The noise gate is one of the most underappreciated utility pedals. Guitar tuners are necessary, and most people are aware of their importance. A compressor’s colouring, on the other hand, can be quite musical and help develop a characteristic tone. The best noise gate pedals in the guitar world are more like insurance: they’re not cool, they’re usually not cheap, and you won’t even know they’re there if everything goes well.
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BOSS NS-2 Noise Suppressor/Power Supply Pedal
- Noise Suppress/Noise Gate Guitar Pedal
- Compact noise suppression pedal for eliminating noise and hum in guitar and...
- Unique noise detection circuit preserves the natural attack and envelope of...
The Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor pedal is the best noise gate pedal on the market. When we looked through forum postings about the best noise gate pedals, we found that the NS-2 was referenced and recommended far more than any other noise gate pedal. A wide range of professional guitarists and bassists utilize it than any other noise gate. The Edge, James Hetfield, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Jim Root. Boss NS-2 is a self-contained loop with one input, one output, and a send/return. If you don’t utilize an amp with an effects loop, the send return feature is versatile and handy. The NS-2, like most Boss pedals, can be powered by a 9v battery or power adapter.
The types of noise pedal controls high threshold and decay knobs on the NS-2’s top panel are used to fine-tune the elimination and suppression. The attenuated signal is controlled by the decay. A longer decay gives the filtered signal more time to fade out. Interesting element of the NS-2 is the mode knob. It has two modes of operation: reduction and silence. The normal mode is ‘reduction,’ which means the gate operates when the pedal is activated with the footswitch and stops when it is disengaged. The mute mode is a ‘always-on’ mode that allows you to employ the suppression all the time and turn it off with a footswitch. To minimize any mistake, Boss has incorporated an extra LED indicator (named Reduction) to reflect the real-time condition of the pedal in silent mode.
The Boss NS-2 is a workhorse that is dependable, durable, and equipped with all of the necessary functions. This great pedal will stay on your rig indefinitely if you don’t outgrow its capabilities. It’s an obvious no-brainer effect pedals because of the low price tag, long history, and 5-year warranty.
TC Electronic Sentry Noise Gate Suppressor
- State-of-the-art Multiband or Hard noise gate modes for instant noise...
- Send/Return for cleaning up noisy pedals or for creative side chaining
- Tone Print enabled - for a world of signature and customizable effects
The TC Electronic Sentry Noise Gate pedal provides a noise-free and dynamic performance. The Sentry Noise Gate uses TC’s cutting-edge multiband System 6000 algorithms to provide smooth, organic-sounding noise suppression.
TC Electronic has established itself as one of the leading manufacturers of guitar effects pedals on the market, delivering a steady stream of high-quality models. This pedal can provide you with organic sounding and noise reduction. There are no choppy cut-offs in the decay, which sounds extremely natural. Overall, we think this is the best noise gate pedal on the market and our top pick for this list.
The TC Sentry Noise Gate pedal has three specialized pots: Threshold parameter, which controls the sensitivity of the gate; Damp, which governs the rate at which the gate closes; and Decay, which controls how your notes fade in relation to the aperture of the gate. A three-way micro toggle controls two more modes in addition to TonePrint. Gate refers to the single-band gate nature of the noise gate algorithm, whilst Hiss refers to the multiband variant that is better for removing hisses and spits with a modest price tag.
This guitar effects pedals also has a mono effects loop that you may use to input any noise-making devices into it, such as overdrive and fuzz pedals. This is an excellent feature because it allows the gate to be triggered by the direct signal rather than the noise generated by your antique distortion pedal.
The TonePrint editor on your PC or iPad is the finest way to set up this pedal with pinpoint accuracy. It takes a little practice to get the hang of it, but it’s well worth it and really simple to use once you do. The Sentry noise gate pedal is a fantastic way to get rid of single-coil pickup hum without sacrificing tone. It’s also simple to find the threshold in Hiss mode. You’ll only need a few minutes to customize the decay and damp of the noise suppression pedal to your liking. When the gate is open, the pedal’s LED changes from red to green, which aids in locating the sweet spot. Overall, TC Electronic has created budget options of the best noise gate pedals on the market in 2023.
