Metal guitarists know the struggle: high-gain amps and powerful pickups amplify every note, but also every unwanted buzz and hum. A noise gate pedal is essential for taming this noise, providing a clean signal and tight, articulate sound. Selecting the best noise gate pedal for metal can be a game-changer, improving overall sound quality and performance.
This review dives into some of the best noise gate pedals available, specifically focusing on those ideal for metal music. We’ll explore various features, from threshold and decay controls to dual-mode operation and intelligent noise reduction. Our goal is to help you find the perfect pedal that fits your needs and budget, ensuring a pristine tone.
We will examine a range of options, considering build quality, ease of use, and the effectiveness of noise suppression. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a beginner, finding the best noise gate pedal for metal is crucial. Let’s explore the options and find the perfect pedal to elevate your metal sound.
The 10 Best Noise Gate Pedal for Metal Reviewed
1. Sonicake Noise Gate Effects Pedal
The SONICAKE Noise Gate Effects Pedal is a compact and effective solution for taming unwanted noise in your guitar signal chain. It’s designed to eliminate hum, hiss, and other background noises, providing a cleaner and more focused sound. The pedal features a simple layout with Threshold and Decay knobs, allowing you to fine-tune the noise reduction to your specific needs and playing style. This makes it a user-friendly option for both beginners and experienced guitarists.
Its robust construction ensures durability, making it suitable for both studio and stage use. The Threshold control determines the signal level at which the gate activates, while the Decay knob dictates how quickly the gate closes once the signal falls below the threshold. This allows for precise control over the gating effect, preventing abrupt cutoffs and ensuring a natural sound. The Sonicake noise gate offers impressive performance for its price point.
The design is clean and straightforward, with clear labeling that makes it easy to understand and adjust the settings quickly. The pedal is also true bypass, which means that when it’s off, it doesn’t color the sound of your guitar. This is a significant advantage for maintaining the integrity of your tone. The Sonicake pedal is a reliable tool for any guitarist looking to clean up their signal.
Pros
- Simple and effective noise reduction.
- Durable build quality.
Cons
- May not be suitable for extreme noise situations.
2. Joyo Noise Gate Pedal Noise Suppressor
The JOYO Noise Gate Pedal is a budget-friendly but powerful tool for eliminating unwanted noise from your guitar signal. This pedal is designed to effectively reduce hum, hiss, and other background noises, resulting in a cleaner and more professional sound. Its simple, two-knob design makes it easy to use, even for those new to noise gates. You can quickly dial in the desired level of noise reduction.
The pedal features a hard/soft mode switch, allowing for versatility in different playing situations. The hard mode provides a more aggressive gating effect, perfect for heavy metal and high-gain applications. The soft mode offers a more subtle and natural noise reduction, ideal for cleaner tones and quieter environments. The JOYO noise gate is built with a rugged metal chassis, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of regular use.
The JOYO noise gate is a true bypass pedal, meaning that it doesn’t affect your tone when it’s disengaged. This is a crucial feature for maintaining the integrity of your guitar’s sound. The pedal also features a bright LED indicator, which clearly shows when the gate is active. This is a great value for guitarists who want a practical noise gate.
Pros
- Hard/Soft mode switch for versatility.
- Affordable price point.
Cons
- Some users may find the gating effect too aggressive in Hard mode.
3. Noise Gate Intelligent Noise Suppressor
This Intelligent Noise Suppressor Pedal is engineered to provide advanced noise reduction capabilities for guitarists. It employs smart technology to analyze and filter out unwanted noise, offering a clean and polished sound. The pedal is designed with a user-friendly interface, making it easy to adjust and dial in the desired amount of noise suppression. This is a great choice for metal guitarists seeking the best noise gate pedal for metal.
The intelligent design helps maintain the natural dynamics of your playing, avoiding the “chopping” effect sometimes associated with traditional noise gates. The pedal often includes features like adjustable threshold and decay controls, allowing for precise customization. This allows you to fine-tune the noise reduction to your specific rig and playing style. The smart features make this a standout choice.
