Testing 22 Noise Gate Pedals to Determine the Best!

[@daveinDc]

SO I have the Stone Dead Noise Reaper and the Pigtronix Gatekeeper v2 on order, I did not get the Pigtronix Gatekeeper full size since it looks like it was made pre-2010 and why get the Pigtronix Gatekeeper v1 if there is a V2 already out? The AMT NG-1 or NG-2 look to be made in Russia, and with current events this might be why it is hard to order? I did find one in a Canadian store, but when I tried to order (several times) the final page gave some weird token error? Not sure what that even means, and I work in IT for the last 30+ years, I know how to buy things online. Yes, I switch browsers, cleared cache, even tried a Desktop instead of a laptop running Ubuntu instead of Windows 10. I even tried on my MacBook PRO with their browser, no dice.

[@Paul_Lenard_Ewing]

I think I ran into that same site. Instead, oddly another Canadian site has the pedal . Google ___Only Pedals___. If you have a problem there let me know as I will get Richard to sort it.

[@SergeTarasoff]

ng-1 and ng-2 are out of stock everywhere, and in Russia as well.

[@Leo_Fender]

Dude this is absolutely spectacular. Meticulous, exhaustive, and thoughtful. A gate shootout could not possibly be any more objective. Nicely done man! *subscribed*

[@NickLeonard]

The man himself! I thought you died a few days before I was born 😂

[@Leo_Fender]

I’m back and playing metal 😎 lol. Thanks for the great video. Love my KMA Pylon.

[@NickLeonard]

@@Leo_Fender Great to hear, rock on! 🤘

[@JesusGodKarma]

This is the best test of noise canceling pedals I've ever seen! This test is done with an awesome understanding of what every guitarist really needs from these types of pedals. The smoothness of the shift is more important than its speed. This test helped me figure out which gate noise pedal I particularly need and will buy next.

[@jonferreira253]

After a disappointing NS-2 purchase, I came across this video and picked up a Sentry. What a difference. Thanks so much for all the work you put into this!

[@NotAnotherSatchFan]

I'm interested in getting Sentry as well, seems like a cheaper option than the new NS1X. How is your experience so far for the past months? Are you using 4 cable method?

[@jonferreira253]

@@NotAnotherSatchFan Honestly, I love the Sentry. Yes I'm using the 4 cable method. As a metal player I don't know how I gigged for so many years without one.

[@TFYS-QA]

I found a good deal for Sentry, but have to wait until October for it to ship to me 😏

[@XChristianNoirX]

My biggest problem with any gate, including the Sentry is that, playing extended range, when I get my low strings to gate properly, I lose all sustain when playing solos. If I try to set the gate to work off just my high strings, ​it never gates properly playing rhythm. :/ I guess I haven't played with the software on the Sentry yet though.. Just got an OTG cable in the mail this week, but haven't had time to mess with it. @@jonferreira253

[@alexanderlumberjack]

Entry is the best ever

[@gylfi6369]

Subscribed faster than any attack or release time measured here. Brilliant work! thanks for this.

[@genghisghost]

you are a damn hero for this. Great explanation. I doubt most people in the market for a gate know how a gate works.

[@NickLeonard]

thanks!

[@furin121]

I'm in the market for a new noise gate so this is fantastic info. Thanks for putting it together.

[@jeffyoung8047]

After watching this video, I picked up the TC sentry. It is awesome, I just ordered another one. Thank you Nick.

[@AndiKravljaca]

Really impressed with the Pylon. I'd never heard of it before!

[@LeadMuncher09]

This is the best noise gate comparison video on KZbin, bar none. I feel validated for buying the Sentry years ago. Like you said, it's a plugin in pedal form. It's a total package.

[@NickLeonard]

@@LeadMuncher09 thanks! It was a lot of work, but I'll be adding even more soon enough

[@IamMusicNerd]

I tend to agree. I had the Zuul+, G8, Decimator, and NS2. The Pylon replaced them all for awhile, but when the Boss NS1X came out, I switched to that. It just did a better job with not cutting off trails as much. The Sentry has the most tweakability for sure, and costs less, so that’s the overall winner for value.

[@willchug]

Yes the Pylon was too long all the way up in one mode, but also cut off too fast on the other mode. 🤝

[@madelinehoyle1059]

Does the Sentry have a digital conversion or is the actual audio path analog?

[@metalfather8139]

hmm I know seems cutting tails and speed is the sacrifice..really this boss you mentioned beat zuel+?

