Noise gate pedals are often overlooked but highly handy pedals that allow you to have clean signal. They are often used to reduce or eliminate unwanted noise from a guitar signal. It does this by allowing signals with a certain level of volume to pass through while muffling or cutting off any signal that is below a certain threshold.
This can be particularly helpful when recording in a noisy environment or when playing with a high-gain amp. The gate pedal can be used to reduce the amount of background noise and hum, allowing for a cleaner and more focused sound. Noise gate pedals can also be used to create staccato-like effects, allowing for precise control over the dynamics of your sound.
There are two major types of noise gate pedals: hard gates and soft gates. Hard gates are used for the rough elimination of noise in heavy applications, while soft gates are used for more subtle control over sustain and hoppy tone.
There are many good noise gate pedals on the market today. When buying a noise gate pedal, you should look for adjustable threshold control, transparent releasing, low noise floor, control over attack and release settings, true-buffered bypass, build quality, and brand reliability, as well as the price. So here are the best 20 noise gate pedals, which feature all or some of these important qualities.
Electro-Harmonix The Silencer Noise Gate / Effects Loop Pedal
- - Includes 2 Patch Cables!
- - Three controls for precise fine-tuning
- - Use it as an inline noise gate or to gate an entire effects loop
- - Delivers up to -70dB of noise reduction
- Noise Gate pedal with a built-in effects loop
- Release, Threshold, and Reduction control knobs
- -70dB to +4dB noise reduction
- 8ms to 4 seconds release time
- Buffered bypass footswitch
- 1 x 1/4″ (instrument), 1 x 1/4″ (return) inputs
- 1 x 1/4″ (out), 1 x 1/4″ (send) outputs
- 9V DC power adapter (sold separately) or 9V battery
Electro-Harmonix The Silencer is a popular noise gate pedal with a built-in effects loop. You can use it as an inline noise gate or as a loop-specific noise gate to clean your signal from hums and buzzes. You have Release, Threshold, and Reduction control knobs on the control panel to adjust your noise gate.
The pedal can reduce the noise from -70dB to +4dB depending on your needs, while you can set the release time from 8 ms to 4 seconds. You also get a buffered bypass footswitch to keep your signal clean and strong. In short, it is a quite powerful noise gate pedal with great additional functions for an attractive price.
Boss NS-2 Noise Suppresor 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...
- Threshold and Decay knobs allow for shaping the elimination/suppression as...
- Noise suppressor, noise gate pedal
- Unique noise detection circuit
- Threshold, Decay, and Mode knobs
- Mute and Reduction modes
- Buffered bypass footswitch
- 1 x 1/4″ (instrument), 1 x 1/4″ (return) inputs
- 1 x 1/4″ (out), 1 x 1/4″ (send) outputs
- 9V DC power adapter (sold separately) or 9V battery
Boss is one of the most reliable and best pedal brands, and their Boss NS-2 Noise Suppresor Pedal reflects these titles. It is one of the most classic noise gate pedals as it is simple yet powerful, getting the job done brilliantly. It features a send/return loop to isolate drives and amp preamp, Threshold, Decay, and Mode knobs to adjust your sound and Mute and Reduction knobs for different operations.
The Mute mode makes the pedal active only when the footswitch is pressed, while the second mode, the Reduction mode, makes the pedal always engaged. In this mode pressing the footswitch only mutes the input, which is useful for gigs.
Behringer NR300 Noise Gate 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...
- Preserves the original attack and envelope while leaving your playing and...
- Noise Reduction pedal
- Threshold and Decay control knobs
- Mode Switch between Mute and Reduction modes
- Buffered bypass footswitch
- 1 x 1/4″ (instrument), 1 x 1/4″ (return) inputs
- 1 x 1/4″ (out), 1 x 1/4″ (send) outputs
- 9V DC power adapter (sold separately) or 9V battery
Behringer NR300 Noise Gate Pedal is another great noise reduction pedal based on the Boss NS-2 pedal. It offers Threshold and Decay knobs to adjust the noise reduction levels you want, along with two modes, Mute and Reduction.
