15+ Best Noise Gate Pedal Choices for Guitarists

The best noise gate pedal is a device that selectively attenuates unwanted noise while preserving the desired signal, such as the Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor, which is widely praised for its transparent operation and low latency.

In modern studio and live environments, background hiss, hum from pickups, and stray microphone bleed can degrade a performance. A well‑designed noise gate acts as a digital shield, allowing only the intended attack and decay of a note to pass through while cutting out everything else. Musicians benefit from cleaner mixes, more focused solos, and the ability to play in quiet rooms without sacrificing dynamics.

Throughout this guide the focus will shift from the technical aspects that separate the best noise gate pedal from the rest, to practical setup tips, common pitfalls, and a curated list of top models tailored to various playing styles. By the end, a player will know exactly how to choose, dial, and integrate a noise gate that delivers pristine silence without sacrificing musicality.

1. What Makes a Noise Gate Pedal Stand Out

• Threshold

  The threshold determines the level at which the gate opens. A properly set threshold ensures that only the main signal passes while background noise is suppressed. For instance, setting a threshold too low on a bright electric guitar can result in a choked attack, whereas a higher setting might let hiss slip through.

• Ratio

  Ratio defines how much attenuation is applied once the signal falls below the threshold. A higher ratio offers stricter noise suppression but can introduce abrupt transitions if not matched to the instrument’s dynamics. A classic example is the 10:1 ratio found in the TC Electronic Dyna‑Suppressor, which balances noise control with smooth decay.

• Attack

  Attack controls how quickly the gate opens. A fast attack preserves percussive hits, whereas a slower attack can smooth out the onset of a clean rhythm. Players of slap bass often favor a quick attack to maintain the punch of each pluck.

• Release

  Release sets how long the gate stays open after the signal drops below the threshold. An overly long release can create a lingering hiss, while a very short release may cut off the tail of sustained notes. The Ibanez Noise Gate offers a variable release that can be fine‑tuned for organ and synth textures.

• Noise Floor

  The internal noise floor of the pedal itself is crucial; a high noise floor can negate the benefits of a noise gate. Pedals like the BOSS NS‑2 have a noise floor below -70 dB, ensuring that the gate’s own hiss is negligible.

2. Best Noise Gate Pedal Features

When evaluating the best noise gate pedal, a few features consistently distinguish top performers. First, a true digital implementation with low latency ensures that timing is preserved. Second, a clean, low‑noise power supply prevents the pedal from adding its own hiss. Third, a user‑friendly interface—often a single knob for threshold with optional sliders for attack and release—lets musicians dial in settings in real time.

Additional features such as built‑in EQ, side‑chain triggering, and footswitchable presets further enhance versatility. For example, the TC Electronic Dyna‑Suppressor offers a side‑chain option that allows the gate to respond to a separate trigger source, ideal for complex studio rigs. The BOSS NS‑2’s “Auto” mode automatically adjusts the threshold based on the input level, making it a great choice for gigging musicians who need instant, reliable noise suppression.

3. How to Set Threshold for Clean Sound

The threshold is the cornerstone of any noise gate setup. Start by recording a clean, quiet passage of the instrument. Measure the average level of the signal and set the threshold slightly below that average—typically 3–6 dB down. This positioning keeps the gate open during legitimate playing while shutting it on ambient hiss.

Once the baseline is set, play through the full dynamic range of the instrument. If the gate closes too quickly during soft passages, raise the threshold slightly. Conversely, if hiss persists during quiet sections, lower the threshold until the gate remains closed. Fine‑tuning the attack and release in tandem with the threshold will yield a seamless, transparent operation.

4. Common Mistakes in Using Noise Gates

• Ignoring the Signal Path

  Placing a noise gate after a high‑gain distortion pedal can cause the gate to interpret the distorted peaks as noise, leading to abrupt gating. Positioning the gate before distortion preserves the natural attack of the guitar.

• Setting a Fixed Threshold

  Using a fixed threshold on a dynamic performance can result in either over‑gating or insufficient noise suppression. Dynamic thresholding, as offered by the BOSS NS‑2’s “Auto” mode, adapts to changes in playing intensity.

• Overlooking the Release Time

  A release that is too short can chop the tail of sustained notes, especially on organs or synths. Adjusting the release to match the decay time of the instrument ensures natural sounding sustain.

• Neglecting the Noise Floor

  Choosing a pedal with a high internal noise floor means the gate’s own hiss may become audible. Prioritizing pedals with sub‑‑70 dB noise floors, such as the BOSS NS‑2, mitigates this issue.

• Forgetting the Side‑Chain Option

  In studio settings, the side‑chain feature can be invaluable for gating background instruments. Ignoring this capability can limit the pedal’s usefulness in complex mixes.

5. Integrating with Your Signal Chain

A well‑chosen best noise gate pedal can sit between the amp and the power amp to keep stage noise at bay. When placed after a pre‑amp but before a power amp, the gate cleans up the signal before it reaches the speaker, preventing amplifier distortion from amplifying hiss.

In studio rigs, positioning the gate after the mic pre‑amp and before the main mix bus ensures that the recorded track is free from ambient noise. For live performances, a footswitchable gate that can be engaged mid‑song allows musicians to switch between open and closed states without interrupting the flow.