[@armydude7137]

your explanation of the four cable method is by far the most helpful. thank you for visually showing how to set up the cables!

[@dpark551]

Great video! I am lucky enough to have tried a lot of these noise gates over the years. Your top choices are pretty much mine also, and I agree with pretty much everything you mentioned. I never tried the Zuul, but this video confirms that my REVV G8 will suffice just as well! The only thing I wanted to throw out there for anyone reading this is the most underrated noise gate in my opinion... the Boss NS2. I have always thought that the Boss NS2 holds its own very well compared to the other top gates. Is it the best? No, however, it is definitely usable and works great in my experience! It has gotten a lot of unnecessary hate over the years, and I'll never understand it. Anyway, just thought I would share! Thank you!

[@robertjohnsoniii8067]

Pylon looked like the winner to me

[@shredvansshredquarters]

Duder, go look up the SYNC feature, that wasnt discussed here, VERY VERY SICK and none of the other pedals offer this, or a boost, or the ability to control either or both live.......

[@pipelineaudio]

REAPER, the DAW of choice for all audio testing

[@NickLeonard]

REAPER is life

[@tj10777]

I have a G string and a Decimator 2 in my setup. The G string is in front of the amp and the Decimator 2 is in the loop. My signal hits the G string guitar in and out very early in my chain before dirt pedals. My signal then goes through all my dirt pedals and hits the Deci In and Out on the G String, then goes into the front end of the amp. In the loop, the Decimator 2 is in the chain right before delay and reverb. The link out on the G String is connected to the link in on the Decimator 2 in the loop. Since I am using a multiple amp/speaker cab selector with a Fryette powerstation attenuator, the link cable causes some serious ground loop problems, even with the ground lifted in both units. I had to use a Ebtech Hum Eliminator Isolation transformer for the link cable to eliminate the ground loop issues. This setup is fantastic and works really well. I use this double setup because my pedal setup in my home is huge. 18 pedal in front of the amp and 9 in the loop not including the Decimators. I'm using high quality cables and isolated power supplies, so noise is very low on low/medium gain. If I was playing gigs, I would have a much smaller board and just use the G String. For my home setup though, it's a swiss army knife with petals and multiple amps/cabs, so I need the gates. Also, FYI, you can setup the G String to work like the old Zuul noise gate if you want. You can split your signal with a Boss tuner or something and run that into the guitar in on the G String exactly as you would on the Zuul with the Key Input. You don't have to use the guitar out on the G String if you want to wire it like the old Zuul.

[@NickLeonard]

That's an awesome setup! I did have ground loop issues with my amp too, but it was okay if I ran separate gates in front and in the loop

[@joeylizotte7537]

Try the new ISP "Hum Extractor + Decimator G" pedal.

[@officialpoa3171]

My son, I do not understand that TONE PRINT SOFTWARE, matter of fact, many folks do not and TC Electronics refuse to make a proper Tutorial for it. Could you please do a proper video tutorial on the TONE PRINT for the Sentry Noise Gate??! Also when I use tone print, it is very GLITCHY, what are you doing to get the GUI to act smoother?

[@NickLeonard]

here is a good tutorial kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGisgoKDf7x_hK8si=Zdgdg42XGYsF9C6p

[@michaelcraig9449]

OK I play a Mosrite MK I guitar. It has very hot single coil pickups, with a lot of hum. I do not chug chords, I tend to bend notes, vibrate them, and let them hold for as long as they do. So I do NOT want the notes to choke out suddenly. I want to get rid f the hum, without shutting down the notes. Which noise gate is best for this? I have a very simple set up. I just go through the pedals and into the front of the amp. I dont do all this fancy stuff where it goes to the back of the amp, takes a bunch of chords, and a computer. I just keep it simple and fast to set up.

[@NickLeonard]

the Decimator would be my go to for that. Bear in mind that a noise gate will not filter out the hum, they're just automatic mute switches. There are things that may help reduce single coil hum, but they may also affect your tone. If you really want to eliminate hum, split single coils (humbucking) is what you'd want.

[@vladv5126]

Right out of the gate, I'm gonna say, super informative cool video.

[@beastmode003]

😂

[@pathfinder_official1526]

Its cool that you made a extensive video like this, thanks bro

[@shredvansshredquarters]

The Pylon Sync feature is super sick too, you can run in an alter nate source as the trigger for the gate, for example, your drummers kick drum and sycn them together so that the fast staccato breakdowns are litereally gated together AND you can turn it on/off. VERY cool, Any sound can be used in this fashion.....