ISP Technologies Decimator II Noise Reduction Pedal
- Ultimate noise reduction pedal with unmatched performance
- Tracks the guitar signal directly from the guitar so you can leave the...
- New design allows connection of the processing channel to be inserted into...
The Decimator II noise gate guitar pedal from ISP improves on the original Decimator design to provide even more noise reduction. The Decimator II’s expander tracking uses linearized Time Vector Processing, resulting in very smooth sustained-note decay with virtually no release rippling. ISP Technologies’ Decimator II Noise Reduction Pedal is the company’s best-selling pedal for a reason. This is the second version of the original Decimator, and it has a great reputation among knowledgeable guitarists. It has excellent performance, a long-lasting build, and simple operation.
The ISP Decimator – first generation – was a major hit with those who said it had the best noise gating capabilities in the industry. While the appearance hasn’t changed much, the 2nd generation version contains patented advancements. The expander tracking uses Linear Time Vector Processing for a buttery smooth decay, a transparent release, and improved release reaction. The build quality pedal is built like a tank, as robust and stout as they come in terms of construction. With guitar in/out jacks on the sides and link in/out on the rear panel, it has a Boss-style design. The pedal is simple to use, with only one knob to adjust the threshold between -70dB and +10dB.
A 9V battery or a normal DC adaptor power supply may power the pedal. You can also use the pedal to track the guitar input signal by connecting it to another pedal. Yes, two Decimator II pedals can be used simultaneously. You could, for example, put one in front of the preamp and the other in front of the effects loops in the recording studio for volume and gain. The compressor pedals gets rid of noise without truncating notes or coloring the tone and can be used as a “set and forget” pedal for taming unruly single-coil pickups or high gain amps. It’s one of the most popular noise reduction pedals, and once you hear it, you’ll understand why. This is one of the best noise gates for guitar.
Jim Dunlop MXR M135 Smart Gate Noise Gate
- Three selectable noise reduction ranges
- Reacts gradually to long, sustained notes and quickly to short, syncopated...
- Fast attack time reserves picking transients and harmonic overtones
The MXR M135 Smart Gate Pedal provides intelligent gating that responds to the situation. As a result, this pedal is both musical and practical, as well as one of the greatest gate pedals available. The M135 Smart Gate is used by well-known guitarists such as Zoltan Bathory of 5 Finger Death Punch and Frank Iero of My Chemical Romance, and you should consider it as well. The MXR M 135 Smart Gate is a dynamic noise gate that is both adaptable and complex. This pedal’s casing has the MXR pedigree — a tough metal container with a top-notch footswitch. It’s made to take a beating in your pedal chain.
The top panel has a single threshold knob for controlling gate exposure as well as an LED indicator for reduction levels. The noise reduction settings are Full, Mid, and Hiss, and the pedal has a 3-way selector to change between them. The signal is attenuated to zero percent in full mode. It may shorten the sustain, but it’s ideal for quick riffing. Mid Mode is a partial gating effect that is the greatest way to eliminate Stratocaster hum without sacrificing sustain.
The pedal comes in two colors: gray and black. It has input and output jacks and runs on a single 9V battery or a standard adaptor. Despite the fact that it’s Hardwire Bypass rather than True Bypass, we didn’t observe any loss of tone or coloring.
The MXR Smart Gate is an excellent choice for your pedalboard, whether you have a hot-rodded Strat or a chug-ready ESP. It boasts a smart gating mechanism (smart gate) that adjusts to your playing tempo and delivers good value for money. The gate opens quickly during fast phrases and riffs and opens slowly during relaxed playing, particularly prolonged notes.
