Testing 22 Noise Gate Pedals to Determine the Best!

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  • Опубліковано 13 чер 2024
  • I'm very proud to present this epic showdown of (almost) every noise gate currently, or formerly, on the market. A few months ago, I was contacted by a true noise gate collector, David Howard, who lent me these noise gates, and we've got 22 in total!
    In addition to testing their release times, (how fast they mute) I also collected a whole lot of other data in the effort to make this the most comprehensive resource I can on the topic.
    You can find the test files and spreadsheet here: drive.google.com/drive/folder...
    My Original Shootout: • Testing Noise Gate Ped...
    My Mini Pedal Mod: • Modding my $20 Amuzik ...
    After I was done editing this, I further modified my Amuzik gate and my Decimator I in the same way I showed in my mod video above. For the Decimator I, I lowered R8 to 330k and R12 to 3.3M and cut the release time down to around 45ms. Similar to the Decimator II G-String. For the already modded Amuzik, I further lowered R8 to 150k and R35 to 1.5M and got the release time down to 55ms!
    0:00 What's the Plan?
    2:27 Test Method
    2:59 Terminology
    3:52 4-Cable Method
    5:45 How I Measure
    7:02 Disclaimer About Release Times
    9:12 Audio Test with Every Gate
    10:45 Winner's Circle Guitar Testing
    14:00 My Recommendations
    23:36 The Sentry and Software
    24:22 NS-2 and the NR300
    25:47 Chinese Mini Pedals and Modding
    26:40 Used Market Recommendations
    27:05 Gates to Avoid
    30:41 Honorable Mentions
    #noisegate #guitarpedals #guitar
    Come hang out on the Discord and download my free IR's: / discord
    If you want to help support this channel, buy my music on bandcamp!
    ____________________________________
    nick-leonard.bandcamp.com/
    myopicdc.com/
    / nickleonardband
    / myopicband

КОМЕНТАРІ • 160

  • @daveinDc
    @daveinDc 4 місяці тому +2

    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
      @Paul_Lenard_Ewing 4 місяці тому

      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
      @SergeTarasoff 3 місяці тому

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

  • @Leo_Fender
    @Leo_Fender 4 місяці тому +20

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

    • @NickLeonard
      @NickLeonard  4 місяці тому +1

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

    • @Leo_Fender
      @Leo_Fender 4 місяці тому

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

    • @NickLeonard
      @NickLeonard  4 місяці тому

      @@Leo_Fender Great to hear, rock on! 🤘

  • @jonferreira253
    @jonferreira253 4 місяці тому +6

    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!

    • @roogz
      @roogz 2 місяці тому

      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
      @jonferreira253 Місяць тому

      @@roogz 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.

  • @pathfinder_official1526
    @pathfinder_official1526 3 місяці тому +1

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

  • @NelderGuitar
    @NelderGuitar 5 днів тому

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

  • @robertjohnsoniii8067
    @robertjohnsoniii8067 4 місяці тому +6

    Pylon looked like the winner to me

  • @evabonza
    @evabonza 2 місяці тому +1

    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.

  • @dmitryshevchenko4924
    @dmitryshevchenko4924 Місяць тому

    Thank you so much! Valuable investigation.

  • @genghisghost
    @genghisghost 4 місяці тому +2

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

  • @AbeldeBetancourt
    @AbeldeBetancourt 2 місяці тому +1

    Such a thorough analysis and review for each relevant pedal in the market. Right now, this noise suppressor/gate comparison is the GOAT. Period. A true work of passion.
    Although I was considering getting the NS-1X, your recommendation of Sentry really caused me to change my mind. It seems NS-1X doesn't keep the guitar tone as pristine as NS-2, so Sentry couldn't be that bad of an option in this regard (I didn't find any tonal comparisons).
    Nick, thank you so much! 🤘

    • @NickLeonard
      @NickLeonard  2 місяці тому

      Thanks for the kind words! 🤘

  • @marshalljohn5959
    @marshalljohn5959 4 місяці тому

    Awesome resource thank you so much

  • @allemberg383
    @allemberg383 17 днів тому

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

  • @dpark551
    @dpark551 4 місяці тому +3

    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!