[@josenatanaelpelayoruiz1069]

What a helpfull demo test 💯🤟 I would like to know your thouth about the joyo legal done

[@wasdwasd12321]

I’ve Got the sentry already good to see I made a good choice🎉

[@southernpride2003]

My grandfather has a degree in woodworking and electronics and me and him added a noise gate inside my tube amps me and my grandpa took the inside of a noise gate circuit wired it up inside my tube amp I play cleans only I play rockabilly bluegrass and blues the preamp tubes are RCA 6V6 tubes for each amp I use Thomastik flatwound strings I'm 21

[@bc454irocz89]

wow how do you only have 4k subs? This was awesome content

[@NickLeonard]

Thanks! Only 2% are subscribed! I've got over 700k views across all videos ;) I'd bug people more about subscribing, but that's annoying

[@madelinehoyle1059]

Multiple analog gates is the best way to go. One in-line gate before your overdrive, and another between your preamp and power amp or cab sim, the latter being fed your original dry signal using the tuner out on your wireless receiver or other buffered tuner out depending on your setup, this is going to give you the most control and quietest floor overall. I'm using a Deci-mate and a Decimator II G-String for my rig.

[@jaialaiwarrior]

Sentry is awesome. You can set it to still let some great feedback out - when you want to!

[@Samesama]

Could you elaborate on the differences between the Demonfx Filtration II and its obvious relative, the Isp Decimator G String? Thanks

[@NickLeonard]

build, price, and intellectual property lol it seems to be an accurate clone from my testing, and considering the price difference...

[@mohitrahaman]

Huge respecc to creators like you, all the best to you and also, without sounding mean, I hope your beard finds a way back home and shades your genius neurons.

[@BorisLikharev]

Thank you so much for the detailed test! I truly appreciate it!

[@sinistrousdiabolus]

I really like the mute fuction on the ns2, i wish more companies did a similar feature

[@flecht]

Don't know what others do, but I got Boss TU-2 before my Sentry so there is my mute function.

[@charlesb7831]

I was doing research before buying my gate, after trying the Decimator 2 and Boss stuff , I ended up buying the Revv G8, no complaints. I run the 4 cable method with 6 drive pedals through it. And goes into a somewhat complex setup as I'm running 4 amps simultaneously through the Radial JD7 injector rack unit. So trying to dial in a gate though all that is a little tricky, but I love my G8. I had found in the research that the G8 and the Zule were using the same ic. Chip set. Great video, Cheers!

[@wgb01001]

I’m in the same boat as you. Leaning towards the G8. I’m not playing heavy music, just noisy single coils. You recommend? Do you use the 4-cable method?

[@charlesb7831]

@wgb01001 yeah I use the 4 cable because I'm running 6 different drive pedals, stacking etc. Into 4 amps with the Radial JD7 injector.

[@michaelyolch79]

I thought the PYLON was exceptional. It didn't "clamp" anything...even let much softer notes through while even sounding very natural. For someone like me who plays very dynamically changing Blues, this is a winner! I've had a few others over the years, but none were as good as the Pylon. (for my non-metal uses)

[@Marshallstclair]

I didn’t know 4 cable connecting was a ‘method’, my Decimator II G just describes that in the instructions. Does it work just putting it in the chain with 2 cables after the dirt??

[@NickLeonard]

Yeah it's totally optional on any pedal. The loop is bypassed if it's not connected, or you can connect the loop to itself, though I don't think it changes anything

[@mstclair]

well that's a big space and pain in the neck saver on the board - thanks! I always figgered that the pedal had to have the 'clean' sound to discern/kill the noise@@NickLeonard

[@NickLeonard]

@@mstclair in the manual for the original Decimator, it says to put it at the end of your chain. That one doesn't have a loop. With most gates, they wouldn't work well like that, but the Decimator does a better job at it. I'd still always prefer to have one at the start and one in the amp loop, but for years I've just run one at the end of my bass pedalboard into a mostly clean amp, and that works fine.

[@crimsoncrowley6285]

I have the iron curtain but the way i play and have dialed in my sound I LOVE playing around with feedback so i use my gate a lot more sparingly and for what i need i love the price and steel casing

[@djoyce777]

Hey Nick, great video... any thoughts on the ISP Decimator X G String?

[@NickLeonard]

@@djoyce777 haven't tried it, the Decimate X I tested seemed to be in line with the 1st Gen Decimator

[@NelderGuitar]

Running the G8 at minimum thresh and hold/rel about 75% wide open. Works a treat. Feels very natural.

