You’ve cranked your 5150, kicked on your preferred metal distortion, and started chugging through a Djent riff. Then between palm mutes you hear that awful hiss, that low hum buzzing under every pause, that ringing string noise that ruins the silence between chugs. That’s exactly why metal players need the best noise gate pedal on their board.
A noise gate cuts your guitar signal whenever it drops below a set threshold. When you stop playing, the gate closes and silences hum, hiss, string noise, and amp feedback. The moment your pick hits a string again, the gate opens and lets your note through. For high-gain players running tight metal tones, this isn’t optional gear. It’s the difference between a pro-sounding rig and a noisy mess on stage.
Our team spent the last six weeks testing six noise gate pedals across a Mesa Boogie Mark V, a Peavey 5150 III, and a Fractal Axe-FX III. We played everything from Pantera palm mutes to Meshuggah polyrhythms to Gojira atmospheric passages. This guide covers what we found, including the budget winners, the studio-grade options, and the right gate for your specific rig.
Before we get into the reviews, here’s a quick look at why noise gates matter so much for metal specifically, plus a clear breakdown of what to look for before you buy.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Noise Gate Picks for Metal at a Glance
BOSS NS-2 Noise Suppressor
- Industry-standard 4-cable method
- 1130 reviews at 4.6 stars
- Send/Return loop for pro rigs
JOYO LEGAL DONE R-23
- 2 and 4 cable method support
- THRESH/HOLD/RELEASE controls
- Aluminum chassis
RVONE Noise Gate Pedal
- Smart threshold control
- True bypass switching
- 269 reviews at 4.4 stars
Best Noise Gate Pedals for Metal in 2026: Quick Overview
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| BOSS NS-2 Noise Suppressor |
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| JOYO LEGAL DONE R-23 |
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| RVONE Noise Gate |
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 Decimator X G String |
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 Pigtronix Gatekeeper v2 |
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 FLAMMA FC10 |
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1. BOSS NS-2 Noise Suppressor: Industry-Standard 4-Cable Champion
BOSS NS-2 Noise Suppressor Guitar Pedal
Threshold and Decay knobs
Send/Return loop
9V at 300mA
5-year warranty
Pros
- Industry-standard metal noise gate
- Transparent signal when bypassed
- Send/Return loop for 4-cable method
- 5-year BOSS warranty
- Durable build survives touring
Cons
- Higher price than budget options
- Tone coloration in some setups
I’ve owned a BOSS NS-2 for over a decade. Mine has lived on three different pedalboards, been dropped, been stomped through hundreds of rehearsals, and still works like the day I bought it. That’s the kind of real-world reliability metal players need from a noise gate.
The NS-2 has been on professional metal boards for decades. It uses a unique noise detection circuit that monitors both the input signal and your amp’s output via the Send/Return loop. That dual-detection system is what makes the 4-cable method possible, and it’s the main reason pros keep coming back.
On my 5150 III, the NS-2 killed the 60-cycle hum I always fought between palm mutes. Threshold sits around 9 o’clock for gain-of-gain passages, and the Decay knob lets me dial how fast the gate closes. Turn decay up and you can ride long sustained notes without truncation. Turn it down and the gate slams shut tight for percussive chug riffs.
The 4-cable method on this pedal is genuinely easy. Run your guitar into the NS-2 input, send the dry signal out to your drive pedals, into the amp’s front end. Then take a cable from the amp’s effects send back into the NS-2’s return, and the output goes to your amp’s effects return or your next pedal. It works flawlessly with my Mesa Mark V.
Tonally, the NS-2 is transparent on most rigs. Some players report very subtle high-end roll-off in aggressive setups, but I never noticed it. What I did notice was the gate opening instantly when I picked a note, with zero click or pop. The release is smooth, not choppy.
Where the BOSS NS-2 Excels for Metal
The NS-2 shines when you’re running a full high-gain rig and want one gate to handle everything. The Send/Return loop plus 4-cable method makes it ideal for keeping your distortion pedals quiet between notes. If you’re doing extended-range guitars in drop tunings, the gate’s response is fast enough to catch every palm mute cleanly.
It’s also a great choice if you play live. The build quality is tank-like, and the 5-year BOSS warranty means you can count on it. I take this gate to every gig because it’s never failed me once.
Where the BOSS NS-2 Falls Short
The price is steeper than budget options. If you’re just starting out and don’t need the 4-cable method, cheaper gates can do the basic job. Some players also report subtle tone coloration, though I find this is more noticeable on clean tones than on heavy distortion.
The NS-2 also runs at 300mA, which is a lot. If you have a small isolated power supply with limited current, you’ll need to budget for that. I run mine on a dedicated 9V 500mA output to be safe.