The Mute mode functions as a kill switch for instant silence, while the Reduction mode constantly eliminates the signal’s noise. Furthermore, you get the effects loop to integrate external effects with the Send/Return loop. The best thing about this pedal is its price, which features a great value-for-price ratio.
Revv G8 Noise Gate Pedal
- Noise Reduction/Noise Gate Pedal with Hold/Release/Threshold Controls...
- Noise Reduction and Noise Gate pedal
- Hold, Release, and Threshold control knobs
- True Bypass footswitch
- 1 x 1/4″ (instrument), 1 x 1/4″ (return) inputs
- 1 x 1/4″ (out), 1 x 1/4″ (send) outputs
- 9 – 12V DC power adapter (sold separately)
Revv G8 Noise Gate Pedal is the first noise gate pedal from the brand Revv, which is famous for its gain pedals. The pedal is optimized for modern gigs and playing styles, as it focuses on specific frequencies to clean up unwanted noise in the signal. There are Hold, Release, and Threshold control knobs, which are extremely precise to give you more control over your noise reduction circuit.
You also get send-return ports on the sides to loop in noise pedals. Furthermore, the pedal has a True Bypass footswitch to let your signal travel unaffected when the pedal is not engaged. Overall, it is a great pedal to have on your setup if you want to clean certain frequencies from your signal effectively.
TC Electronic Sentry Noise Gate Pedal
- 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
- Tone Print enabled - for a world of signature and customizable effects
- Multiband noise gate pedal
- Threshold, Damp, and Decay control knobs
- 3-way mode switch with Gate, Toneprint, and Hiss modes
- True Bypass or Buffered Bypass footswitch
- 1 x 1/4″ (instrument), 1 x 1/4″ (return) inputs
- 1 x 1/4″ (out), 1 x 1/4″ (send) outputs
- 9V DC power adapter (sold separately) or 9V battery
TC Electronic Sentry Noise Gate Pedal is a highly versatile and powerful noise gate pedal that stands out with its 3-mode design and support for Toneprint technology. It is called the new generation noise gate pedal as it offers high versatility and control thanks to the software support.
On the control panel, you have the traditional Threshold and Decay controls along with the Damp control to adjust signal attenuation. The three modes are Gate for classic noise gate functions, Toneprint to use the presets downloaded via software, and Hiss mode to prevent hums from lights or the venue’s wiring system. You also have a switchable true or buffered bypass along with the option to use the pedal with a 9V battery or a 9V power adapter.
Fortin Zuul Plus Noise Gate
- Digital noise gate pedal
- Threshold, Hold, and Release control knobs
- Ground/Lift switch
- Effects Bypass Switch
- 1 x 1/4″ input, 1 x 1/4″ output, 2 x 1/4″ Key in-out jacks
- 9V DC power adapter (sold separately)
Fortin Zuul Plus Noise Gate is the newer version of the popular noise gate pedal Fortin Zuul. It features two additional Key Through ports, as well as Ground-Lift, switch to let the signal pass without a splitter. Plus, it has hold and release knobs, in addition to the Threshold control, which was already present in the older version.
With all these additions, the pedal became much more versatile, giving you a chance to be more precise on your noise gate control. Plus, the circuit is totally hum and loss-free, which is great for tonal quality. Overall, it is a quite professional noise gate pedal with unique control options.
ISP Technologies Decimator II G String Noise Suppressor Pedal
- Guitar Noise Reduction/Noise Gate Pedal with Direct Instrument Tracking...
- Digital noise reduction pedal
- Single knob design with a Threshold control knob
- Great for high-gain tones
- 1 x 1/4″ (instrument), 1 x 1/4″ (loop return) inputs
- 1 x 1/4″ (main out), 1 x 1/4″ (loop send) outputs
- 2 x 1/8″ (link in/out) link jacks
- 9V DC power adapter (sold separately)
ISP Technologies Decimator II G String Noise Suppressor Pedal is the go-to noise gate pedal of the biggest names in the metal world. Its unique circuit, which tracks the signal directly from your guitar, allows you to go from clean to high-gain tones without changing the threshold. Plus, you can connect the processing channel to the effects loop just after your preamp or high-gain pedals.