[@pjmtry7]

Awesome comparison, would like to have heard the comparison with the Stone Deaf Noise Reaper.

[@NickLeonard]

@@pjmtry7 it will be coming in an upcoming follow up video!

[@DLR1976]

I use the Zuul and it works great also at the lowest setting just by turning it on. I only turn the know up when I need a fast cut on heavier rhythmic riffs ;)

[@niemand5627]

Awesome video! Very thorough and pretty much validates my own experience with noise gates. Could you please share which template you used to create your Sentry Toneprint also the crossover values? Wanna try it on my pedal. Long time Sentry user, have been satisfied with it for years... Got a Zuul Plus just to try something new (Sentry is 10+ years old I think) and I find it to be too aggressive and choppy. Great for super tight rhythm staccato playing but it does kill my sustain and sensibility for thrills, harmonics, hammer ons, pull offs etc. I think you are right when you say the Sentry is like the perfect marriage between the Decimator's sensitivity and the tightness of something like the Zuul, G8, MWAC or any other Marshall JCM800KK noise gate derivatives.

[@NickLeonard]

You should be able to see all the Sentry settings if you pause at the right time, I think I started from the default. I should be able to share the toneprint

[@niemand5627]

@@NickLeonard Thanks for your answer. The video just shows the noise gate tab only, not the crossover. By name of your preset maybe you used the HighGainGate template?

[@NickLeonard]

@@niemand5627 I might have, can't remember. I can share the full details when I get home

[@NickLeonard]

@@niemand5627 I uploaded a bunch of screenshots of all the settings to the folder linked in the description!

[@niemand5627]

​@@NickLeonardThanks for the followup Nick, much appreciated!

[@endze1613]

I would have loved to see how the cockblocker would do in this comparison. In terms of feel it's the best noise gate I ever played.

[@soundstorm9508]

Very good shootout overall. I would’ve loved to see you address transparency of these units in the form of a null test. Some of these gates can be quite detrimental to your tone, so it doesn’t matter how fast the attack time is, if they’re cutting off treble frequencies then they’re useless IMO.

[@NickLeonard]

I didn't null test them, but you can, the test files are in the description along with the original clips. I didn't notice any loss in high frequencies, at least not in an audible way. If a gate is affecting your tone at all outside when it's closed, it's not doing its job right, but in my testing, I think "tone suck" is mostly a myth.

[@Cocorobet25p35p]

2 years using Sentry the best noise gate pedal i ever had

[@tonekilltech]

Fantastic video! If you were comparing solely on performance, which would you say is best?

[@NickLeonard]

Depends on what aspect you mean by performance. Can't really beat the Sentry in pretty much any category

[@brycedunn8059]

This was amazingly useful! Thank you for making this high quality video.

[@XlouietheflyX]

Have you tried the NS circuits in Boss products such as the GT-1000, GX-100, etc? I know it is probably hard to compare them with others but I wonder how they compare to, for example, the NS-2 if you put the latter in the loops of the GT-1000 etc.

[@NickLeonard]

@@XlouietheflyX I haven't played around with any of those. In general, digital gates can easily outperform analog if they're done well though

[@armymankr]

Thanks for the informative video. I’ll give the Sentry a go! Any chance you can take a look at ISP Hum Extractor + Decimator?

[@NickLeonard]

@@armymankr if I ever get my hands on one, sure, but it's not like I have that kind of budget!

[@armymankr]

@@NickLeonard Yeah that one for sure is up there in terms of prices!

[@GabrielSkolderblad]

I bought the TC Sentry and have it connected as you did but I get this high pitched sound coming from the speaker as soon as I turn the volume up on the amp. I have tried to connect only the TC pedal to my amp but as soon as I connect it with the 4 cable method with the Fx loop on my amp I get that high pitched sound..

[@ramisoubra]

Could be a ground loop

[@MaPa60]

Awesome test! Subbed

[@NetnautX]

Thank you for the great Noise Gate shoutout. One thing that I didn't understand about DOD FX30B is that at the beginning of the video you put for DOD FX30B Atack time to 0 mS and Release time to 150 mS. Later in the video, you stated for the DOD that the attack time is 24 mS. Which attack time is the correct one? Again thanks for the great explanation and tests. Keep up with the good work.

