Top Best Noise Gate Pedal Reviews In 2023

Jack

By Jack

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best noise gate pedal

Finding the best noise gate pedal on the internet will consume a lot of your time if you are a beginner in music accessories. The guitar is one of the instruments that need a lot of accessories to tune out the music to your satisfactory level.

Finding the best noise gate pedal will help you achieve that note. On the shopping website or in your local store, you will see plenty of them on the shelf; this will only leave you with more confusion.

In this article, you are going to find the answer to the best noise gate pedal that you can get for your system.

What is a Noise Gate Pedal?

A noise gate pedal is an audio effect device that allows you to control and eliminate unwanted noise from your signal chain. It works by setting a threshold level below which the pedal will mute or reduce the volume of the signal.

When you play your guitar and the volume surpasses the threshold, the noise gate pedal allows the signal to pass through unaffected. However, when you stop playing or the volume drops below the threshold, the pedal cuts off the signal, effectively silencing any unwanted noise.

Benefits of Using a Noise Gate Pedal

Using a noise gate pedal offers several benefits to guitarists and musicians in general. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages:

a. Noise Reduction

The primary benefit of a noise gate pedal is its ability to reduce unwanted noise, such as hum, hiss, or feedback, from your guitar signal. This ensures a cleaner and more professional sound, especially when playing in a live setting or recording in a studio.

b. Improved Dynamic Range

By eliminating background noise, a noise gate pedal helps enhance the dynamic range of your playing. The quiet parts become even quieter, and the loud parts retain their impact, resulting in a more expressive and captivating performance.

c. Enhanced Tonal Clarity

Unwanted noise can mask the subtleties of your guitar tone. With a noise gate pedal, you can achieve greater tonal clarity by removing any distractions and allowing the true essence of your instrument to shine through.

d. Reduced Feedback

When playing at high volumes or in close proximity to your amplifier, feedback can become a significant problem. A noise gate pedal helps combat this issue by silencing any feedback before it becomes disruptive, allowing you to play with confidence and control.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Noise Gate Pedal

When selecting a noise gate pedal, it’s important to consider certain factors to ensure you find the right one for your specific requirements. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

a. Threshold Control

The threshold control determines the level at which the noise gate pedal activates. It’s crucial to choose a pedal that offers a threshold range suitable for your playing style and the level of noise you need to suppress.

b. Release Time

The release time refers to how quickly the pedal reacts when the input signal falls below the threshold. A shorter release time allows for faster muting, while a longer release time can create more natural-sounding fades. Consider the release time options offered by different pedals to find one that suits your preferences.

c. Side Chain Options

Some advanced noise gate pedals provide side chain inputs or outputs, allowing you to connect additional devices or control parameters externally. If you require this level of flexibility, make sure to choose a pedal that offers suitable side chain options.

d. Build Quality and Durability

Since a noise gate pedal will be an integral part of your guitar rig, it’s essential to invest in a well-built and durable unit. Look for pedals made with high-quality materials to ensure longevity and reliability.

e. Budget

Consider your budget when searching for a noise gate pedal. There are options available at various price points, so determine how much you’re willing to spend and find a pedal that offers the best value for your money.

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Top Best Noise Gate Pedals

Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor Pedal

Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor Pedal

People who are familiar with Boss products know what they stand for. Which is a simplistic product without going over technical? Boss NS-2 delivers just that. While the name of this noise gate pedal may sound new, it has been around since the late ’80s.

This noise pedal is configured with input/output and send/return. You can use input/output to reduce the sound coming off the amp, but it may decrease every noise; some of the noise may exist in other pedals. The send/return would allow you to set the pedal anywhere.

Why Boss NS-2 has considered the best noise gate pedal is the feature it packs in. This noise gate pedal will recognize your guitar signal to activate as the signal slowly lowers.

This helps you acquire a lossless, untouched guitar signal. Having the feature to recognize the guitar signal and working to surpass the additional sound makes this one of the * keywords in the market.

You have to do a little experience with the pedal to find the perfect place for the device. So you can get the best sound out of it. It runs on a 9V battery or an additional power supply.

ISP Technologies Decimator II Noise Reduction Pedal

ISP Technologies Decimator II Noise Reduction Pedal

ISP’s technologies decimator II is somewhat new to the market; decimator I was a success amongst music fanatics. The decimator II doesn’t slow anything down. It takes a step further from decimator I.

This pedal brings a high noise reduction level by tracking the guitar’s signal and applying a limiter to the user. It’s not going to do everything on its own, which means you do not get a disappearance of the signal with this pedal because it will be waiting for user input. The pedal is quite sensitive compared to other noise gate pedals on the list.

You have to be very gentle with handling the pedal, or you might lose more than you want. The pedal works anywhere in the chain, but you can place it anywhere you see fit, whether after an overdrive or before the reverb.