You can also use the pedal in tandem with another Decimator pedal via the link jacks. So you can have two channels for stereo noise reduction. The pedal has a single Threshold knob to control everything, which makes things quite easier. Overall, it is one of the best noise reduction pedals on the market today, especially for high-gain stop-start staccato riffage of tones for metal and djent.
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...
- True bypass for ultimate signal integrity
- Analog noise gate pedal
- Threshold and Decay control knobs
- Sturdy metal housing
- True Bypass footswitch
- 1 x 1/4″ input, 1 x 1/4″ output
- 9V DC power adapter (sold separately) or 9V battery
TC Electronic Iron Curtain Noise Gate Pedal is a simple yet effective analog noise gate pedal that successfully eliminates radio frequency interference and 60-cycle hum from your signal. The pedal has a 2-knob layout, including a Threshold and a Decay control knob.
It has a pedalboard-friendly top-mount jacks design and a high-quality, sturdy metal housing. You also get a True Bypass footswitch and the option to use the pedal with a 9V battery. The pedal works great for simple pedal setups and high-gain tones, but it would not be enough if you have a complicated setup. If you want a simple noise gate pedal that can get the job done, Iron Curtain is a reliable and affordable choice.
Pigtronix Gatekeeper Micro 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...
- Threshold Control: Its wide range Threshold control combines with...
- Mini analog noise gate pedal
- Threshold and Release control knobs
- LED status indicators
- True Bypass footswitch
- 1 x 1/4″ input, 1 x 1/4″ output
- 9V DC power adapter (sold separately) or 9V battery
Pigtronix Gatekeeper Micro Pedal is a typical tiny analog noise gate pedal with a simple design. It successfully eliminates your signal’s 60-cycle hum and white noise with its JFET circuitry. There are the classic Threshold and Release control knobs on the control panel and a True Bypass footswitch.
The pedal effectively prevents your signal from humming, hissing, and buzzing while preserving your dynamic attacks with its fast response rate. The best feature of the pedal is its tiny design, which is perfect for crowded pedalboards.
Mooer Noise Killer Pedal
- Mini analog noise gate pedal
- Threshold control knob
- 2-way mode switch with Hard and Soft modes
- LED status indicators
- True Bypass footswitch
- 1 x 1/4″ input, 1 x 1/4″ output
- 9V DC power adapter (sold separately)
Another tiny yet effective noise gate pedal is the Mooer Noise Killer, which successfully eliminates unwanted noise from your signal. The analog pedal comes with a simple one-knob layout for Threshold control and a mode switcher between Hard and Soft modes for different operations.
The pedal works great with single-coil pickups to eliminate the hum and allows you to set the threshold range between -70dB to +10dB. The Hard mode allows you to have an accurate and sharp tone and cut the fast start-stop riffs for high-gain tones. The Soft mode is more balanced and has a measured decay that goes perfectly with softer tones. The Soft mode is great for solos as it allows for sustained notes.
MXR M135 Smart Gate Pedal
- 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
- Features a hardwire bypass, precise threshold trigger, and amazingly clean...
- Analog noise gate pedal
- It can be used with guitars or basses
- Trigger Level control knob
- 3-way mode switch with Hiss, Mid, and Full modes
- Intelligent gating that responds amazingly to your playing dynamics
- Hi-Trigger Range button
- True Bypass footswitch
- 1 x 1/4″ input, 1 x 1/4″ output
- 9V DC power adapter (sold separately)
MXR M135 Smart Gate Pedal is a highly versatile noise gate pedal that shines with its intelligent gating circuit. Intelligent gating allows the pedal to react faster when you play faster and slowly when using sustained notes. This way, the pedal reacts amazingly to your playing dynamics. When you play and hold a chord, the sustain is never cut, and when you go into palm-muting realms, for example, the pedal starts to reach, adding great definition to your playing.