Electro-Harmonix The Silencer Guitar Noise Gate Pedal with Effects Loop
- Use it as an inline noise gate or to gate an entire effects loop
- Delivers up to -70dB of noise reduction
- Features 8ms to 4 seconds of release time
With the Electro-Harmonix Silencer noise gate/effects loop, you can silence your signal chain while also expanding your routing choices. This two-in-one pedal starts with a configurable noise gate that you may customize to your liking. For guitar players, Electro Harmonix is a name that needs no introduction. They’re behind a slew of iconic pedals, each with its own set of functions, construction, and aesthetics. The same can be said about the Silencer Noise Gate, a simple-to-use pedal that does an excellent job of noise reduction. The EHX Silencer is a popular analog circuit pedal. It has a tough chassis and high-quality dials, making it as durable as the best. A three-knob layout, an LED indication, and a robust footswitch are featured on the front panel. The knobs let you fine-tune threshold, reduction, and release settings.
The pedal includes four jacks: input, output, send, and return, as well as a wonderful compact design and a durable structure that can withstand a lot of abuse. It can be powered by a single 9V battery or a standard EHX 9.6 DC/200 AC adapter, all of which are included with your purchase. It has a smooth and polished finish thanks to the jet black hue and professional design. On your pedalboard, this thing will look and play fantastically. Threshold controls when the gate opens, reduction controls how much the level is dropped, and release controls how fast the signal decays when it drops trigger level. You can adjust the decrease from -70 to +4 dB and the release time from 4ms to 4 seconds.
It’s a full-featured pedal with input/output jacks, send/return jacks, and an AC jack for using an adapter to power the pedal. You may also use a 9V battery to power it. It’s a ‘buffered bypass’ pedal, not a true bypass. Even when the pedal is turned off, the buffered bypass keeps the effects loop in the signal line. There is no discernible tone coloring or signal loss, though. It’s perfect for combating a single noisy pedal in a busy fx loop thanks to the send/return jacks. There is no tone degradation or sustained note shortening, and the decay sounds smooth.
Behringer Noise Reducer NR300 Ulitmate Noise Reduction Instrument Effects Pedal
- Behringer Noise Reducer NR300 Effects Pedal - (9V Battery and PSU-SB DC...
- Effectively eliminate unwanted noise and hum without altering your tone
- This Behringer product has been designed to compete head to head with...
The Behringer Noise Reducer Nr300 has been on the market for a long time and continues to be a best-seller, with a slew of positive reviews to back it up. It’s a fantastic tool that’s especially useful for guitarists looking to get rid of unpleasant buzz caused by single coil pickups.
The Nr300 is effectively a two-in-one pedal with two separate modes: reduction and mute. When in Reduction mode, you can use the functional knobs to shape your tone in order to keep the overall quality of your sound while also adjusting the amount of cancellation. The pedal effectively works as a highly effective on/off switch for your guitar when in Mute mode.
The Behringer is one of the best in terms of value for money. This device is just as powerful as the Boss NS-2, yet it costs a third of the price. It has a similar look to the Boss, but because it is made of hard plastic, it lacks the same air of invincibility. However, unless you are stomping quite hard, you are unlikely to damage it. It has two LED lights displays, one to show when the device is turned on and the other to show when noise suppression is active. The functioning is straightforward, and the knobs are simple to operate. The Nr300 can be powered by a single 9V battery or a power source in the form of a PSU-SB DC adaptor, just like other pedals.
Donner Noise Killer Pedal
- [Noise Gate pedal] Noise reduction range: -70—+10dB.
- [2 Modes Noise Gate] Hard/Soft Mode. Hard: Faster, harder noise reduction....
- [Noise Killer] Donner Noise Killer features fast noise detection and smooth...
If you’re short on cash and your pedalboard is nearly full, the Donner Noise Killer gate pedal is an excellent option. This small pedal provides gating at a low cost and in a small package. The Noise Killer is the best budget Noise gate for this list thanks to its simplistic design and signature Donner sturdy chassis, as well as its low price and small form size.