2. JOYO LEGAL DONE R-23: Best Value Pick for Budget Metal Rigs
JOYO Noise Gate Guitar Pedal, 2 & 4 Cable Method with Hold/Release/Thresh Control & Send/Return Loop, Bypass (LEGAL DONE R-23)
2 and 4 cable method
Thresh/Hold/Release knobs
Aluminum chassis
R Series LEDs
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- 2 and 4 cable method support
- Precise Thresh/Hold/Release controls
- Sturdy aluminum alloy construction
- True bypass switching
Cons
- Some longevity concerns after ~1 year
- No battery compartment
- 18% of reviews gave 1-star
When I first plugged in the JOYO LEGAL DONE R-23, I honestly didn’t expect much at this price point. After two weeks of testing on my Peavey 5150 III, I was surprised by how well it handled metal chugging. It’s not at the level of a Decimator, but for half the price of a BOSS NS-2, it’s genuinely impressive.
The R-23 supports both 2-cable and 4-cable methods, which is rare at this price. Most budget gates only work in a basic series loop. I tested the 4-cable method with my Mark V’s effects loop, and it functioned cleanly. No signal degradation, no added hum, just quiet between palm mutes.
The THRESHOLD knob is the most important control. I set it just above my 5150’s idle hiss, around 10 o’clock. Then I used the HOLD knob to keep the gate open for fade-out passages on solos. RELEASE controls how fast the gate closes after the hold expires. Setting these three knobs by ear took about five minutes.
The R Series ambient LED lighting is a nice touch. It has three modes: Sync (pulses with audio), Always On, and Off. On a dark stage, the Sync mode actually helps you see when the gate is working. It’s a small thing, but it shows JOYO thought about real playing situations.
Where the JOYO LEGAL DONE R-23 Excels for Metal
For value-conscious metal players, this is the sweet spot. You get 4-cable method support, three useful control knobs, a solid aluminum chassis, and a gate that actually performs. It handles tight metal chugging better than I expected.
If you’re upgrading from a stock distortion pedal setup and want to clean up your tone without spending a fortune, the R-23 is the smartest play. It also runs cool and only draws 100 microamps, so it won’t tax your power supply.
Where the JOYO LEGAL DONE R-23 Falls Short
The biggest concern is long-term durability. About 18% of Amazon reviewers gave it 1 star, mostly citing unit failures after several months. My test unit has held up fine over six weeks, but the track record isn’t as solid as BOSS.
There’s no battery option, so you must use a DC power supply. The 1-year warranty is also shorter than the BOSS 5-year or Pigtronix 2-year. If you gig every weekend, that’s worth factoring in.
3. RVONE Noise Gate Pedal: The Budget King Under $30
RVONE Noise Gate Guitar Pedal, Intelligent Noise Suppressor Pedal with Smart Threshold Control, Noise Killer Guitar Pedal, True Bypass & Aluminum Case, Analog Guitar Effects Pedal
Smart threshold control
True bypass
Tour-tough aluminum
9V at 12mA
Pros
- Excellent budget value
- Smart threshold control works intuitively
- True bypass preserves tone
- Tour-tough aluminum construction
- Compact size for any board
- Eliminates amp hum effectively
Cons
- Some issues with multi-pedal setups
- Can raise noise floor when daisy-chained
The RVONE is the gate I recommended to my cousin when he started playing Metallica covers in his bedroom. At under $30, it’s the kind of pedal that lets you upgrade your noise situation without spending two months saving up. After testing it, I’m confident it delivers real value.
The standout feature is the Smart Threshold Control. Rather than fiddling with multiple knobs, you dial in one threshold and the pedal’s circuitry decides how aggressively to gate. I found this works well for beginners who don’t yet know how to set gate parameters by ear.
On my practice amp (a Fender Blues Junior running a metal-voiced model), the RVONE killed the hiss and ring between notes. Set threshold around noon, and the gate responds smoothly. The pedal claims to preserve pick scrape harmonics, and I confirmed it didn’t cut my pick-attack transients when chugging along to Pantera.
The aluminum case feels solid for the price. It weighs almost nothing at 160g, which is great for smaller pedalboards. True bypass means your dry signal passes through unchanged when the pedal is off, so you can leave it on your board powered off without coloring your tone.
Where the RVONE Excels for Metal
This is the best budget option for metal players who don’t need 4-cable method. If you play bedroom gigs, jam with friends, or record demos, the RVONE will dramatically clean up your tone. It also works as a learning tool to understand how threshold settings affect gating.
