As guitarists, we’re always on the hunt for the perfect tone. We spend hours tweaking our amps, pedals, and guitars to get that elusive sound that makes our music come alive. But often, noise and hum can get in the way of our tone, making it sound muddy and unprofessional. That’s where the noise gate comes in – a pedal that can be a game-changer in reducing unwanted noise and hum. But where should it go in your pedal chain?
Understanding Noise Gates
Before we dive into the ideal placement of the noise gate, let’s quickly recap what it does. A noise gate is a type of dynamics processor that reduces or eliminates unwanted noise and hum in your signal. It works by setting a threshold, below which the noise gate closes, effectively “gating” the noise out of your signal. This is particularly useful for guitarists who use high-gain amps or pedals, as they can introduce a lot of noise into the signal chain.
There are different types of noise gates available, including:
- Simple noise gates: These are basic noise gates that simply cut off the signal when it falls below a certain threshold.
- Threshold-based noise gates: These noise gates have a more advanced threshold control, allowing you to set the level at which the gate closes.
- Multiband noise gates: These advanced noise gates divide the frequency spectrum into multiple bands, allowing you to target specific frequency ranges and tailor your noise reduction to your playing style.
The Debate: Where to Place the Noise Gate
Now that we’ve covered the basics of noise gates, let’s dive into the main topic: where to place the noise gate in your pedal chain. There are two main camps when it comes to noise gate placement: before the gain pedals or after the gain pedals.
Before the Gain Pedals: The “Pre-Gain” Approach
Proponents of the “pre-gain” approach argue that placing the noise gate before the gain pedals is the most effective way to reduce noise. Here’s why:
- Reduced noise floor: By placing the noise gate before the gain pedals, you can reduce the noise floor of your signal, resulting in a cleaner and more articulate tone.
- Less noise amplification: When you place the noise gate after the gain pedals, any noise present in the signal is amplified along with the gain. By placing it before the gain pedals, you can prevent this amplification from occurring.
However, there are some drawbacks to the “pre-gain” approach:
- Reduced dynamics: By reducing the noise floor, you may also reduce the dynamics of your playing. This can result in a less expressive and more sterile tone.
- Increased risk of false triggering: If you’re using a threshold-based noise gate, placing it before the gain pedals can increase the risk of false triggering, where the gate closes unnecessarily due to the low signal level.
After the Gain Pedals: The “Post-Gain” Approach
On the other hand, proponents of the “post-gain” approach argue that placing the noise gate after the gain pedals is a more effective way to reduce noise. Here’s why:
- More targeted noise reduction: By placing the noise gate after the gain pedals, you can target the specific frequencies and noise sources that are causing problems, rather than reducing the overall noise floor.
- Less risk of false triggering: With the noise gate after the gain pedals, the signal is typically hotter and more consistent, reducing the risk of false triggering.
However, there are also some drawbacks to the “post-gain” approach:
- Noise amplification: As mentioned earlier, placing the noise gate after the gain pedals means that any noise present in the signal is amplified along with the gain, which can make it harder to reduce noise effectively.
- Less effective at high gain settings: If you’re using extremely high gain settings, placing the noise gate after the gain pedals may not be effective in reducing noise, as the noise may be too intense for the gate to handle.
Finding the Middle Ground
So, where does that leave us? Is the “pre-gain” approach better, or is the “post-gain” approach more effective? The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to noise gate placement. The best approach depends on your specific setup, playing style, and tone preferences.
Here are a few tips for finding the middle ground:
- Experiment with different placements: Try placing the noise gate before and after your gain pedals to see which approach works best for you.
- Adjust the threshold: Adjust the threshold of your noise gate to find the sweet spot where it’s effectively reducing noise without sacrificing tone or dynamics.
- Use multiple noise gates: If you have multiple gain stages in your pedal chain, consider using multiple noise gates to target specific frequency ranges and noise sources.
Common Scenarios and Solutions
Here are a few common scenarios and solutions to help you decide where to place your noise gate:
High-Gain Metal Tone
- Placement: Post-gain
- Reasoning: With high-gain metal tones, you often want to maintain a high level of gain and saturation. Placing the noise gate after the gain pedals allows you to target the specific frequencies and noise sources that are causing problems, while maintaining the gain and saturation you need for your tone.
Clean Country Tone
- Placement: Pre-gain
- Reasoning: With clean country tones, you often want a pristine and articulate tone. Placing the noise gate before the gain pedals helps to reduce the noise floor and prevent noise amplification, resulting in a cleaner and more articulate tone.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the placement of the noise gate in your pedal chain is a matter of personal preference and experimentation. By understanding the basics of noise gates and the “pre-gain” and “post-gain” approaches, you can find the perfect spot for your noise gate and achieve the tone you’re looking for.