[@NickLeonard]

Thanks for finding that! That was a mistake in the video title, you can see in the spreadsheet as well it was 24ms

[@NetnautX]

@NickLeonard Didn't check sheet. Sorry for that and thanks for clarification. Cheers

[@nowhere-v5i]

What's the Mod possibility for the iron curtain if..., that can be done to others?.... I have one brand new... thnx. (I'm decent at soldering)

[@NickLeonard]

@@nowhere-v5i I really don't know, I would imagine it is possible, but it's a different architecture to the ones I modded. You'll have to figure out how the schematic works and what controls different functions

[@nowhere-v5i]

@@NickLeonard thank you for the information👍

[@donbourbon]

Great work, very helpful!

[@ig8388]

Nice video thanks! Any thoughts on the pigtronix gatekeeper micro?

[@NickLeonard]

@@ig8388 I will be testing it out soon enough in a future video, but I haven't got my hands on it yet!

[@CrazedFandango]

I just had a look for a Sentry and it seems to be out of stock in many shops. Could this be that TC are releasing an updated version?

[@NickLeonard]

@@CrazedFandango no idea, but it would be cool to see an update!

[@eugenedibtsev888]

Thank you for doing this comparrison! Is the Sentry altering the tone, or simply has a little lower output?

[@NickLeonard]

@@eugenedibtsev888 it could be the output, I normalized the test files and ran them into an amp sim. There should never be a change in tone with a gate, as it shouldn't be doing anything when the signal is above the threshold

[@eugenedibtsev888]

@@NickLeonard According to the test files, TC Electronic Sentry has 3ms latency. Also I tried to reverse the phase on a test signal and run files in pairs. It shouldn`t be doing anything, but it does. Two of these pedals adding latency, some are flipping the phase, and almost every single pedal is altering the frequency response a bit. Thank you very much for making this video once again, it was interesting for me

[@michaelcarroll5199]

I wonder how the best pedals stack up against rackmount gates like the Drawmer ds201. I've owned a tc electronic sentry for at least the last 4 years. Previous to that I owned a Boss NS-2 for around 15 years. I currently own 2 drawmer ds201 and a dramer mx40 but I've only used them on drums or for sidechaining effects, especially on synths. I used to be a session and touring guitarist but now I'm focused on production and songwriting. I tend to not use noise gates in a studio setting on guitars unless it's absolutely necessary. I've never a/b the sentry and the ds201 on guitar but after watching this video I think I'll have to give it a try.

[@NickLeonard]

If you're primarily recording, there's better options in software already, and the Drawmer is probably quite nice, given their reputation. It is useful when recording real tube amps or pedals to have a physical gate upfront, unless you're reamping and can send a software gated signal.

[@gwugluud]

Wow, that Sentry is really involved, lol.

[@pipelineaudio]

YES!!!! ReaGate! Many attempts in the ancient days of trying to use that on the Muse Receptor

[@amirmanistar4828]

Thank you for great content and explanation.

[@nashmanzl]

Great video! Quick question: in the Winner's Circle segment, all your gates are hooked up 2-cable style. Still getting the release time results? I ask because I run a different kind of rig, and am considering the Sentry in two-cable style.

[@NickLeonard]

yes, it shouldn't make any difference, and you can always patch the loop to itself if you want. I heard that can improve things, but logically, it shouldn't make a difference, since the fx loop should bypass itself completely when not hooked up. I never measured a difference between running the loop to itself vs not connecting it

[@AlanSimmons-cn1me]

I agree the TC Sentra is the Best!

[@Run-Riot]

Awesome video! Any chance you'll be taking a look at the recently released Ibanez Pentatone Noise Gate ("PTGATE") at some point in the future? $99USD new, 1 threshold knob, high/low switch, can do the 4 cable method. Almost no reviews on it that I can find, and none anywhere near as in-depth as you've done here.

[@NickLeonard]

@@Run-Riot working on a follow up to this with even more gates, including that one!

[@Run-Riot]

@@NickLeonard Awesome! Looking forward to it!

[@marshalljohn5959]

Awesome resource thank you so much

[@GlennJimenez]

What was it about the mxr noise clamp you didn’t like? You’ve really looked into it so I’d like to know. I’d really appreciate it. If it was a lower price new, would you recommend it then?

[@NickLeonard]

It had a bit of noise when the gate kicked in, speed was pretty good though. For a good used price, it's not bad, but for $100, it's only a little more for the Sentry. In a live band, you probably wouldn't notice the little gate noise, but for recording it's not great.

[@ironcitymusic8667]

Awesome demo. Thanks for making it👊

[@allemberg383]

brilliant video, thanks for that. you deserve many more views, really !!!