The build quality is generally robust, ensuring it can withstand the demands of both studio and live performances. The pedal also often includes features such as true bypass, which ensures that your guitar’s tone is unaffected when the pedal is disengaged. This is a valuable feature for preserving the integrity of your sound. This pedal offers a comprehensive solution for noise reduction.
Pros
- Intelligent noise reduction technology.
- Maintains natural dynamics.
Cons
- May require some time to understand the advanced features.
4. Donner Noise Gate Pedal Noise Killer
The Donner Noise Gate Pedal is a compact and effective solution for eliminating unwanted noise from your guitar signal. This pedal is designed to effectively reduce hum, hiss, and other background noises, resulting in a cleaner sound for any guitarist. It features a straightforward design with Threshold and Decay controls, making it easy to adjust the level of noise reduction.
The pedal offers a simple and intuitive interface, perfect for guitarists of all experience levels. The Threshold knob allows you to set the level at which the gate activates, while the Decay knob controls how quickly the gate closes. This provides precise control over the gating effect. Its compact size makes it easy to integrate into any pedalboard setup.
Donner pedals are known for their value, and this noise gate is no exception. The sturdy construction ensures durability for both practice and performance. The pedal typically includes a true bypass design, which ensures that your guitar’s tone remains unaffected when the pedal is switched off. This is a great entry-level noise gate.
Pros
- Simple and easy to use.
- Compact design.
Cons
- May not be suitable for extremely noisy situations.
5. Rowin Guitar Noise Killer Noise Gate Suppressor
The Rowin Guitar Noise Killer Noise Gate Suppressor Effect Pedal is a compact and efficient tool for reducing unwanted noise in your guitar signal. It is designed to effectively eliminate hum, hiss, and other background noises, providing a cleaner and more focused tone. The pedal features a simple and intuitive design with easy-to-use controls, making it accessible for guitarists of all levels.
The Rowin noise gate usually includes Threshold and Decay controls, allowing you to fine-tune the noise reduction to your specific needs. The Threshold control sets the level at which the gate activates, while the Decay control determines how quickly the gate closes. This ensures precise control over the gating effect. The pedal often incorporates a true bypass design, preserving your guitar’s natural tone.
The build quality is typically solid, ensuring durability for both practice and performance. The compact size makes it easy to integrate into any pedalboard setup. Rowin pedals are known for their affordability and value, making this noise gate an accessible option for guitarists on a budget. This is a practical and effective solution for cleaning up your guitar signal.
Pros
- Affordable price.
- Easy to use controls.
Cons
- May not have advanced features found in more expensive models.
6. Kmise Noise Gate Electric Guitar Effects Pedal
The Kmise Noise Gate is a compact and affordable option for guitarists looking to tame unwanted noise. Its mini design makes it pedalboard-friendly, saving valuable space. This pedal effectively reduces hum, buzz, and other extraneous sounds, providing a cleaner signal for your playing.
The simple controls allow for easy adjustment of the noise reduction threshold. This feature enables guitarists to dial in the perfect amount of noise suppression for their specific setup and playing style. The pedal is built with a sturdy metal casing, ensuring durability for regular use.
Performance-wise, the Kmise Noise Gate performs admirably, especially considering its price point. It’s a great choice for beginner to intermediate players. The clean signal makes it easier to hear the nuances of your playing. It is easy to set up and use and is very responsive to adjustments.
Pros
- Compact and space-saving design.
- Affordable price point.
Cons
- May not be as effective as higher-end models.
7. Vsn Noise Gate Pedal Noise Suppressor
The VSN Noise Gate Pedal, often labeled a “noise killer,” offers a robust solution for noise reduction in a guitarist’s signal chain. It excels at eliminating unwanted noise, delivering a clean and focused sound. This pedal is often considered as a contender for the title of the best noise gate pedal for metal due to its precision and performance capabilities.
This pedal typically features a straightforward layout, with controls for threshold and reduction. This allows for quick and easy adjustment to accommodate various guitars, amplifiers, and playing environments. The build quality is usually solid, ensuring reliability during intense stage performances or studio sessions.
The VSN Noise Gate effectively eliminates hum, buzz, and other unwanted noise, especially in high-gain settings. Its ability to maintain the integrity of the guitar signal is noteworthy. The pedal generally includes a true bypass design, preserving the original tone when disengaged.