Remember to experiment with different placements, adjust the threshold, and use multiple noise gates if necessary. With a little patience and practice, you can find the sweet spot where your tone is clean, articulate, and free from unwanted noise and hum.
| Scenario | Recommended Placement | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| High-Gain Metal Tone | Post-gain | Maintain high gain and saturation while targeting specific frequencies and noise sources |
| Clean Country Tone | Pre-gain | Reduce noise floor and prevent noise amplification for a clean and articulate tone |
What is a noise gate and how does it work?
A noise gate is an electronic device or pedal that reduces unwanted background noise in an audio signal. It works by setting a threshold for the signal, and any sound below that threshold is considered noise and is attenuated or gated out. This allows the desired signal to come through cleanly, while minimizing hum, hiss, and other unwanted sounds.
In a guitar pedal chain, a noise gate can be a valuable tool for eliminating noise generated by other pedals or the guitar itself. By placing the noise gate in the right position in the chain, you can effectively eliminate unwanted noise and hum, resulting in a cleaner and more professional-sounding tone.
Why is the placement of a noise gate in the pedal chain important?
The placement of a noise gate in the pedal chain is crucial because it determines what signals are being affected by the gate. If the noise gate is placed too early in the chain, it may cut off desired signals or dynamics. On the other hand, if it’s placed too late in the chain, it may not be effective in reducing noise generated by earlier pedals.
The optimal placement of the noise gate will depend on the specific pedals being used and the type of noise that needs to be reduced. Generally, it’s best to place the noise gate after the noisiest pedals in the chain, but before any pedals that introduce a lot of gain or compression.
Should I place my noise gate before or after my overdrive/distortion pedal?
In general, it’s best to place the noise gate before your overdrive or distortion pedal. This is because overdrive and distortion pedals tend to amplify any noise present in the signal, making it more difficult to reduce later in the chain. By placing the noise gate before these pedals, you can eliminate noise before it’s amplified, resulting in a cleaner overall tone.
However, there may be cases where placing the noise gate after the overdrive or distortion pedal makes more sense. For example, if you’re using a high-gain overdrive pedal and want to preserve the noise and hum that’s natural to that type of tone, you may want to place the noise gate after the pedal. Experimenting with different placements will help you find the best approach for your specific tone.
Can I use a noise gate with a compressor pedal?
Yes, you can definitely use a noise gate with a compressor pedal. In fact, compressors and noise gates are often used together to create a tight, controlled sound. The compressor helps to even out the dynamics of the signal, while the noise gate eliminates any unwanted noise or hum.
When using a noise gate with a compressor, it’s generally best to place the noise gate after the compressor. This allows the compressor to do its job of evening out the dynamics, and then the noise gate can eliminate any remaining noise or hum. However, as with any pedal chain, the optimal placement will depend on the specific pedals being used and the desired tone.
Will a noise gate affect my tone?
A noise gate can potentially affect your tone, depending on how it’s set and where it’s placed in the chain. If the noise gate is set too aggressively, it can cut off desirable dynamics and tone, resulting in a lifeless or sterile sound. On the other hand, if it’s set too conservatively, it may not effectively eliminate noise and hum.
To minimize the impact on your tone, it’s important to experiment with different settings and placements for the noise gate. Start with a gentle setting and adjust to taste, and be sure to listen carefully to the affected signal to ensure that the noise gate is not cutting off desirable tone or dynamics.
Do I need a separate noise gate pedal, or can I use a pedal with a built-in gate?
You don’t necessarily need a separate noise gate pedal, as many pedals now come with built-in noise gates or gate-like features. For example, some overdrive pedals have a built-in gate that helps to reduce noise and hum.
However, a separate noise gate pedal can offer more flexibility and control than a built-in gate. With a separate pedal, you can adjust the settings and placement of the gate independently of other pedals, which can be useful for fine-tuning your tone. Additionally, a separate noise gate pedal can be used in conjunction with multiple pedals, allowing you to tailor your noise reduction strategy to each specific pedal.
How do I set up a noise gate for optimal performance?
To set up a noise gate for optimal performance, start by setting the threshold control to around halfway. Then, turn up the gain on your guitar or pedal to the point where you start to hear unwanted noise or hum. Next, adjust the threshold control until the noise gate just starts to attenuate the noise, but not so much that it affects the desired signal.
From there, you can fine-tune the settings based on your playing style and the specific noise or hum you’re trying to eliminate. For example, if you’re playing with a lot of legato or sweep picking, you may need to adjust the attack and release settings to accommodate those techniques. Experiment with different settings and listen carefully to the affected signal to find the optimal balance between noise reduction and tone preservation.