The pedal is made of strong material and won’t show signs of breaking down. You will be able to reduce the noise coming off the guitar, but it will not have any positive or negative effects on the guitar itself. Every other pedal will require you to put enough time on the machine to get the full scope of the thing.

ISP’s technologies decimator II operates on a 9v battery or power supply, and this noise pedal is quite expensive. But this is one of the best noise gate pedals you can get on the market.

TC Electronic Sentry Noise Gate Pedal

TC Electronic Sentry Noise Gate Pedal

As you can tell, this noise gate pedal is a multi-band noise gate pedal that provides a better gate to prevent unwanted noise from the signal. It is one of the easier and, at the same time, harder pedals to understand.

Let’s get what it offers on the surface; then, we will go through the harder aspect of this device. The pedal comes with three controls: Threshold, decay, and dampness. You can find threshold and decay in almost every noise gate pedal on this list.

But the addition of the control Damp makes this noise gate pedal unique. It controls how much of the signal is being reduced after they stop sending any signals.

Another unique feature of TC Electronic Sentry is the Toneprint. The tone print app allows access to customized settings that you can use on the pedal.

This requires you to have a little knowledge of handling software on the computer, or you will be dumbfounded by the sheer amount of things you will have access to here. TC Electronic Sentry is a high-level noise reducer; you can cut noise from anywhere on the track.

While it is easier on the surface, the functions it packs in once you start peeking behind the curtain features might leave you awestruck. The design of the pedal is solid, but it is expensive.

MXR M135 Smart Gate Noise Gate

MXR M135 Smart Gate Noise Gate

Here is another noise gate pedal that features three control features. It adds three levels of suppression choices full, mid, and hiss. It will go through the notes and recognize the sound variety, deciding what to block and not to touch.

When your sound goes below its threshold, the noise will start to show its effects on the track. It’s a very effective pedal, no matter where you decide to place it. It can even block the noise coming from other pedals as well.

The threshold is easier to adjust and use, and every aspect of the pedal is simple and simple to use. The reason why this is one of the best noise gate pedals, compared to others, is that it is not that expensive. With moderate pricing offering decent value, It runs on a 9v battery and power supply.

Electro-Harmonix The Silencer Guitar Noise Gate Pedal With Effects Loop
Going by the looks, this pedal is small, but it can handle the damage. This pedal also lands on the efficient and practical side of the pedals, offering more features in a decent price range.

The reason why this is one of the best noise gate pedals on this list is the simplistic look that it offers. You have your basic controls, threshold, release, reduction, and your basic input/output sockets as well.

The threshold will decide to block out the noise once the signal reaches a certain point. Reduce will control the gated signal, and the control option will decide how long the gate should be open after the signal falls to a specific degree.

The price of this pedal is very low, and it is the best value of money pedal on this list. If you don’t want too much on a medal while getting all the striking features of a pedal, then this one is just made for you.

Donner Noise Killer Guitar Effect Pedal Noise Gate

Donner Noise Killer Guitar Effect Pedal Noise Gate

Donner is known for making affordable pedals while maintaining quality, which can be very hard to come by in a pedal that comes in a decent price range. It has a very hard/soft toggle switch, and LED pedal status lights up the entire paddle, giving it more of a premium look.

If you set it on hard, then you are going to hit the noise levels hard; the experience is required to use it effectively to work in your favor. Some noise can be persistent; to get rid of the noise out of the track, you need to hit the hard mode. The soft mode, on the other hand, can produce good results.

This is one of the values for a money pedal that takes a 9v battery with a casing made of aluminum alloy.

Behringer Noise Reducer NR300 Ulitmate Noise Reduction Instrument Effects Pedal

Behringer Noise Reducer NR300

Here we have another cost-effective pedal made by Behringer. They are much more known to bring more quality to the table on moderate price offerings.

You might not get any value from this pedal on the design, but on the perforce, it will shatter your expectations. At the end of the day, that is all that matters.

NR300 noise gate is a pedal that knows what the user wants without providing the user with overwhelming functions. The pedal features two basic modes mute and reduction.

The controls allow you to adjust the amount as you see fit, preventing the pedal from completely interfering with your sound.

It runs on 9v and can run on the power supply. It does everything that you would expect from a noise pedal, which makes this the best noise gate pedal to get for your instrument.

Mooer EQ Effects Pedal 2.25 x 4.25 x 1.75″ Noise Killer

Mooer EQ Effects Pedal 2.25 x 4.25 x 1.75″

Amongst all the pedals mentioned on this list, this one has an uncommon look to it. But don’t let that fool you from believing that it doesn’t pack any punches in the noise-canceling option.

It does this by providing the user with hard and soft settings. Choose the hard setting if you really want the pedal to attack the sound; choose soft if you want a gradual reduction of the sound.

