In the realm of guitar gear, the best noise gate pedals stand as unsung heroes. They ensure your tone remains pristine amidst the chaos of live performances and high-gain setups.
These essential tools may not have the allure of overdrive or delay pedals, but their role in delivering a noise-free signal is crucial. This is especially true when dealing with the hum of single coil pickups or the buzz from an effects loop.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer eager to refine your sound, the noise gate pedals can transform your playing experience. For example, those from TC Electronic or the reliable Boss NS-2.
Integrate one of these gate pedals into your rig. You’re not just investing in a gadget. You’re securing peace of mind, knowing your signal stays clean and your music, unblemished by unwanted noise.
Our Top Picks
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Best Overall: Jim Dunlop Smart Gate
Among the noise gate pedals, the Jim Dunlop Smart Gate stands out for its precision in silencing unwanted noise without affecting your tone. Compact and robust, this pedal is a must-have for guitarists seeking clarity in their sound.
Its intuitive design ensures even the most dynamic performances remain crisp and clear. This makes it an attractive choice for players of all levels.
Specifications:
- Input Impedance: 1 MΩ
- Output Impedance: 1 kΩ
- Maximum Input Level: +7dBV
- Maximum Output Level: +7dBV
- Noise Floor (Gate Closed): -105 dBV
- Power Requirements: 9V DC or 1 x 9V battery
- Item Weight: 10.9 ounces
- Product Dimensions: 5.8 x 4.5 x 2.8 inches
Who Is It For?
The Jim Dunlop Smart Gate is the go-to choice for guitarists and bassists who demand the noise gate pedals for their rigs. Whether you’re battling the hum from high gain amps, the buzz from single coil pickups, or the hiss from a chain of effects, this pedal offers a smart solution.
Its transparent noise suppression technology ensures that your tone remains untouched. It preserves the nuances of your playing. This microphone is ideal for both studio recordings and live performances.
It’s especially suited for musicians who use complex setups and need a noise-free signal path. With its easy-to-use interface, even beginners can quickly dial in the perfect settings. This makes it a valuable addition to any pedalboard.
Best Simple Use: Electro-Harmonix EHX
Dive into the world of crystal-clear sound with the Electro-Harmonix EHX, a champion among the noise gate pedals. It’s designed for simplicity yet delivers profound performance.
Musicians choose it to eliminate unwanted noise without sacrificing tone. Perfect for both studio recordings and live performances, EHX stands out as a user-friendly, effective solution for pristine sound quality.
Specifications:
- Threshold Control: Adjusts the level at which the noise gate activates.
- Reduction Control: Manages the degree of noise suppression.
- Release Control: Sets the speed at which the gate closes.
- Effects Loop: Integrates both the pedal and external effects for seamless noise control.
- True Bypass: Ensures your tone remains uncolored when the pedal is disengaged.
- Compact Design: Fits easily on any pedalboard.
- Power Supply: Includes standard 9V battery or optional AC adapter.
- -70dB of Reduction: Offers significant noise suppression capabilities.
Who Is It For?
The Electro-Harmonix EHX is a dream come true for guitarists and bassists plagued by unwanted noise in their signal chain. Whether you’re dealing with the hum of a high gain amp, the buzz of single coil pickups, or just the general chaos of a crowded effects loop, this pedal offers a straightforward solution.
It’s particularly appealing to those who value simplicity and effectiveness, making it one of the perfect noise gate pedals on the market. Ideal for musicians who want to keep their setup uncomplicated but refuse to compromise on sound quality.
From bedroom players to professional performers, the EHX provides the clarity and silence needed to let your true tone shine through, without getting lost in the technicalities.
Best Vintage Design: Boss NS-2
Among the noise gate pedals, the Boss NS-2 stands out with its vintage design, offering unmatched noise control for guitarists. Compact and robust, it’s a must-have for those seeking clarity in their sound.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 73 x 129 x 59 mm
- Weight: 400 g
- Threshold Control: Adjustable
- Decay Control: Adjustable
- Connectivity: Input, Output, and Send/Return jacks
- Power: 9V Battery or AC Adapter
- Bypass: Buffered
- Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz
Who Is It For?