  • @AndiKravljaca
    @AndiKravljaca 4 місяці тому +4

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

  • @livemusicseychelles6485
    @livemusicseychelles6485 Місяць тому

    Awesome video. Thank you

  • @MaPa60
    @MaPa60 2 місяці тому

    Awesome test! Subbed

  • @vladv5126
    @vladv5126 4 місяці тому +2

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

  • @IamMusicNerd
    @IamMusicNerd 4 місяці тому +8

    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
      @willchug 4 місяці тому

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

    • @madelinehoyle1059
      @madelinehoyle1059 Місяць тому

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

  • @madelinehoyle1059
    @madelinehoyle1059 Місяць тому +1

    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.

  • @pipelineaudio
    @pipelineaudio Місяць тому

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

  • @kicikocani1
    @kicikocani1 Місяць тому

    what a video maaaan ❤

  • @danielgalanti2166
    @danielgalanti2166 14 годин тому

    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.

  • @mohitrahaman
    @mohitrahaman Місяць тому

    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.

  • @wasdwasd12321
    @wasdwasd12321 3 місяці тому

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

  • @michael_caz_nyc
    @michael_caz_nyc 4 місяці тому

    OMG - so thorough, detailed, and informative. Phenomenal job with this brother = fair, honest, accurate and Professional. Enjoyed it. oNe LovE from NYC

  • @tj10777
    @tj10777 4 місяці тому +1

    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
      @NickLeonard  4 місяці тому +1

      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
      @joeylizotte7537 Місяць тому

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

  • @davidgann3251
    @davidgann3251 4 місяці тому

    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
      @NickLeonard  4 місяці тому +2

      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

  • @bc454irocz89
    @bc454irocz89 2 місяці тому +2

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

    • @NickLeonard
      @NickLeonard  2 місяці тому

      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

  • @zombiemosher1139
    @zombiemosher1139 23 дні тому

    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

  • @shineon2595
    @shineon2595 Місяць тому

    Thank you very much for saving me a lot of time and money. Most appreciated!

  • @DLR1976
    @DLR1976 4 місяці тому +1

    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 ;)

  • @tonekilltech
    @tonekilltech 4 місяці тому

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

    • @NickLeonard
      @NickLeonard  4 місяці тому +1

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

  • @jaialaiwarrior
    @jaialaiwarrior Місяць тому

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

  • @wisconimike7590
    @wisconimike7590 4 місяці тому

    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
      @NickLeonard  4 місяці тому

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

    • @wisconimike7590
      @wisconimike7590 4 місяці тому

      @@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).

  • @nashmanzl
    @nashmanzl 3 місяці тому

    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
      @NickLeonard  3 місяці тому +1

      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

  • @Leychen
    @Leychen 4 місяці тому

    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

  • @sinistrousdiabolus
    @sinistrousdiabolus 4 місяці тому +2

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

    • @flecht
      @flecht 2 місяці тому

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

  • @soundstorm9508
    @soundstorm9508 3 місяці тому

    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
      @NickLeonard  3 місяці тому

      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.

  • @alfredopereyra5033
    @alfredopereyra5033 Місяць тому

    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.

  • @crock2434
    @crock2434 3 місяці тому

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

  • @pipelineaudio
    @pipelineaudio Місяць тому

    REAPER, the DAW of choice for all audio testing

  • @michaelyolch79
    @michaelyolch79 Місяць тому

    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)

  • @pipelineaudio
    @pipelineaudio Місяць тому

    Criminally undersubscribed channel

  • @niemand5627
    @niemand5627 4 місяці тому

    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
      @NickLeonard  4 місяці тому +1

      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
      @niemand5627 4 місяці тому

      @@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
      @NickLeonard  4 місяці тому +1

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

    • @NickLeonard
      @NickLeonard  4 місяці тому +1

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

    • @niemand5627
      @niemand5627 4 місяці тому

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

  • @harrisondvargo72
    @harrisondvargo72 4 місяці тому

    great shootout! currently using 2 REVV G8's and couldn't be happier, they kick ass

    • @NickLeonard
      @NickLeonard  4 місяці тому +1

      It's a great pedal!