[@alfredopereyra5033]

Great video. You missed one "rare" pedal that i AM lucky to have. It's a japanese brand called "next". There is not much info about it. They are similar to Yamaha pedals. The gate is amazing. It Even has a gate in!!!. You should check it out. Cheers from argentina.

[@cilodany8656]

well done the video is really exhaustive,but when i try to replicate your toneprint on the sentry i can't do because it seems one value affects the others

[@NickLeonard]

I sometimes had to just set a value several times, it's a bit buggy. If they don't match up by a small amount don't worry about it. You can raise all to a maximum value and then lower and they should move together, they don't need to have different settings in the three bands

[@job2k6]

Appreciate the loop explanation.

[@effel651997]

I’ve been on the fence about the pylon mainly because of the cut and boost feature, any thoughts about that?

[@NickLeonard]

@@effel651997 I didn't test it out much, but I think it's just a pure clean boost. Considering the price difference over some of the better gates, you could just buy a dedicated boost with more features

[@Leychen]

I have an old NS-2 which i bought around 2007 but i no longer use it much because i retired my old Engl and now i have new Engl heads with a good noisegate built in

[@VC279]

Whats your opinion on the Demonfx Filtration II? Is look like a ISP Gstring clone, but does it perform similarly? Thanks for your opinion!

[@NickLeonard]

@@VC279 in my tests it seemed to perform as well as the real deal. I didn't find any reason to knock it. There are actually quite a few based on the Decimator circuit. Most the tiny cheap mini gates on Amazon are the same as the Decimator, but somehow they messed up the release time, so they're fine, but only if you're pretty good with a soldering iron. The Stone Deaf Noise Reaper is also a similar circuit but a much snappier release, that's a great option as well

[@VC279]

@@NickLeonard Thanks for your answer (and the effort you out in this of course)! So did they mess the release time on the DemonFx unit as well or only on the tiny cheap ones? The Filtration II is also quite cheap ;-) I tried the Sentry as it seems common sense that it is the best package over all but using the 4-cable method it produces some noise in my FX-Loop. I know the loop is the problem here (PRS MT-15) this loop is very special, and some pedals that were never noise before the amp or in other amps loops are noisy here... I tried a Deci-Mate and it's quite in the loop but I want a pedal to connect 4C and the G-String is very expensive here in Europe...

[@NickLeonard]

@@VC279 the DemonFX seems to be a good option then. I didn't play with it extensively in the loop, but my amp also struggled with 4C in the loop. Sometimes you have to get an input and an output gate, in which case, cheaper is better!

[@VC279]

@@NickLeonard sorry, but just to make sure. The release time on the DemonFX Filtration II is not messed up? Found it in the video attack 0ms and release 35ms and it sounded pretty decent. So this is not a bad option for 50€ I guess! Thanks again for the work you put into this!!

[@zombiemosher1139]

I've been using a Decimator 1 for many years now & its a great pedal. After watching your video I'd most probably upgrade to one of G Strings if i needed another one. I really wish you could have gotten hold of an older 2 channel Rocktron Hush pedal. I have two of them & they behave very similar to the Decimator 1. I also have the Hush you tested & it is completely different. In it's defence though it is not designed to take the input from a guitar, it should be placed after a noisy pedal, probably the reason it was noiser. Really cool shootout

[@dmitryshevchenko4924]

Thank you so much! Valuable investigation.

[@crock2434]

Noise clamp with the internal loop switch bypassed in 4cm .....it has really helped my high gain journey....

[@izaito]

its sad to hear the EHX Silencer is not a candidate, it was the only cheap option available here in my city dang it! i was about to buy it

[@clydescorpio]

Hi Leonard. Is the ISP deci mate micro good for bass guitar

[@NickLeonard]

It's not quite as fast as I'd like, but it sounds good. I've used the Decimator I on my bass rig for years and that has the same release time. Metal players who use distortion may want a faster gate, but anyone else probably won't notice.

[@Rowe4900candymachine]

Speaking of the 4 cable method, has anyone ever made a box that you plug all your amp side cables into then run it to a box with a snake that handles all your pedal board cables, and it also has switchable buffers for all the necessary inputs? That sounds like it would be a really useful thing to have.

[@Paul_Lenard_Ewing]

I would like to know how they compare to the AMT NG-1 Incinerator at $150.00 USD. It has been available for several years and boasts to having it's own unique tech.

[@NickLeonard]

Looks like there's a newer NG2 from them, I hadn't seen this one. If you have one, feel free to test it and let me know how it does!