The compact size makes it perfect for crowded pedalboards. If you already have a dozen pedals and need to squeeze in a noise gate without eating up board space, the RVONE fits easily. The 12mA current draw is also tiny, meaning it won’t push a small power supply past its limits.
Where the RVONE Falls Short
The RVONE doesn’t have 4-cable method support. It runs in series only. If your amp generates noise at high gain, you’ll only gate the signal before the amp, not after. This is a real limitation for heavy metal players running 5150s and Mesa Triple Recs.
Some users report it raises the noise floor when daisy-chained with other pedals. I tested this with a daisy chain and noticed slight hum. Using an isolated power supply eliminated the issue. If you already own an isolated supply, fine. If not, factor in that extra cost.
4. ISP Decimator X G String: Premium Tone Preservation for the Studio
ISP Technologies Decimator X G String Noise Reduction Pedal
Adaptive Instrument Tracking
Linking Function
9V at 35mA
2-year warranty
Pros
- Gold standard for transparent noise reduction
- Direct adaptive instrument tracking
- Smooth gating without cutting sustain
- Excellent for high-gain tube amps
- 4-cable method integration
Cons
- Premium price point around $236
- Some reports of defective units
- One review reports complete failure
The ISP Decimator X G String is what you buy when you want a gate that doesn’t sound like a gate at all. I tested it with my Fractal Axe-FX III and a Mesa Mark V combo. On both, the tracking was so clean that I had to triple-check the pedal was actually engaged. That’s exactly what you want from a premium noise gate.
The Decimator uses ISP’s Direct Adaptive Instrument Tracking. This technology analyzes the string vibration envelope in real time and decides when to gate. The result is sustain holding open naturally during legato passages and closing tight during percussive chug sections. It’s the smoothest gating I’ve heard on a metal pedal.
The Linking Function is the killer feature for serious rigs. You can link multiple Decimators across your pedalboard so they all open and close in sync. For players running stereo rigs or complex effects loops, this is huge. I tested linking two Decimators and the result was completely click-free gating across both channels.
Build quality feels robust. The metal chassis is heavy at 1.6 pounds, which actually helps it stay put on a pedalboard during energetic sets. The 2-year warranty is decent, though BOSS still wins with 5 years.
Where the ISP Decimator X G String Excels for Metal
If you record metal at home or in a studio, the Decimator X G String is the cleanest gate you’ll find. It preserves every detail of your playing, including long fade-out sustains and tapping harmonics. Tube amp players will especially love how transparent the tracking is.
For progressive metal and Djent, where every note needs to ring perfectly, this pedal’s adaptive tracking is unmatched. I tested it with 7-string guitars in drop A and 8-string guitars in drop F, and the gate handled low tunings without choking. That’s a major selling point for modern metal players.
Where the ISP Decimator X G String Falls Short
Price is the obvious barrier. At around $236, it’s nearly 9 times more expensive than the RVONE. Beginners don’t need this level of performance. Even intermediate players might find the BOSS NS-2 sufficient at less than half the price.
I also saw a small number of defective unit reports. One review mentions complete failure. With only 22 Amazon reviews, the failure rate is hard to pin down. ISP’s 2-year warranty covers defects, but a studio player who relies on this pedal daily might want a backup on hand.
5. Pigtronix Gatekeeper v2: Compact JFET Power for Tight Boards
Pigtronix Gatekeeper v2 Noise Gate Pedal
JFET circuitry
Threshold and Release
True bypass
2-year warranty
Pros
- Compact design fits any pedalboard
- True bypass preserves tone when off
- JFET circuitry for transparent operation
- 2-year warranty
- Lightweight and quiet
Cons
- No customer reviews yet on this listing
- Low stock availability
- Non-Prime shipping
The Pigtronix Gatekeeper v2 is built around JFET circuitry rather than digital processing. For purists who want analogue tone, that’s a big deal. JFET gates behave slightly differently than most analogue gates, and the result here is a transparent gate with minimal coloration.
The pedal measures just 4.25 x 2.3 x 2.1 inches, which is smaller than a BOSS compact pedal. If you’re running a tight board with 10+ pedals, every millimeter counts. I tested it on my compact gig board and the Gatekeeper sat comfortably next to my drives without crowding.
Where the Pigtronix Gatekeeper v2 Excels for Metal
The JFET circuitry preserves the natural character of your high-gain tone. Some digital gates can subtly high-cut your tone, which compounds over a long signal chain. The Gatekeeper’s all-analogue signal path means your distortion character stays intact.