    • @Paul_Lenard_Ewing
      @Paul_Lenard_Ewing 4 місяці тому +1

      I have one and when dialed in spot on it is perfect. I use 3 gates and all need changing between tunes and it is hard to see on a dark stage. It takes to long and requires very specific settings depending on which Fuzz, OD or even stacked dirt pedals I am using on a tune.

  • @endze1613
    @endze1613 20 днів тому

    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.

  • @michaelcarroll5199
    @michaelcarroll5199 3 місяці тому

    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
      @NickLeonard  3 місяці тому

      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.

  • @Rowe4900candymachine
    @Rowe4900candymachine 4 місяці тому

    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.

  • @Samesama
    @Samesama 3 місяці тому

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

    • @NickLeonard
      @NickLeonard  3 місяці тому +1

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

  • @michaelcraig9449
    @michaelcraig9449 3 місяці тому +1

    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
      @NickLeonard  3 місяці тому

      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.

  • @gwugluud
    @gwugluud 2 місяці тому

    Wow, that Sentry is really involved, lol.

  • @cilodany8656
    @cilodany8656 Місяць тому

    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
      @NickLeonard  Місяць тому

      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

  • @McSlobo
    @McSlobo 4 місяці тому

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

  • @TheOtherJohnBrowne
    @TheOtherJohnBrowne 4 місяці тому

    Fantastic test! I watched every second. I have no notes

    • @NickLeonard
      @NickLeonard  4 місяці тому +1

      Awesome! That means a lot coming from a professional tester! I'm sure you could find issues if you went looking, but you don't have to 😂

    • @TheOtherJohnBrowne
      @TheOtherJohnBrowne 4 місяці тому

      @@NickLeonard Nope. This was rock solid! Loved it

  • @clydescorpio
    @clydescorpio 10 днів тому

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

    • @NickLeonard
      @NickLeonard  10 днів тому

      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.

  • @AlanSimmons-cn1me
    @AlanSimmons-cn1me 21 день тому

    I agree the TC Sentra is the Best!

  • @roogz
    @roogz 2 місяці тому

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

  • @Paul_Lenard_Ewing
    @Paul_Lenard_Ewing 4 місяці тому

    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
      @NickLeonard  4 місяці тому

      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!

  • @tarasrohozhynskyi6205
    @tarasrohozhynskyi6205 Місяць тому

    That's what I call a high quality autism! Great vid. Any recommendations for a mini form factor? Zuul Mini probably wins due to the side-chain "Key" input, but it's kinda pricey. Wonder if Deci-Mate worth it over the Donner, since they seem pretty similar spec-wise. There's also Pigtronix Gatekeeper, which looks interesting.

    • @NickLeonard
      @NickLeonard  Місяць тому

      The ISP is gonna be faster than the Donner, but if you are comfortable modding it....
      It's not an easy mod though since it's SMD
      Zuul mini would be good too. Haven't tried the Pigtronix, but I should be getting one to test soon enough

    • @tarasrohozhynskyi6205
      @tarasrohozhynskyi6205 Місяць тому

      @@NickLeonardNah, I would be fine with through-hole components, but "SMD" is an absolute "nope" for me. Still.. 140ms sounds okay-ish for me (just to clamp down the hum from the distorted bass).
      There's also the Darkglass NSG that haven't been mentioned. A bit skeptical price for a NG w/o a 4 cable, but still interesting.

    • @NickLeonard
      @NickLeonard  Місяць тому

      @@tarasrohozhynskyi6205 I'm also not sure about the Donner, in my first test, my friends measured at 150ms, but the Rowin and Amuzik have the same board and are 300ms which is barely usable. You can try and see, but maybe it was a fluke, or maybe Donner changed the design slightly. It was easy to get mine down to 50ms with the right resistors, so it's a shame no one has caught it and changed it. The original gen1 Decimator is cheap enough used and easy to mod since its through hole. Decimator II is SMD though

  • @TheSoulflytriber
    @TheSoulflytriber 2 місяці тому

    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.

  • @TheJleerocker
    @TheJleerocker 2 місяці тому

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

    • @NickLeonard
      @NickLeonard  2 місяці тому

      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
    @adamkrauss303 2 місяці тому

    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
      @NickLeonard  2 місяці тому

      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
      @adamkrauss303 2 місяці тому

      ⁠ 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.