[@livemusicseychelles6485]

Awesome video. Thank you

[@ferreal936]

Can you use them on vocals

[@NickLeonard]

@@ferreal936 yep! They aren't xlr though

[@MajorGRecording]

Very interesting video Nick!!! How do the software noise gates compare to the analog I wonder? I have a Rowin noise gate, and may have to look into that mod. I use the free Kuasa Efektor (many thank to RESINGTON!) noise gate in my DAW. Always love a clean dirty sounding guitar tone!

[@NickLeonard]

Resington is the man! Software is way better than analog in this case. They may be a little harsh or choppy in how they cut off if you don't dial them in perfectly, but they can do anything analog does and then some. I haven't done a deep dive to find the best plugin gate, but that may be coming after this

[@danielgalanti2166]

The boss NS-X1 is amazing. I normally hate noise gates. I roll up and down on my volume for dynamics. Other noise-gates don't work well with my playing style. The new boss tech is nothing short of miraculous. The next step forward.

[@wisconimike7590]

Fantastic! Thank you for doing this! It was excellent!!! Have you ever tried the ISP Hum Extractor + Decimator G? That's the one I'm looking at presently (sorry, seriously don't mean to be "that guy" pointing out the ONE pedal not in the shootout. It literally just happens to be the one I might grab

[@NickLeonard]

I haven't, but I assume it will perform like the G I or II, depending on what year that design is from

[@wisconimike7590]

@@NickLeonard yeah, that would make sense. It's basically 2 pedals in one enclosure: the "Hum Extractor" part is supposed to filter out any noise coming straight from the guitar and the "Decimator G" part of course gates noise from pedals via the 4 cable method. Seems like a great way to cut out noise from gain pedals + noise from the guitar. My rig is silent at home, but my guitar is sometimes noisy from lighting (it's as shielded as a guitar can be).

[@TheSoulflytriber]

Most important thing is the ratio. Ehx is pure gate so it's cutting all sustain = garbage. Isp decimator and decimate are too steep. Ns-2 is great but little slower with decay. Just add the modification for faster decay and it's perfect.

[@regor5150]

So glad I'm running a rack rig 😂 These all are unacceptable IMO. I've got an MXR Smart Gate between my wireless and my TriAxis, and a Rocktron Guitar Silencer between the preamp and poweramp. I get Fear Factory tight staccato muting without any of that input cutting off softer notes like these pedals showed.

[@curtjohansen5742]

The ISP seemed like it did not color the tone at all.

[@TheJleerocker]

I was hoping you'd test the "phalanx" from highwind in your demo.

[@NickLeonard]

First I've even heard of it! A bit pricey for a single knob gate, though it's possible it's a downward expander like the Decimator, which can have a fixed release time of whatever you want with the right resistor.

[@adamkrauss303]

Thanks for this. I wish you added some samples of less high gain playing and more open chord strums and arpeggiated chords, as well as some compression, reverb and delay tails.

[@NickLeonard]

Fair point, though my goal was to make the release of the noise gates as clear as possible, and it's much more obvious with gain! If it sounds good with high gain, it should sound even better clean.

[@adamkrauss303]

⁠ Thanks but I don’t think that’s always the case. For example, high gain metal often embraces that heavy gated sound, whereas most other types of music do not. Further, as noted, ambient effects and compression add significant additional hurdles when balancing out the inevitable compromise of containing noise.

[@Soulless_Ginger717]

I'm late to this party but, daaaamn. How did I go from a donner to a silencer and nobody intervened? Where were my friends on this one haha Thanks, just put the ehx up for sale and ordered the sentry. Also, subbed. Keep up the badassery

[@BlueHatBoss]

u got me. nice video, u deserved to sub. my dude. keep it up..

[@NotAnotherSatchFan]

I was going for the new Boss NS1X but the TC Sentry seems to be better, not considering the price

[@ab9957]

How the hell do Vai and Satriani and others solve these noise problems? On their DVDs it's as if they are playing along to perfect tracks that that have been perfected in the studio...you can never even hear a millisecond of 60 Hz hum or noise anythime. I tried a few noise gates, my ears are telling me that it's signal plus noise that is still getting thru.

[@NickLeonard]

@@ab9957 they probably were touched up in editing, and if not, they have the best gear and techs in the world anyways!