The Threshold and Release controls are the only two knobs, which makes setup dead simple. Set Threshold so the gate just barely closes during silence, then dial Release to taste. For metal chugging, I prefer a fast release. For lead passages, slow it down. The 2-year warranty is reasonable for a compact gate.
Where the Pigtronix Gatekeeper v2 Falls Short
There are no customer reviews yet on this listing, which makes long-term reliability hard to judge. The non-Prime shipping and low stock (only 2 left at time of testing) also mean you can’t just order and forget. You’ll need to plan.
It also lacks the 4-cable method support that the BOSS NS-2 and JOYO R-23 offer. If your amp’s preamp stage generates noise at idle, you’ll need a different gate. The Gatekeeper is best for players who gate before the amp input and don’t need FX loop integration.
6. FLAMMA FC10: Dual-Mode Simplicity for Beginners
FLAMMA Noise Gate Pedal FC10 Noise Killer Guitar Pedal Noise Suppressor Effect 2 Modes for Electric Guitar and Bass True Bypass
Hard and Soft modes
Noise range -70 to +10dB
True bypass
9V at 26mA
Pros
- Great value for basic needs
- Hard/Soft mode switch adds versatility
- True bypass preserves tone
- Compact for crowded boards
- Works for guitar and bass
Cons
- Some digital noise reported
- Not as refined as premium options
- Limited long-term reliability data
The FLAMMA FC10 is the simplest gate in this roundup, and that simplicity is its strength. There are only two knobs (Threshold and Decay) plus a Hard/Soft mode toggle. For a beginner setting up their first noise gate, that minimalist layout is easier to learn than a pedal with five control knobs.
The Hard mode hits the gate aggressively. The moment your signal drops below threshold, the gate slams shut. That’s perfect for percussive metal chugging where you want clean silence between palm mutes. The Soft mode eases the gate open and closed, which works better for legato passages and clean arpeggios.
Where the FLAMMA FC10 Excels for Metal
For beginner metal players on a tight budget, the FC10 offers more than basic noise suppression. The Hard mode handles chugging well, and the Soft mode keeps sustained passages from being cut off awkwardly. Most importantly, it has True Bypass so it doesn’t color your tone when disengaged.
I also tested it on bass. It worked well for slap bass and aggressive rock tones. If you play both guitar and bass and want a single gate for your multi-instrument setup, the FC10 handles both equally well. The price is the lowest for a functional dual-mode gate.
Where the FLAMMA FC10 Falls Short
One user reports a digital noise issue, which is something I did not encounter in my testing but worth noting. The FC10 also lacks the refinement of the BOSS NS-2 or Decimator X G String. If you play complex progressive metal and need flawless tracking, you’ll want a more advanced gate.
The 16-review sample on Amazon is small, so long-term durability is unclear. The 1-year warranty is also the shortest in this roundup. Treat the FC10 as an entry-level gate that delivers solid value, not as a lifetime investment.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Noise Gate Pedal for Metal
Picking the best noise gate pedals for metal means matching the pedal to your rig, your genre focus, and how you play live versus at home. Here’s how to narrow it down.
Threshold and Release: The Two Knobs That Matter Most
Threshold sets how loud your signal must be before the gate opens. Set it too low, and the gate never closes between notes. Set it too high, and the gate cuts off your pick attack. I find the sweet spot by setting the threshold just above the hiss level when you’re not playing. Then I slowly increase it until notes cleanly trigger the gate.
Release controls how long the gate holds open after your note decays. For metal chugging, a fast release (around 50 to 100ms) feels tight. For lead passages with long sustain, a slow release (200 to 500ms) keeps the gate from cutting off fade-outs. Most pedals in this roundup have at least one of these controls.
4-Cable Method vs Series Gate Placement
The 4-cable method is a routing technique where you place your drive pedals in the gate’s send/return loop. This way, the gate processes the noise from both your guitar AND your amp’s effects loop. It’s essential for very high-gain rigs where the amp itself generates hiss.
If you play bedroom metal, a series gate placed before your drive pedals works fine. The RVONE, FLAMMA FC10, and Pigtronix Gatekeeper v2 all do this well. If you play live with a 5150 or Mesa Triple Rectifier, you really want 4-cable method support. The BOSS NS-2 and JOYO R-23 both offer this. The Decimator X G String handles it transparently.
Pedalboard Size and Form Factor
Compact gates save space. The Pigtronix Gatekeeper v2 and RVONE are the smallest in this roundup, both under 4.5 inches long. If you have a Pedaltrain Nano or similar tight board, those sizes matter. The BOSS NS-2 is bigger but still fits standard boards.
For larger boards, size isn’t a concern. Pick based on features instead. Decimator X G String is full-size and weighs 1.6 pounds, which actually stabilizes it on stage. Weigh form factor against your specific setup.
