
4. MXR Smart Gate
The MXR Smart Gate uses intelligent filtering to target specific noise frequencies.
Key Features:
- Three selectable ranges (HISS, MID, FULL)
- Trigger and release controls
- Compact design
Pros:
- Effective at preserving dynamics
- Simple interface
- Works well with various gain levels
Cons:
- Limited control compared to some higher-end models
- May require experimentation to find optimal settings
Best For: Guitarists who want an effective noise gate with a user-friendly interface.
User Feedback: Users appreciate its ability to reduce noise without affecting their tone, especially in live settings.
5. Electro-Harmonix Silencer
An affordable yet feature-packed noise gate option.
Key Features:
- Threshold, reduction, and release controls
- Built-in effects loop
- True bypass switching
Pros:
- Great value for money
- Effective noise reduction
- Sturdy build quality
Cons:
- Some users report a slight volume drop
- Not as transparent as premium options
Best For: Budget-conscious guitarists who still want a versatile noise gate with an effects loop.
User Feedback: Many users praise its performance relative to its price point, making it a popular choice for those new to noise gates.
Budget-Friendly Options
For those on a tighter budget, consider these affordable noise gate pedals:
- Behringer NR300: A simple, no-frills noise reducer that gets the job done.
- Donner Noise Killer: Compact and effective for basic noise reduction needs.
- Rowin Noise Gate: Another mini pedal option with good user reviews.
While these budget options may not offer the advanced features or pristine audio quality of premium models, they can still significantly improve your signal clarity, especially for practice or small gigs.
How to Use a Noise Gate Pedal Effectively
To get the most out of your noise gate pedal:
- Set the threshold carefully: Start low and gradually increase until unwanted noise is eliminated without cutting off your playing.
- Adjust the decay/release: Set it long enough to preserve natural note decay but short enough to catch noise between notes.
- Use the effects loop: If your pedal has one, place your noisiest effects in this loop for more accurate gating.
- Experiment with placement: While typically used at the end of the chain, try different positions to find what works best for your setup.
- Be mindful of pick attack: Very aggressive playing might trigger the gate unexpectedly, so adjust your technique or settings accordingly.
Additional Gear for Optimal Sound
While a noise gate pedal is crucial for clean tone, consider these complementary pieces of gear to enhance your overall sound:
- Guitar Power Amp: A dedicated guitar power amp can significantly improve your tone and volume, especially when paired with a noise gate pedal.
- Quality Headphones: For silent practice or monitoring, invest in a pair of best Bluetooth headphones under $100. They’ll allow you to hear the subtle improvements your noise gate brings to your tone.
- Portable Speaker: When you’re on the go, a best Bluetooth speaker under $50 can be a great way to share your noise-free guitar sound with friends.
- ASMR Microphone: If you’re into recording, an ASMR microphone can capture the nuances of your playing, highlighting the clean signal your noise gate provides.
- Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): To protect your gear and ensure consistent power, consider investing in one of the best UPS units for your setup.
Conclusion
Choosing the best noise gate pedal depends on your specific needs, budget, and the type of noise you’re dealing with. For professional-grade performance and transparency, the ISP Technologies Decimator G-String II and TC Electronic Sentry lead the pack. The Boss NS-2 and MXR Smart Gate offer reliable performance at mid-range prices, while the Electro-Harmonix Silencer provides excellent value for those on a budget.
Remember, a noise gate is just one tool in crafting your ideal tone. Combine it with proper gain staging, quality cables, and good playing technique for the cleanest, most professional sound possible.
FAQs
Q: Can a noise gate pedal completely eliminate all noise?
A: While noise gates are very effective, they can’t eliminate all noise without risking your desired signal. They’re best used to reduce noise to an acceptable level.
Q: Will a noise gate affect my tone?
A: High-quality noise gates aim for transparency, but some subtle tone coloration is possible. Premium models like the Decimator G-String II are known for minimal tone impact.
Q: Where should I place a noise gate in my signal chain?
A: Typically, noise gates work best at the end of your chain, just before any ambient effects. However, experiment with different placements to find what works for your setup.
Q: Can I use a noise gate with acoustic guitar?
A: Yes, noise gates can be useful for acoustic-electric setups, especially in live settings. However, be careful not to set the threshold too high, as it may cut off the natural resonance of acoustic instruments.
Q: Are there any alternatives to hardware noise gate pedals?
A: Yes, many multi-effects units and amp modelers include noise gate functions. There are also software plugins available for recording applications. However, dedicated hardware pedals often offer more precise control and better real-time performance.