  • @Marshallstclair
    @Marshallstclair 3 місяці тому

    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
      @NickLeonard  3 місяці тому +1

      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
      @mstclair 3 місяці тому

      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
      @NickLeonard  3 місяці тому

      @@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.

  • @sinistrousdiabolus
    @sinistrousdiabolus 4 місяці тому

    Sentry is best bang for buck ive found. If it doesnt quite solve the problem i look at the the cause,not the cure.

    • @NickLeonard
      @NickLeonard  4 місяці тому

      absolutely, noise itself can be a tricky problem with a lot of sources! a gate will only mute the signal, it won't clean it up

  • @curtjohansen5742
    @curtjohansen5742 4 місяці тому +1

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

  • @josephbutler148
    @josephbutler148 4 місяці тому

    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
      @NickLeonard  4 місяці тому +1

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

  • @southernpride2003
    @southernpride2003 Місяць тому

    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

  • @filipfilipi2692
    @filipfilipi2692 13 днів тому

    Anybody had bad experiaence with Sentry the way l read one review on Thomann -
    I thought this was the ultimate noise gate when I noticed two things:
    1) If I use it in the 4 cable method as it is often marketed, this creates unbearable ground loop noise, which renders the pedal unusable. Their support said this was the amps fault, but both of my amps (Orange Rocker Terror 15 and a Valveking 100 head) had the exact same problem. This noise also occurs when simply shorting the input and FX loop signal grounds, so the pedal is not faulty, but is still unusable and nowhere did they say that this may occur...
    2) Changes tone. Noticeable at low volumes, but not a huge problem, but when I turn it up to rehearsal levels, it sounds bad. Annoying mid's and loss of high/low end.
    Why would I use a gate to clean my signal if I lose tone and get noise? I'm returning it this week. Other than that the pedal works as described, it's great, but those two problems simply defeat the purpose.

  • @AntonovichHicksenbrau
    @AntonovichHicksenbrau 3 місяці тому

    Stone Deaf - Noise Reaper

  • @jaguar15ful
    @jaguar15ful 3 місяці тому +1

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

    • @Marshallstclair
      @Marshallstclair 3 місяці тому

      Yes interested in Nick’s assessment of that one!

    • @NickLeonard
      @NickLeonard  3 місяці тому

      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.

  • @onbedoeldekut1515
    @onbedoeldekut1515 Місяць тому

    You should've recorded a loop which played the same picking strength for everything.
    If you had the slightest bias subconsciously, it would be transmitted through your picking.

    • @NickLeonard
      @NickLeonard  Місяць тому

      I did, in the first audio test it's all the same clip. I added the other one later to see how everything feels and behaves while actually playing

  • @el-creeper9001
    @el-creeper9001 2 місяці тому

    Not the daisy chain 😂

    • @NickLeonard
      @NickLeonard  2 місяці тому

      it kills the tone of the noise gate!

  • @heavymetal6910
    @heavymetal6910 4 місяці тому

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

    • @NickLeonard
      @NickLeonard  4 місяці тому +1

      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...

  • @mofongotron
    @mofongotron 3 місяці тому

    As a person who experiences probably the worst in-home noise issues I've ever heard (due to radiated noise coming off of nearby transmission lines), nothing compares to the ISP Hum Extractor + Decimator G pedal. Seriously, check out the video on my page. More people should know about this unit.

  • @joeylizotte7537
    @joeylizotte7537 Місяць тому

    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
      @NickLeonard  Місяць тому +1

      Thanks for the helpful explanation, good information!

    • @joeylizotte7537
      @joeylizotte7537 Місяць тому +1

      @@NickLeonard All good, man!

  • @sconni666
    @sconni666 4 місяці тому

    Yeah, I got the Stone Deaf Noise Reaper. It’s pretty dope. Curious to see it here one day.

    • @NickLeonard
      @NickLeonard  4 місяці тому +1

      You can test it out with the provided files!

    • @sconni666
      @sconni666 4 місяці тому

      @@NickLeonard 👍

    • @daveinDc
      @daveinDc 4 місяці тому

      Ordered on 1/20 from MusicGoRound, eta a week+. Since their based on the Easy coast, we should have it by next weekend.