The Noise Killer is a sophisticated noise gate pedal with two noise reduction modes that is incredibly easy to use. The noise detection circuit is quick, and the attack/release is smooth, so everything stays silent as you play. A genuine bypass switch, a threshold knob, and a hard/soft mode switch are all included in the Noise Killer gate pedal. It’s so small that nothing else will fit in it, but it’ll almost certainly fit in your pedalboard.
The Noise Killer is a simple and easy-to-use device. Simply place it in your chain where you think it’ll work best (typically first), adjust the threshold slider until all background noise is gone, then fine-tune it from there.
If you turn it up too loud, it will choke the tone or cut notes off sooner than expected, so double-check it before recording or performing a show. This is a simple procedure, though, because once the level is selected, you can pick between harsh and soft mode, which determines how quickly the gate cuts in. There is an audible difference between the two, so familiarize yourself with the sounds of each mode first.
It’s normally ideal to have a softer gate for lead playing or softer rhythm work, but if you’re mostly playing heavy riffs and want them to sound correct when you mute, choose hard mode. For a gate pedal in this price range, the Donner Noise Killer performs admirably. It’s a great choice for musicians who are on the verge of being broke or simply prefer to spend their money elsewhere. This is the best noise suppressor pedal.
Mooer MNR1 Guitar Noise Gate Pedal
- Hard Mode: Provide hard effect of noise reduction
- Soft Mode: Provide soft effect of noise reduction
- Very small and exquisite full metal shell
Mooer may be a newcomer to the stompbox market, but it has established a good reputation for producing compact pedals of high quality and performance. The MNR1 is no different. This small pedal is ideal for those who want a noise gate that they can forget about.
The MNR1 is a True Bypass noise gate pedal with a straightforward one-knob operation and small footprint. I can think of two scenarios in which this Noise Killer would be useful: a) you have a problem with single-coil guitar hum, and b) you don’t want to spend a lot of money or pedalboard space.
It contains two input and output jacks, as well as an LED On/Off indication and a sturdy metal footswitch. The threshold range can be set between -70dB and +10dB using the pedal’s single knob/dial. The two working modes – Hard and Soft – are accessed by a flick switch located above the knob. You’ll notice a sharp and accurate cut in Hard mode for rapid start/stop riffs. Soft mode provides a more gradual decay that is appropriate for non-metal genres. Soft mode is also preferable for solos and long notes if you want to add some aesthetic drag.
The metal casing is durable, and the best cheap noise gate pedal is light as a feather. It’s built to survive abuse despite those two factors. The main drawback is that it requires 9V power from a DC adaptor to operate. It does not have the option of being powered by a 9V battery, which is typical of tiny pedals.
The Mooer MNR1 is small, tough, and ready to go. It’s simple to use and provides convenience at a reasonable price. It’s not as adaptable as some of the other full-sized alternatives in our roundup. Nonetheless, it performs as expected and may be an excellent complement to a busy pedalboard. This is the best budget noise gate pedal.
BEHRINGER NR300 Ultimate Noise Reduction Effects Pedal
- Behringer Noise Reducer NR300 Effects Pedal - (9V Battery and PSU-SB DC...
- Effectively eliminate unwanted noise and hum without altering your tone
- This Behringer product has been designed to compete head to head with...
If the Behringer appears familiar, it’s because it resembles the Boss NS-2 in many ways. The downside, as with many Behringer tiny pedals, is that it has a plastic housing, however we’ve found these to be rather durable in our experience.
The Nr300 is effectively a two-in-one pedal with two separate modes: reduction and mute. When in Reduction mode, you can use the functional knobs to shape your tone in order to keep the overall quality of your sound while also adjusting the amount of cancellation. The pedal effectively works as a highly effective on/off switch for your guitar when in Mute mode.
Obviously, they won’t withstand the punishment that a metal enclosure would, but keep in mind that anything powerful enough to destroy the Behringer but not the Boss will also tear the knobs off. It sounds equally as good and has a send/return loop, making it the most affordable noise suppression or gate pedal on the market.