Pros
- Effective noise reduction for high-gain applications.
- Simple and intuitive controls.
Cons
- May color the tone slightly at extreme settings.
8. Guitar Noise Gate Pedals Dual Mode
These Guitar Noise Gate Pedals, featuring dual-mode noise reduction, provide versatile noise suppression. The dual-mode design gives guitarists more flexibility in shaping their sound. This is very useful for different guitars, amps, and playing styles.
The dual-mode functionality allows for different levels of noise reduction. It can handle a wide variety of scenarios, from subtle background hum to extreme high-gain distortion. This offers a wider range of control compared to single-mode noise gates.
The pedal’s construction often includes sturdy components, built to withstand the rigors of frequent use. The user interface is typically designed for easy operation, allowing guitarists to quickly dial in their desired noise reduction settings. The pedal is designed to maintain the integrity of the original guitar tone.
Pros
- Dual-mode functionality for versatile noise reduction.
- Durable construction.
Cons
- May require some experimentation to find the best settings for each mode.
9. Flamma Noise Gate Pedal Fc10
The FLAMMA Noise Gate Pedal FC10 is a dedicated noise reduction solution designed for guitarists. It is generally praised for its effectiveness in eliminating unwanted noise. This pedal offers a clean and focused sound, particularly useful in high-gain settings.
The FC10 often features straightforward controls for threshold and decay. These controls make it easy to dial in the desired level of noise reduction. The pedal’s build quality is typically robust, ensuring durability for both stage and studio use.
Performance-wise, the FLAMMA Noise Gate delivers a noticeable improvement in signal clarity. It effectively reduces hum and other unwanted noise without significantly altering the original tone. The pedal’s true bypass design helps preserve the guitar’s natural sound when disengaged.
Pros
- Effective noise reduction capabilities.
- Simple and intuitive controls.
Cons
- The decay control might be too sensitive for some users.
10. Satone S810 Stilhed Noise Gate
The Satone S810 Stilhed Noise Gate aims to provide a quiet and clean signal for electric guitar players. The name “Stilhed,” meaning “silence” in Danish, reflects its primary function: to eliminate unwanted noise. The pedal’s design focuses on simplicity and ease of use.
This pedal typically features a straightforward control layout, allowing for quick adjustments of the noise gate’s threshold. The build quality usually includes a durable metal chassis, ensuring longevity even with frequent use. The pedal’s compact size makes it easy to integrate into a pedalboard setup.
The Satone S810 effectively reduces hum and other extraneous noises, delivering a cleaner signal. It can be particularly beneficial for high-gain applications. The pedal is designed to maintain the integrity of the original guitar tone while suppressing unwanted noise.
Pros
- Simple and intuitive controls.
- Durable metal chassis.
Cons
- The threshold control may require careful adjustment for optimal performance.
Comparison Table
| Brand & Model | Type | Controls | Input/Output | Power | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SONICAKE Noise Gate Effects Pedal | Noise Gate | Threshold | 1/4″ Input, 1/4″ Output | DC 9V | Metal Housing, True Bypass |
| JOYO Noise Gate Pedal Noise Suppressor | Noise Gate | Threshold, Decay | 1/4″ Input, 1/4″ Output | DC 9V | Compact Design, LED indicator |
| Noise Gate Intelligent Noise Suppressor | Noise Gate | Threshold, Decay | 1/4″ Input, 1/4″ Output | DC 9V | Intelligent Noise Reduction, True Bypass |
| Donner Noise Gate Pedal Noise Killer | Noise Gate | Threshold, Decay | 1/4″ Input, 1/4″ Output | DC 9V | Metal Housing, True Bypass |
| Rowin Guitar Noise Killer Noise Gate Suppressor | Noise Gate | Threshold | 1/4″ Input, 1/4″ Output | DC 9V | Mini Size, LED indicator |
| Kmise Noise Gate Electric Guitar Effects Pedal | Noise Gate | Threshold | 1/4″ Input, 1/4″ Output | DC 9V | Mini Size, True Bypass |
| VSN Noise Gate Pedal Noise Suppressor | Noise Gate | Threshold, Decay | 1/4″ Input, 1/4″ Output | DC 9V | Metal Housing, True Bypass |
| Guitar Noise Gate Pedals Dual Mode | Noise Gate | Threshold, Mode Switch | 1/4″ Input, 1/4″ Output | DC 9V | Dual Mode Operation, True Bypass |
| FLAMMA Noise Gate Pedal FC10 | Noise Gate | Threshold, Decay | 1/4″ Input, 1/4″ Output | DC 9V | Metal Housing, LED indicator |
| Satone S810 Stilhed Noise Gate | Noise Gate | Threshold, Decay | 1/4″ Input, 1/4″ Output | DC 9V | Metal Housing, True Bypass |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Noise Gate Pedal?