The pedal has three operation modes, full for wide-range signals and bass rigs, mid for noise amps and setups, and hiss for higher-frequency noise elimination. The control panel is quite simple, with a single Trigger Level knob and a Hi-Trigger range button for toning down the gating within the volume band. It is a highly versatile and great pedal, which is the reason many artists such as Zoltan Bathory from 5 Finger Death Punch, and Frank Lero from My Chemical Romance have it in their setup.
ISP Technologies DECI-MATE G Micro Noise Reduction Pedal
- Micro-sized Guitar/Noise Gate Pedal with Loop Connections Dual 1/4" TS...
- Analog mini noise gate pedal
- The same features and power of the G-String in the mini format
- Single Threshold control knob
- It can be used inline, in a pedal chain, or inserted into an amp’s FX loop
- 90dB of ultra-transparent noise reduction
- 1/8″ to dual 1/4″ TS breakout cable included
- True Bypass footswitch
- 1 x 1/4″ input, 1 x 1/4″ output
- 9V DC power adapter (sold separately)
ISP Technologies DECI-MATE G Micro Noise Reduction Pedal is the micro version of the famous Decimator II G String Noise Suppressor Pedal. It has the same circuitry and features as its bigger brother with the lack of extra ports. It has a single-knob layout with the Threshold knob and a unique circuit that tracks the signal directly from your guitar, allowing you to go from clean to high gain tones without changing the threshold, just like the original G-string.
The pedal o to 90 dB of highly transparent noise reduction. Plus, it has the True Bypass footswitch to cancel the circuitry and preserve your tone uncolored. So if you are looking for a transparent noise gate pedal for high-gain metal tones but do not have enough space in your pedalboard, ISP Technologies DECI-MATE G Micro Noise Reduction Pedal is a perfect choice.
MXR M195 Noise Clamp Noise Reduction / Gate Pedal
- A single Trigger knob sets the volume threshold.
- Capable of reducing noise up to 26 dB.
- Eliminates hiss and excess noise from your effects chain.
- Maintains riff definition at extreme gain levels.
- Digital noise gate pedal
- Single-knob design with a Trigger knob
- LED status indicators
- Up to 26dB of noise reduction
- True Bypass footswitch
- 1 x 1/4″ (instrument), 1 x 1/4″ (return) inputs
- 1 x 1/4″ (out), 1 x 1/4″ (send) outputs
- 9V DC power adapter (sold separately) or 9V battery
MXR M195 Noise Clamp Noise Gate Pedal features a sophisticated inner circuitry composition with an effects loop, which keeps the hiss, hum, and buzz at an absolute minimum. It features a single-knob design with a Trigger knob, which sets the threshold of the noise clamp for you to adjust how much you want the natural tone to breathe.
It is a great pedal to use with modulation and delay pedals, but the pedal’s main ability shines with the high-gain pedals as it interacts amazingly with them. It has up to 26dB of noise reduction, which is great for high-gain, high-energy tones. Although the pedal does not have the versatility of other noise gate pedals with many control parameters, it performs very reliably. It reduces the noise from your signal with commendable effectiveness.
Ebtech HE-2
- Simply plug between the offending pieces of equipment to eliminate hum
- Uses 1:1 isolation transformers to break loop antenna and balance audio...
- Also converts balanced and unbalanced signals
- 1/4” smart jacks and XLR jacks
- Stereo Hum Eliminator
- Eliminates 50/ 60Hz ground loop hum, buzz, and noise
- Entirely passive design that works without power
- 1/4″ TRS and XLR “smart” jacks inputs and output
- Translates signal voltages automatically to match differences in ground potential
Ebtech HE-2 is not a noise gate pedal but a stereo hum eliminator that works brilliantly to eliminate 50-60 Hz ground loop hum, buzz, and noise from your signal. The ground loops and unbalanced signals create a lot of noise in recording mixers, guitars, keyboards, power amps, and live sound. The HE-2 hum eliminator solves the problem with its high-quality transformers, which isolate circuits and keeps grounds intact.