Price-to-Performance Tiers
Under $40: RVONE and FLAMMA FC10. Both deliver solid basic gating for bedroom players and budget rigs. They lack 4-cable method but clean up your tone for casual playing.
$60 to $130: JOYO LEGAL DONE R-23 and BOSS NS-2. This is the sweet spot for serious gigging. You get 4-cable method, reliable tracking, and proven build quality. The BOSS has a longer warranty.
$200+: Decimator X G String. This is for studio work, professional touring, and players who demand the cleanest tracking. It’s overkill for beginners but unmatched for advanced metal.
Power Supply Considerations
Noise gates draw varying current. The RVONE draws only 12mA, while the BOSS NS-2 draws 300mA. Make sure your power supply can handle the pedal plus everything else on your board. I recommend an isolated supply rather than a daisy chain to avoid ground loops, especially with the RVONE.
Always run a noise gate on its own isolated output if possible. Sharing power with high-current digital pedals can introduce subtle hum into the gate’s detection circuit.
Tone Transparency and Tracking Speed
Tracking speed determines how fast the gate opens and closes. Fast tracking is essential for tight metal chugging. The Decimator X G String and BOSS NS-2 have the fastest tracking in this roundup. Budget options like the RVONE are slightly slower but still adequate for most metal.
Tone transparency matters most on clean tones and high headroom amps. The Decimator is the most transparent. The BOSS NS-2 is also clean. Budget gates can subtly color your tone, but on a fully distorted high-gain rig, the difference is negligible since distortion masks most coloration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Noise Gate Pedals for Metal
Is a noise gate pedal necessary for metal?
Yes, a noise gate is almost essential for metal. High-gain amplifiers amplify not just your notes but also ambient hum, hiss, and string noise between palm mutes. A noise gate silences that noise the moment you stop playing, which is critical for clean chugging passages and tight rhythmic playing. Without one, your signal cuts back to a hissy mess between every note.
How does a 4-cable method work for noise gates?
The 4-cable method uses four cables to route your signal. Cable 1: guitar into the gate’s input. Cable 2: gate output into your drive pedals. Cable 3: drive pedals into the amp’s front input. Cable 4: amp’s effects send back to the gate’s return, and gate output goes to your next pedal or amp effects return. This way, the gate silences noise both before and after your drive pedals, including the amp’s own hiss at idle.
How do I set the threshold on a noise gate for chugging?
Set the threshold by ear: play a clean open string, then slowly turn threshold down until the gate starts cutting off your sustain. From there, back off the threshold slightly so notes ring naturally. For tight metal chugging, use a fast release setting (under 100ms) so the gate closes quickly between palm mutes.
Can a noise gate remove 60-cycle hum?
Yes, a noise gate kills 60-cycle hum because hum is consistent and below the threshold of an open chord. Set your threshold just above the hum level, and the gate silences hum every time you stop playing. For 24/7 hum removal, you’ll also want a hum eliminator or properly grounded cables, since a gate only silences hum during playing pauses.
What’s the difference between a noise gate and a noise suppressor?
A noise gate fully silences your signal below the threshold, creating digital silence. A noise suppressor reduces the volume of low-level noise without completely cutting it off. For metal chugging and high-gain tones, a noise gate is preferred because you want absolute silence between notes. Suppressors work better for clean tones where you don’t want abrupt gating.
Final Verdict: Which Noise Gate Pedal Should You Buy for Metal?
After six weeks of testing six candidates, the best noise gate pedal for metal depends on where you are in your playing journey. For most metal players, the BOSS NS-2 is still the safe choice. It’s been on professional boards for decades, the 4-cable method works flawlessly, and the build quality is unmatched. The NS-2 earned our Editor’s Choice badge for good reason.
If you’re on a budget, the JOYO LEGAL DONE R-23 offers professional features at half the price. It won’t outlast a BOSS in a touring rig, but it’s a strong choice for the home studio or weekend gig. The RVONE is even cheaper and perfect for bedroom practice, while the FLAMMA FC10 is a great starter gate with dual-mode flexibility.
For studio recording and transparent tracking, the ISP Decimator X G String is the clear winner. Yes, it’s expensive. But for progressive metal, Djent, or any genre where every note needs to ring perfectly, nothing tracks as smoothly. If your tone purity matters more than your budget, this is the gate to buy.
Our team has spent years refining metal rigs, and we keep coming back to one core truth: the best noise gate is the one that disappears from your signal chain. You should notice the silence between notes, not the pedal itself. Whichever of these six options you choose, that’s the goal. Happy chugging.