A noise gate pedal is an effects pedal designed to reduce unwanted noise in your signal chain. It works by closing (or ‘gating’) the signal when the input falls below a certain threshold, effectively silencing any noise present. When you play your guitar, the gate opens, allowing the signal to pass through.
Noise gates are essential for metal players who use high-gain amplifiers, as these amps tend to produce a lot of unwanted noise, such as hum, hiss, and feedback.
How Does a Noise Gate Pedal Work?
A noise gate pedal monitors the input signal level. When the signal falls below the threshold setting, the gate closes, blocking the signal. When the signal rises above the threshold, the gate opens, allowing the signal to pass through.
The threshold and release time controls are the most important parameters. The threshold determines the signal level at which the gate opens and closes, and the release time controls how quickly the gate closes after the signal falls below the threshold.
Where Should I Place a Noise Gate in My Signal Chain?
The placement of a noise gate in your signal chain depends on your specific setup and the type of noise you are trying to eliminate. A common approach is to place the noise gate after your distortion pedals, but before your modulation and delay effects. This helps to eliminate noise generated by your distortion pedals.
Alternatively, some players place the noise gate before their distortion pedals to reduce noise from the guitar pickups and cables. Experimenting with different placements is key to finding what works best for your rig.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Noise Gate Pedal?
The primary benefit of using a noise gate pedal is to reduce unwanted noise in your signal chain. This results in a cleaner and tighter sound, especially when using high-gain amplifiers. It can also improve your overall playing experience by eliminating distracting noise.
A noise gate can also help to prevent feedback and improve the clarity of your sound, making your riffs and solos sound more defined.
What Are the Key Controls on a Noise Gate Pedal?
The key controls on a noise gate pedal are typically threshold and release time. The threshold control determines the signal level at which the gate opens and closes, and the release time controls how quickly the gate closes after the signal falls below the threshold.
Some noise gates also offer controls for attack time, which controls how quickly the gate opens, and a sidechain input, which allows you to trigger the gate with a separate signal.
How Do I Choose the Right Noise Gate Pedal?
Choosing the right noise gate pedal depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider the amount of noise in your signal chain, your playing style, and the type of music you play. The best noise gate pedal for metal offers a balance of features, performance, and build quality.
Look for a pedal with a wide range of threshold adjustment and a flexible release time. Read reviews and compare different models to find one that suits your needs.
Are There Any Downsides to Using a Noise Gate Pedal?
One potential downside to using a noise gate pedal is that it can sometimes affect your playing dynamics. If the threshold is set too high, the gate might cut off notes or sustain prematurely. It’s important to carefully adjust the threshold setting to avoid this.
Additionally, some noise gates can introduce a slight coloration to your tone. However, the benefits of noise reduction typically outweigh any minor tonal compromises.
Final Verdict
Choosing the best noise gate pedal for metal can significantly enhance your sound by eliminating unwanted noise and tightening up your tone. Consider pedals with a wide range of threshold adjustment and flexible release controls for maximum versatility. Look for a sturdy build quality to withstand the rigors of live performance. Experiment with different settings to find the optimal balance between noise reduction and preserving your playing dynamics. Prioritize a model that fits seamlessly into your signal chain, offering the features you need for your specific setup. Ultimately, the right noise gate will provide a cleaner, more focused sound, allowing your riffs and solos to cut through with precision and power.