It is a totally passive gear, which means it does not need any power adapter or battery to work. Plus, it also means it will not add any noise to your signal. It has 1/4″ TRS and XLR in and out jacks for guitars and different instruments and devices.
Rowin Guitar Noise Gate Pedal
- 【Noise Gate pedal】reduces the noise from input signal without lowering...
- 【2 modes】hard Mode: provide hard effect of noise reduction, soft Mode:...
- 【Solid construction】made of high-quality zinc alloy, durable and sturdy
- 【True bypass】true bypass provide transparent tone.Led indicator shows...
- Analog noise gate pedal
- -70db to +10db noise reduction
- Threshold control knob
- 2-way mode switch with Hard and Soft modes
- LED status indicators
- True Bypass footswitch
- 1 x 1/4″ input, 1 x 1/4″ output
- 9V DC power adapter (sold separately)
Rowin Guitar Noise Gate Pedal is a cost-effective and simple analog noise gate pedal that offers up to 70 dB of noise reduction. It has a single-knob layout with a Threshold knob to adjust the noise reduction levels along with two modes, offering hard and soft noise reduction circuits.
The Hard mode provides a strong and hard noise reduction, which is great for metal riffs with palm mutes and staccatos. The Soft mode is a more subtle noise reduction circuit which is great for less-gain tones and solos as it allows for more sustain in notes. It also features a True Bypass footswitch, with which you have all the fundamentals you expect from a noise gate pedal.
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...
- [True bypass Noise Suppressor] True bypass provides transparent tone.
- Analog noise gate pedal
- -70db to +10db noise reduction
- Threshold control knob
- LED status indicators
- 2-way mode switch with Hard and Soft modes
- True Bypass footswitch
- 1 x 1/4″ input, 1 x 1/4″ output
- 9V DC power adapter (sold separately)
Another simple and cost-effective noise gate pedal is the Donner Noise Killer Pedal. Donner is famous for its impressive pedal for more impressive prices, and this one is no different. It has the traditional noise gate features with a single Threshold control knob, dual mode design with hard and soft modes, a True Bypass footswitch, 1/4 mono audio jacks as input and output, and LED status indicators.
The pedal is quite successful at detecting any excess noise and smoothly canceling out any unwanted sounds. It is a great pedal if you want simplicity and affordability, but it may not be enough for complex pedal setups.
Flamma FC10 Noise Gate Guitar Pedal
- The noise gate pedal features smart and fast noise detection to reductes...
- 2 working modes: Hard/Soft. Set SOFT mode for most scenarios; and set it to...
- Digital design and true bypass provide transparent tone.
- This is a easy-to-use guitar pedal with 2 modes and just turn the THRESHOLD...
- Analog noise gate pedal
- Threshold control knob
- 2-way mode switch with Hard and Soft modes
- LED status indicators
- True Bypass footswitch
- 1 x 1/4″ input, 1 x 1/4″ output
- 9V DC power adapter (sold separately)
Flamma FC10 Noise Gate Guitar Pedal offers the standard features of mini noise gate pedals. It comes with a single Threshold knob and two modes, including hard and soft modes, for more aggressive or subtler noise reduction. Plus, it has a True Bypass footswitch and LED status indicators to show whether the pedal is engaged. Overall, it is a simple yet effective noise gate pedal for more basic pedal setups. Plus, it is a tiny footprint great for portability and saving space.
VSN Noise Killer 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,...
- ♪ ♪【TRUE BYPASS】True bypass provide transparent tone.Led indicator...