The Boss NS-2 is perfect for guitarists and bassists who crave a clean, uninterrupted sound amidst high gain and single coil setups. Whether you’re playing on stage or recording in a studio, this pedal efficiently eliminates unwanted noise without sacrificing your tone.
Its user-friendly interface makes it an excellent choice for both beginners and professionals. Ideal for those who appreciate a mix of classic design and modern functionality, it ensures your performance is always crisp and clear.
Best Budget: Behringer NR300
Dive into the world of crystal-clear sound with the Behringer NR300, one of the noise gate pedals on the market. This compact powerhouse is your go-to gadget for eliminating unwanted noise and hum, ensuring your tone remains pristine.
The NR300 is perfect for musicians who want quality without breaking the bank. It’s a budget-friendly champion in noise control.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 2.125″ x 2.75″ x 4.8″
- Weight: 0.73 lbs
- Power Source: 9V DC or battery
- Controls: Threshold and Decay knobs
- Dual Modes: Mute and Reduction
- Connectors: ¼” Input, Output, Send, and Return
- LED Indicators: On/Off and Reduction
- Bypass: True Bypass for signal integrity
Who Is It For?
The Behringer NR300 is the ideal choice for guitarists and bassists who demand noise gate pedals without splurging. Whether you’re a bedroom rocker, a studio musician, or a gigging artist, this pedal offers a straightforward solution to noise problems.
Its user-friendly design, featuring essential controls and dual modes, makes it perfect for those new to noise gates and seasoned players alike. If you’re looking for an effective way to clean up your signal without compromising your tone or your wallet, the NR300 is your pedal.
Best for Beginners: Rowin LEF-319
Among the noise gate pedals for those just starting their musical journey, the Rowin LEF-319 stands out for its simplicity and effectiveness. This compact pedal is designed to reduce unwanted noise from your signal.
It ensures that your guitar’s tone remains pristine without compromising its original sound quality. Its user-friendly interface makes it an ideal choice for beginners looking to keep their setup clean and their playing sounding professional.
Specifications:
- Modes: 2 (Hard/Soft noise reduction)
- True Bypass: Yes, preserves signal integrity
- Power Supply: 9V DC (Not included)
- Current Draw: 26mA
- Input Impedance: 1M Ohms
- Output Impedance: 100 Ohms
- Compact Size: Fits easily on any pedalboard
- Metal Shell: Durable and road-ready
Who Is It For?
The Rowin LEF-319 is perfect for beginner guitarists who are navigating the world of effects pedals for the first time. Its straightforward design and operation remove the intimidation factor from using one of the noise gate pedals.
Whether you’re practicing at home, recording in a studio, or performing live, the LEF-319 ensures that your signal remains clean and free of unwanted noise. Its compact size and durable construction make it a reliable companion for your musical journey.
If you’re looking for an affordable, effective way to manage your guitar’s noise without getting bogged down in complexity, the Rowin LEF-319 is the ideal starting point.
Best for Professionals: ISP Technologies Decimator II
Among the noise gate pedals, the ISP Technologies Decimator II stands out for its precision in silencing unwanted noise without affecting your guitar’s tone. Compact and robust, this pedal is a must-have for professionals seeking flawless sound.
Specifications:
- Power Source: 9V DC
- Batteries: 1 x 9V
- Power Usage: 35mA
- Height: 2.3 inches
- Width: 2.7 inches
- Input Impedance: 500K ohms
- Maximum Input Level: +12dbu
- Dynamic Range: greater than 100db
Who Is It For?
The ISP Technologies Decimator II is designed for professional musicians who demand the noise gate pedals for their setups. Whether you’re playing live on stage or recording in the studio, this pedal ensures your sound is crystal clear, free from any unwanted noise or hum.
Its superior noise reduction capabilities, combined with a high input impedance and a compact design, make it an essential tool for guitarists and bassists looking to maintain the integrity of their tone.
Ideal for those who value precision and reliability, the Decimator II is a game-changer for professionals seeking to elevate their sound quality without compromise.