The best noise suppressor pedal has two LED lights displays, one to show when the device is turned on and the other to show when noise suppression is active. The functioning is straightforward, and the knobs are simple to operate. The Nr300 can be powered by a single 9V battery or a power source in the form of a PSU-SB DC adaptor, just like other pedals.
TC Electronic Iron Curtain Noise Gate Pedal
- Speedy and effective noise Gate reduces unwanted noise from your guitar...
- Easy to use 2-knob interface controls threshold and decay
- Toggle switch lets you choose between muting signal completely or reducing...
The TC Electronic Iron Curtain Noise Gate pedal removes radio frequency interference and 60-cycle hum for a clear, noise-free playing experience. It has a simple two-knob layout that makes this stompbox very user-friendly. Simply adjust the Threshold knob until the noise is gone, then fiddle with the Decay knob to prevent premature gating.
This pedal is designed like a tank, with a tough and durable metal housing. Its genuine bypass design also keeps your tone when the effect is turned off. The Iron Curtain is also a fantastic alternative for musicians on a tight budget who want a noise gate pedal that is sturdy and does the job because of its inexpensive price.
Pigtronix Gatekeeper Micro Hum Eliminator Noise Gate Pedal
- Lightning Fast: Gatekeeper is a lightning fast, studio-quality noise gate...
- Designed for all Rigs: Mercilessly cutting out any and all sounds you...
- Ergonomics: Gatekeeper provides 100% attenuation with unprecedented...
Don’t be fooled by its diminutive size; the Gatekeeper Micro is just as effective as any other simple gate, but at a higher cost considering its simplicity. The Gatekeeper Micro, on the other hand, could be just what you need if you’re short on pedalboard space and just want a’set and forget’ noise gate effect to get rid of the worst of your noise problems with studio grade circuitry.
VSN Noise Killer Guitar Noise Gate Suppressor Effect Pedal
- ♪ ♪【NOISE GATE PEDAL】Reduces the noise from input signal without...
- ♪ ♪【2 MODES】Hard Mode: Provide hard effect of noise reduction, Soft...
- ♪ ♪【SOLID CONSTRUCTION】Case body made of high-quality alloy,...
A huge rotating control knobs is located in the pedal’s middle and can be used to adjust the gate’s threshold. A switch located above this control toggles between Hard and Soft mode. When playing chords, I like to use the Soft mode to give my tone more room to express itself, and when playing a solo, I like to use the Hard setting to ensure maximum clarity.
The VSN Noise Killer gates a guitar signal with admirable precision for the price. The manufacturer has definitely made improvements to their regular stompbox design in order to increase the performance of this pedal without boosting its price too much. The Noise Killer stands out from other similar items because of its mix of cost and dependability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Noise Gate Pedal?
If your signal contains a lot of unwanted noise, then you should absolutely get one. The best technique to clean up your output is to use noise gates. As with every guitar effects pedal, there are a variety of optimal settings that must be made in order for it to work at its best. With simply a threshold knob to adjust, some pedals are simple to set up. Others will require a little more tinkering to achieve the desired tone.
Where does a Noise Gate Pedal go in the signal chain?
Every guitar player’s signal chain is unique, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. That’s especially true if you’re dealing with many effects pedals. A noise gate pedal works well after gain effects like distortion or overdrive and before reverb, delay pedals, or time-based effects, as a general rule.
This ensures that any increased noise levels caused by utilizing a gain instrument (such as distortion, overdrive, fuzz, or a clean boost) are removed before they are processed by the time-based units, which can muddy your sound even more.
Rack Mount Noise Gate or Noise Gate Pedal?
Each has advantages and disadvantages, and it all comes down to what is best for you. A rack-mounted unit has more physical space, which allows it to accommodate a larger circuit board and, as a result, a more sophisticated circuit design. A rack-mounted device may also have more tweakable options and, especially with some of the higher-end studio systems, may provide a cleaner signal overall.