    • @daveinDc
      @daveinDc 4 місяці тому +1

      That day shoudl come by the end of Jan24 ;)

  • @vince8081
    @vince8081 Місяць тому

    Sentry rules, Revv really good too

  • @willchug
    @willchug 4 місяці тому

    I’ve had all of these, I had extremely high hopes for the Pylon but it was sold shortly after, very disappointed.
    The Lichtlaerm Audio - The key and the Gate just kills them all.
    I’ve been waiting for some time for a Deadweald Audio - Golem. 🤞
    And also want to try the Highwind Amplification - Phalanx.

  • @user-cf7bt9jw2p
    @user-cf7bt9jw2p Місяць тому

    This is almost like a sermon I can very easily fall asleep to. But appreciate your effort man. But I think better to make it shorter

    • @NickLeonard
      @NickLeonard  Місяць тому +1

      As long as you're sleeping with the video on youtube will be happy 😂
      I do include chapters for that reason too, and you can find the link to the spreadsheet with all the stats in the description

    • @madelinehoyle1059
      @madelinehoyle1059 Місяць тому

      @NickLeonard this is the kind of guitar UA-cam I actually do like falling asleep to 🖤

  • @DemonbreedGaming
    @DemonbreedGaming 7 днів тому

    sentry, boss, and revv sound best to me

  • @visionswords5477
    @visionswords5477 4 місяці тому

    What is "the four cable method"?

    • @NickLeonard
      @NickLeonard  4 місяці тому +1

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

  • @AudiorityTV
    @AudiorityTV 4 місяці тому

    Great video Leonard! If you wish to make a new version of it, in the future, I have a lovely Klirrton Schnauze here

    • @NickLeonard
      @NickLeonard  4 місяці тому

      Thanks! You can measure it with the provided files if you want, and I can add it to the spreadsheet

  • @thallrudedjentstorm1756
    @thallrudedjentstorm1756 Місяць тому

    What I've learned over the years is that it's more important to build up a good foundation. Use clean power, no noisy pedals, repair older gear that has broken capacitors, dirty potentiometers etc. the list goes on.
    I find that more important than a noise gate. Because in the end the noise is still there when you play. You may not hear it quite prominent with distortion. However once you play clean it's game over. If you listen to a track without the noise you start understanding how far this goes. The track sounds hundred times better. You can't un-hear it after that. But if you always record with a specific noise you won't really notice it.
    BUT, in the end. It shouldn't be that big of deal. Kinda depends on the music. But for most music a bit of hiss is ok. Hum always kinda sucks. But hiss? kinda ok I guess

  • @DarqNix
    @DarqNix 3 місяці тому

    TC Electronics is no longer, so the Sentry is not readily available. The company is bought out as something else ... I've tried the Zuul and Zuul plus from Fortin Amps never had an issue the ISP G-String Decimator a bit slow off the mark and yes expensive it does work as in 4 cable method ..

    • @NickLeonard
      @NickLeonard  3 місяці тому

      I just checked online and in the US at least you can get them new or used easily. They're owned by the parent company of Behringer, but I haven't heard anything about shutting down. News to me if so.

  • @gwugluud
    @gwugluud 2 місяці тому

    The Boss noise gate pedal I picked up a few years ago is shockingly lousy. The noise gate in my $75 Zoom guitar efx processor is much better.

    • @NickLeonard
      @NickLeonard  2 місяці тому

      the NS-2 is alright, the NF-1 is not so great. the new NS-1X is fantastic, but pricey. I'm not surprised the digital gate in the zoom works better. I'm surprised more aren't digital like the sentry

  • @ManuSDP
    @ManuSDP 4 місяці тому

    I found my Sentry for 80€ used but without the cable to use the software. Still, an amazing gate
    Gotta find a replacement cable

    • @NickLeonard
      @NickLeonard  4 місяці тому +1

      It's a standard cable! USB type A to mini B or you can use the app to do wireless

    • @ManuSDP
      @ManuSDP 4 місяці тому

      @@NickLeonard It’s a perfect excuse to buy the Hypergravity comp I’ve been eyeing for a while

  • @aaronbickford8725
    @aaronbickford8725 2 місяці тому

    I realize you may not have a horse in this race, but do you have a dog in this hunt? Yuck yuck yuck…

  • @marceli155
    @marceli155 2 місяці тому +1

    bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla 👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