It operates on the basic level; it does what it set out to do; Moor EQ does it effectively, eliminating the noise. If you have too many types of equipment, this one would fit right in because of its compact size.

Unlike most of the pedals on the list, this one comes with its own AC power supply. And it is very cost-effective.

How to Use a Noise Gate Pedal Effectively

Using a noise gate pedal effectively involves a few key steps:

  1. Threshold Setting: Start by setting the threshold control to the desired level. Adjust it until the pedal cuts off the unwanted noise but allows your guitar signal to pass through when you’re playing.
  2. Release Time Adjustment: Experiment with different release time settings to find the right balance between quick muting and natural fades. Adjust it according to your playing style and the overall dynamics of your performance.
  3. Side Chain Integration: If your noise gate pedal has side chain options, explore their functionality. Connect external devices or use side chain inputs to create advanced gating effects or trigger the pedal with specific audio sources.
  4. Placement in Signal Chain: Consider the placement of the noise gate pedal in your signal chain. Typically, it’s recommended to position it after any distortion or overdrive effects but before time-based effects such as delay or reverb.
  5. Fine-Tuning: Spend time fine-tuning the pedal’s settings to achieve the best results for your particular setup and playing style. Keep experimenting and making adjustments until you’re satisfied with the noise reduction and overall sound quality.

Tips for Getting the Best Results

To get the best results from your noise gate pedal, keep the following tips in mind:

  • Start with Conservative Settings: Begin with conservative threshold and release time settings and gradually increase them if needed. This prevents unintended signal cutoffs and ensures a natural-sounding performance.
  • Experiment with Side Chain Effects: If your noise gate pedal offers side chain functionality, don’t hesitate to experiment with various external devices or audio sources. This opens up new creative possibilities for unique gating effects.
  • Consider the Noise Floor: Take into account the ambient noise level of your performance environment or recording setup. Adjust the threshold accordingly to effectively suppress noise without compromising the desired signal.
  • Combine with Other Effects: Noise gate pedals work well in conjunction with other effects pedals. Experiment with different combinations to achieve your desired tone and sonic character.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Here are some common issues you might encounter with noise gate pedals and possible troubleshooting steps:

  1. Excessive Cut-Off: If the pedal cuts off your desired signal, try adjusting the threshold control to a higher setting or reducing the release time. Find the right balance to maintain a noise-free performance without sacrificing your intended guitar sound.
  2. Unwanted Chattering: Chattering occurs when the noise gate opens and closes rapidly, creating an undesirable clicking sound. To address this, increase the release time slightly until the chattering is eliminated.
  3. Unresponsive Gate: If the noise gate pedal is not effectively reducing the noise, ensure it is placed correctly in the signal chain. Also, check if the threshold control is properly adjusted and the connections are secure.
  4. Interference or Grounding Issues: If you experience interference or grounding issues, check your cables and connections for any faults. Using high-quality cables and ensuring proper grounding can help minimize these problems.

If you encounter persistent issues with your noise gate pedal, consult the manufacturer’s manual or seek assistance from a professional technician.

Conclusion

Now you probably have an idea of the best noise gate pedal and what makes a decent noise gate pedal the best in the market.

Compare all the details of the products mentioned above to other noise gate pedals. Soon you will find differences in money, sound, and power consumption. These things make the noise pedal worthy of having for any music lover.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use a noise gate pedal with other instruments besides guitar?

Yes, you can use a noise gate pedal with various instruments, including bass guitar, keyboards, and even vocals. The pedal’s noise reduction capabilities can help enhance the overall sound quality and minimize unwanted noise in any audio signal.

Q2: Can a noise gate pedal completely eliminate all noise?

While a noise gate pedal is highly effective at reducing unwanted noise, it cannot eliminate all noise entirely. There may still be some residual noise or environmental factors that affect the overall sound. However, a noise gate pedal significantly improves the signal-to-noise ratio and ensures a cleaner and more focused audio output.

Q3: Can I use multiple noise gate pedals in my setup?

Yes, it is possible to use multiple noise gate pedals in your setup, especially if you have a complex signal chain or require different noise reduction settings for various parts of your performance. Experiment with different combinations and placements to find the configuration that works best for your specific requirements.

Q4: Do all noise gate pedals require a power supply?

Most noise gate pedals require a power supply to operate. They can be powered using a standard 9V power adapter or through batteries. Check the specifications of the pedal you choose to determine its power requirements.

Q5: Are noise gate pedals only useful for live performances?

Noise gate pedals are beneficial not only for live performances but also for recording sessions in the studio. They help maintain a clean and noise-free signal, ensuring high-quality recordings with minimal background noise.

Jack
Jack

Ten years of experience in information and computer technology. Passionate about electronic devices, smartphones, computers, and modern technology.

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