Do Noise Gates Reduce Quality?

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Member Since: Nov 29, 2004

I've been having lots of noise problems, as some of you may know, and I seem to have solved it by taking advantage of the noise gate built into my spider 2 line 6 amp. Now I realize that I’m just sweeping the dirt under the rug, but if the signal isn’t losing quality, I can live with it. To MY ears it sounds fine, but then again I’ve been hearing lots of noise lately, so I can’t be sure if the signal is still good or if I’m just hearing the relative improvement. So, as far as any of you know, do noise gates typically reduce signal quality? Or another way of putting it… would I benefit if I could achieve a clean signal without using the gate?

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Hold 'Em Czar
Member
Since: Dec 30, 2004


Mar 26, 2005 02:47 pm

yeah the noize gate simply shuts off the signal before it gets amplified when you're not playing anything...no signal changes at all when it's open...when it's open it's like not having one at all.

peace

wyd

Member
Since: Nov 29, 2004


Mar 26, 2005 02:56 pm

Well in that case i'm just gonna stick with what i have. Thanks man

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Mar 27, 2005 11:34 am

I for one have never done well with gate-ing. Probably just me, but akin to WYD's comment, I find the transition form off to on too abrupt.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Mar 27, 2005 11:48 am

the only times I have ever used gates is on drum kits...

Hold 'Em Czar
Member
Since: Dec 30, 2004


Mar 27, 2005 12:11 pm

yeha i've never used mine (alesis 3630) a always just leave everything wide open....they are just so ummm non musical and very mechanical in nature. as far as the gate in your amp, that's all good, but switch to a heavily distorted patch and let one note sustain out and you will definately hear the digital breakup (SOUNDS LIKE ***).... i tracked with a Spider two and grew to hate that breakup sound.

peace

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Mar 27, 2005 12:56 pm

Using a gate to its best performance take a little bit of practice. I use them all the time, like on my POD xt. It is really a matter of getting the threshold and release set proper so it doesnt interfer with the attack and release of the sounds coming through it.

It can however as in dB's case on drums be used for some very cool effects as well. It was big in the 80's on drums for that real slammed shut or open effect. I know I was more then guilty of over using it then for those purposes, as was just about everybody else producing that funky 80's drum sound.

I still use it for those type effects on any other instrument you can think of when it will give it a unique sound.

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