6. Budget vs. Performance: Pricing Dynamics

Noise gate pedals span a wide price range, from $50 to $300. Entry‑level models, such as the TC Electronic Dyna‑Suppressor, offer solid performance for the price and are ideal for beginners. Mid‑tier pedals like the BOSS NS‑2 provide advanced features, including an auto‑threshold mode, and are suited for touring musicians who demand reliability.

High‑end options, such as the Eventide Noise Gate, incorporate sophisticated algorithms and multi‑band processing, but the cost is justified only for professionals who need granular control over multiple frequency ranges. When evaluating cost, consider the pedal’s durability, build quality, and after‑sales support as much as the upfront price.

7. Top Picks for Different Playing Styles

• Bright Lead Guitars

  The BOSS NS‑2 excels with its transparent operation, keeping high‑frequency hiss out while preserving the sharp attack of lead solos.

• Heavy Metal Riffs

  For high‑gain distortion, the TC Electronic Dyna‑Suppressor’s side‑chain option prevents the gate from reacting to the distorted peaks, maintaining a steady, aggressive tone.

• Jazz & Blues Rhythms

  The Ibanez Noise Gate’s variable release allows smooth decay, essential for the subtle sustain found in jazz and blues.

• Keyboard & Synthesizer

  With its low noise floor and precise attack control, the BOSS NS‑2 keeps the hiss of synth pads at bay without cutting off long sustain.

• Live Amplifier Sets

  Integrating the BOSS NS‑2 into a live rig between the amp and the power amp offers stage noise suppression without compromising the amp’s character.

• Studio Recording

  The TC Electronic Dyna‑Suppressor’s auto‑threshold mode is ideal for multi‑track sessions, automatically adjusting to varying levels of recorded instruments.

• Budget Players

  For those who cannot invest heavily, the TC Electronic Dyna‑Suppressor delivers reliable performance at an affordable price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are common inquiries about noise gate pedals and their application.

Question 1: What is the primary function of a noise gate pedal?

A noise gate pedal selectively attenuates signals below a set threshold, eliminating background hiss while allowing the desired musical signal to pass unchanged, thereby improving clarity and tone.

Question 2: How does the threshold setting affect my sound?

Setting the threshold too low can cause the gate to open on unwanted noise, while setting it too high may cut off the soft parts of your playing, resulting in a choked attack and loss of dynamics.

Question 3: Can a noise gate be used with distortion pedals?

Yes, but the gate should be positioned before distortion to prevent the gate from reacting to the distorted peaks, which could otherwise cause abrupt gating during heavy playing.

Question 4: What is side‑chain triggering in a noise gate?

Side‑chain triggering allows the gate to respond to a separate audio source, enabling more precise gating in complex mixes, such as keeping a vocal clean while gating a background synth.

Question 5: Is a low noise floor essential for a noise gate?

Absolutely. A low internal noise floor ensures that the gate’s own hiss does not become audible, preserving the purity of the clean signal.

Question 6: Can a noise gate be used on acoustic guitars?

Yes, especially in studio settings. By setting a suitable threshold, the gate can remove ambient room noise while preserving the natural resonance of acoustic tones.

Tips for Maximizing Your Noise Gate Pedal

Follow these actionable steps to get the most out of your noise gate.

Tip 1: Position Before Distortion. Place the gate before any distortion or overdrive to preserve natural attack.

Tip 2: Use Auto‑Threshold Mode. For live gigs, auto‑threshold adapts to varying input levels, ensuring consistent performance.

Tip 3: Fine‑Tune Attack and Release. Adjust these settings to match the decay of your instrument for smooth transitions.

Tip 4: Test in Your Room. Noise characteristics vary; set the threshold after testing in the actual performance space.

Tip 5: Keep a Backup Pedal. In case of failure, have a spare or use a simple attenuator as a temporary solution.

Tip 6: Use a Quality Power Supply. A clean supply reduces the pedal’s own hiss and protects against voltage spikes.

Tip 7: Engage the Gate Mid‑Song. Use a footswitch to close the gate during solos or quiet passages for a dramatic effect.

Tip 8: Combine with EQ. After gating, use an EQ to shape any remaining noise frequencies without affecting the main signal.

Tip 9: Monitor on Two Channels. Compare the gated signal to the original on separate monitors to gauge effectiveness.

Tip 10: Adjust Threshold in Small Steps. Incremental changes prevent over‑adjustment and preserve musical nuance.

Tip 11: Record a Reference. Save a gated track as a reference for future sessions to maintain consistency.

Tip 12: Use Side‑Chain for Complex Mixes. Trigger the gate with a clean vocal line to keep background instruments silent.

Tip 13: Keep the Pedal Clean. Dust and moisture can affect internal contacts; clean periodically.

Tip 14: Read the Manual. Each pedal has unique parameter ranges; understanding them saves time.

Tip 15: Experiment with Multiple Gates. Layering two gates with different thresholds can target multiple noise sources simultaneously.

Conclusion

Choosing the best noise gate pedal involves understanding core parameters—threshold, ratio, attack, release, and noise floor—alongside practical considerations such as placement in the signal chain and budget. By applying the detailed tips and avoiding common pitfalls, a player can achieve clean, dynamic performances whether on stage or in the studio.

As music technology evolves, newer models will incorporate advanced algorithms and integration with digital platforms. Staying informed and experimenting with settings will keep any guitarist’s sound pristine and expressive.