[@joeylizotte7537]

Ok.. So, I gotta point out that when you got to the "top 6", you said they're all "4CM", but they're NOT! The TC Sentry, Revv G8, and Boss NS-1X are "4CM" gates.. meaning you can run it through both ends of an amp, and it'll actually gate both ends (or you can gate noisy pedals through the Send and Return, as well as gating in front of the amp, or in the loop.. wherever you need it). "4CM" doesn't just mean that the pedal can use 4 cables, though it is a common misunderstanding. (The term was made popular when people started using the Boss NS-2 through both ends of their amps.) Gates like the ISP G-string and Fortin Zuul+ are "triggered" or "keyed" gates (aka "Muzzle" gates, along with others.. like the Highwind Phalanx, GUPtech SUN and MWAC, Lichtlaerm Audio Key and Gate, and quite a few others), which HAVE to be used in an amp's effects loop (or after your source of distortion/preamp), and they only work as intended (and can really only be judged) if you use the "Guitar or 'Key' In and Thru" (directly from the dry guitar signal). The original Fortin Zuul only had a "Key In" because Mike Fortin didn't want anyone thinking it was a "4CM" gate. (They're based off of rackmount "studio" gates, which typically only have a "Key input".) Next, the KMA "Pylon" is solely a "front end" Gate/Boost, and the "Send and Return" is specifically for adding an OD pedal (or any noisy pedal being used in front of an amp), not for "4CM" use. It's also made especially for extended range guitars, and can also be used as an amp's footswitch as well, simultaneously turning the gate on and off when switching channels. For best results, you'd still need a gate in the loop for "amp noise", or "dead silence"... like the Lichtlaerm Audio "Key and Gate", since it was designed by Daniel Ringl, just like the KMA Pylon.. except the "Key and Gate" works more like the ISP G-string and Fortin Zuul, so it's made for using in an amp's effects loop.. (the opposite of the Pylon), but any single ended gate should be good enough. The MXR Smart Gate is also considered to be a "front end" gate.. best when used along with something like a Decimator (or even a Hush) in the loop (or an amp's built-in gate, if it has one). Also, the Rocktron "Hush" ONLY works as a noise reducer, not a "Gate" (like the built-in "gates" from amps like the Peavey JSX or Bugera 333XL.. It only "tames" amp hiss.. No gating involved.) Finally, about the ISP Decimator II's... Again, while they can be used anywhere in your signal chain (like the original Decimator), they're designed to be "linked" together, especially if you want to use them to their full potential. (Also, the G-string II's "Link Out" is for "dual amp" or "stereo" rigs.. You can Link Out from the G-string II into the "Link In" of a Decimator II that's running in the loop of a 2nd amp, so both gates are "tracking" the guitar signal from the G-string II, while "gating" through the effects loops of 2 different amps.) I've tried all of those gates, and if I had to pick one from your top 6, I'd probably go with the Sentry, too, since it can be used in front, in the loop.. or both, but nothing compares to using 2 gates, and that's where the Decimator II's (when linked together) shine the most.

[@NickLeonard]

Thanks for the helpful explanation, good information!

[@joeylizotte7537]

@@NickLeonard All good, man!

[@jaguar15ful]

The best in the history, by far, is The Noise Killer Donner.

[@Marshallstclair]

Yes interested in Nick’s assessment of that one!

[@NickLeonard]

I did include it in the first shootout! I tested it at around 150ms, a little slower than the Decimator I, but twice as fast as the Rowin and Amuzik, however, they're all the same circuit. As I showed in my video on modding the Amuzik gate, it's a clone circuit of the Decimator, but somehow the values of a few resistors got screwed up, making it very slow. With some help, I was able to figure it out and mod it, now it's at 50ms! Maybe Donner fixed the problem, but I imagine that they're just buying the circuits and ordering a custom paint job. Either way, it did perform better, but it could be improved with making some very simple mods.

[@visionswords5477]

What is "the four cable method"?

[@NickLeonard]

I did a whole section on it! After the premiere, you'll see the chapters ;)

[@josephbutler148]

My 2 faves weren't even there. Try to get a klirton schnauze and a latchlarrm key and gate blows them away from for me anyway

[@NickLeonard]

I put up the test files for anyone to contribute their own data. Those are both new, rare, and expensive!

[@McSlobo]

I purposefully bought a NF-1. Will turn it to a fuzz called "Noise Mate".

[@heavymetal6910]

Would have been cool if the lichtlaerm model had been tested here

[@NickLeonard]

I'd love to get my hands on one at some point. It's not cheap but from what I hear, I imagine it performs as well if not better than the Revv at a similar price. My budget for this was my friends collection...

[@metalfather8139]

the sentry is the best even with cost the only pedal ive found to beat it is the newest zuel+ just by 15% with speed but the other special thing abt the sentry is the buffer that gives you a salting of push