Best for Stages: TC Electronic Iron Curtain
Among the noise gate pedals, the TC Electronic Iron Curtain stands out for its simplicity and efficiency. It’s a straightforward, two-knob pedal. It’s designed to eliminate unwanted noise without affecting your tone.
It’s perfect for live performances and studio sessions alike. Its robust build and easy-to-use interface make it a favorite among guitarists seeking a clean, uninterrupted signal.
Specifications:
- True Bypass: Ensures your tone remains uncolored when the pedal is switched off.
- Two-Knob Interface: Controls for Threshold and Decay, allowing for simple adjustments.
- Compact Design: Fits easily on any pedalboard.
- All-Analog Circuit: Preserves the natural tone of your guitar.
- Fast Response: Quickly eliminates noise without latency.
- Toggle Switch: Offers additional flexibility in controlling noise gate settings.
- Sturdy Construction: Built to withstand the rigors of touring.
- Power: Requires a standard 9V DC power supply.
Who Is It For?
The TC Electronic Iron Curtain is ideal for guitarists and bassists who demand the noise gate pedals to manage high gain settings or eliminate buzz from single coil pickups without sacrificing their tone.
Whether you’re shredding on stage, laying down tracks in the studio, or just jamming at home, this pedal offers a simple yet effective solution to noise problems. Its straightforward design means you spend less time tweaking settings and more time playing.
Perfect for musicians who value tone purity and pedalboard efficiency, the Iron Curtain is a must-have for anyone looking to keep their signal clean in any setting.
Best Portable: Pigtronix Gatekeeper Micro
Among the noise gate pedals, the Pigtronix Gatekeeper Micro stands out for its compact size and powerful performance. This tiny titan ensures your tone stays clean and noise-free, making it a must-have for guitarists seeking pristine sound without the bulk.
Specifications:
- Power Requirements: 9VDC, 100mA
- True Bypass: Yes
- Attenuation: 100% when gated
- Threshold Control: Wide range
- Release Time: Variable
- Circuitry: Ultra high-speed J-FET
- Dimensions: 1.5″ x 3.75″ x 1.75″
- Weight: 1.75 lb
Who Is It For?
The Pigtronix Gatekeeper Micro is perfect for guitarists and bassists who demand the noise gate pedals without sacrificing pedalboard space. Whether you’re a gigging musician looking to eliminate unwanted noise on stage or a recording artist in search of a clean signal in the studio, this pedal delivers.
Its ultra-fast response and true bypass ensure your tone remains uncolored, while its compact size makes it an ideal choice for those with limited space. If you value clarity and efficiency, the Gatekeeper Micro is your go-to solution.
What I Wish I Knew Before I Got The Noise Gate Pedals?
- Research and Reviews: Understanding the importance of researching and reading reviews on the pedals could have saved me from buyer’s remorse.
- True Bypass: I wish I knew the significance of a true bypass feature in gate pedals to avoid tone loss.
- Adjustability: Knowing the importance of adjustable threshold settings for different playing environments would have been beneficial.
- Utility vs. Need: Understanding whether I needed a noise gate pedal for my setup or if I could manage without it.
- Quality vs. Price: Learning that investing in a higher-quality pedal like the TC Electronic or Boss NS-2 might be more cost-effective in the long run.
- Effects Loop Integration: I wish I knew the benefits of connecting the pedal through the effects loop for cleaner signal processing.
What is a noise gate perfect for?
It is perfect for musicians looking to eliminate unwanted background noise from their signal chain, especially when dealing with high gain settings or single coil pickups.
They are particularly useful in live settings or recording environments where control over audio clarity is paramount. Integrating pedals into your setup can significantly enhance your sound quality, making it an essential tool for both amateur and professional guitarists.
Does noise gate affect quality?
High-quality gate pedals, such as the TC Electronic Sentry or the Boss NS-2, are engineered to preserve the original tone and dynamics of your playing while only cutting out unwanted noise.
However, it’s crucial to set the threshold and decay settings correctly. This way, you can avoid cutting off desired sustain or altering the attack of your notes. With careful setup, the best noise gate pedals can be a transparent addition to your rig, enhancing your sound without sacrificing quality.