- Analog noise gate pedal
- -70db to +10db noise reduction
- Threshold control knob
- Compact design
- 2-way mode switch with Hard and Soft modes
- LED status indicators
- True Bypass footswitch
- 1 x 1/4″ input, 1 x 1/4″ output
- 9V DC power adapter (sold separately)
VSN Noise Killer Pedal is a highly compact analog noise gate pedal with a simplistic design. The pedal offers -70db to +10db noise reduction, which you can adjust with the single Threshold knob on the control panel. It comes with Hard and Soft modes like most basic noise gate pedals and a True Bypass switch to engage or disengage the pedal.
There are LED status indicators to show if the pedal is on or off. Overall, it is a simple, cost-effective noise gate pedal for simple setups to get the job done.
Stone Deaf Noise Reaper Noise Gate Pedal
- Analog noise gate pedal
- Threshold control knob
- True Bypass footswitch
- LED status indicators
- 1 x 1/4″ (instrument), 1 x 1/4″ (return) inputs
- 1 x 1/4″ (out), 1 x 1/4″ (send) outputs
- 9V DC power adapter (sold separately)
Stone Deaf Noise Reaper Noise Gate Pedal is a great noise gate pedal with a stylistic stompbox design and quite a versatility to eliminate the unwanted noise from your signal. It works by comparing the input sensitivity of your guitar input and the noisy signal source. This way, you can gate the unwanted noise while keeping the sustain.
The pedal has a high-quality VCA for transparent sound, very low distortion, and impressively dynamic range to keep the characteristic of your tone and playing. The pedal has a single Threshold knob to adjust the level of noise reduction and series FX loop function. Plus, it comes with a True Bypass with a LED indicator to show if the pedal is on or off.
KMA Audio Machines Pylon Noise Gate
- Analog noise gate pedal
- Ultra-fast attack
- Built-in boost/attenuator with up to +30 dB
- Threshold control knob
- Cut and Boost buttons
- High-Low switch, Sync-Off-On switch
- LED status indicator
- True Bypass footswitch
- 1 x 1/4″ (instrument), 1 x 1/4″ (return) inputs
- 1 x 1/4″ (out), 1 x 1/4″ (send) outputs
- 1 x 1/4″ (channel), 1 x 1/4″ (ex. control) ports
- 9V DC power adapter (sold separately)
KMA Audio Machines Pylon Noise Gate is another highly versatile noise gate pedal that shines with its high flexibility in terms of input and output options. It comes with fx-loop ports, a traditional instrument in and out ports, as well as channel and ext. control ports.
On the control panel, you have the traditional Threshold knob to adjust the noise reduction level along with the cut and boost buttons to boost your tone up to 30db or tighten up the low end and to ensure a mid-focussed and cutting lead sound.
You also have a High and Low mode switch. The High mode provides soft decay, while the Low mode is for the fast-closing response. There are also Sync, On, and Off modes for the boost’S on-off state. The On mode helps to shape your tone, the Off mode disengages the boost, and the Sync mode is for activating it with the Gate.
In short, you get many combinations and different noise gate circuits with this pedal. It is perfect for guitarists who want to have full control even with their noise gate effects.
Conclusion
Noise gate pedals are important for preventing unwanted sound from interfering with the guitar sound. They are especially useful for guitarists who play metal and hard rock since these genres often have large amounts of distortion. They allow for clear and defined notes with no added noise or interference.
They also reduce the amount of hiss and humming that naturally comes with distortion and overdrive. In addition, noise gates allow for dynamic playing, making it possible to play at lower volumes while still getting a full sound. Finally, they are important for reducing the overall noise floor, making it easier to hear each note more clearly.
You can check and choose the pedals in the list without hesitation, as they are the best ones out there today. Depending on your playing style, budget, and current setup, you can find the most suitable one for you.
If you found this article useful, you may want to save this pin below to your Guitar board.
Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Recent Posts
Learning to play new songs and chord progressions is essential for beginner guitarists. Every musician should practice and listen to various genres to improve their ear and playability. By adding new...
Guitarists are always looking for fresh ways to express their creativity, and open D tuning is one of the most exciting techniques to explore. To tune your guitar to Open D, lower the low E string to...