Oh dear...did they just make a HUGE mistake? The great thing about the Boss NS-2 (and the new NS-1X) is that it is designed to key off the actual guitar signal (output from pickups), by placing the noise generating devices (pedals, preamp) in the Send/Return Loop of the NS. In other words, it compares the clean, unprocessed guitar signal (the "Key" signal at NS-2 input) with the effected signal coming back after the distortion, at the NS Return. When connected this way, the NS-2/NS1-X detects and analyzes the guitar’s signal and allows the noise suppression circuit to activate only as the guitar signal (the "key" input) dies out. This is a much superior and more effective way to utilize these type of noise suppressors, versus simply connecting them in series, after a distortion device.
I have an NS-2 and use the 4 cable method, but it does not do the job when I load an HM-2W and MT-2 into it. This video at least gives me hope that the new pedal can do the job.
You guys gotta do a follow up video to this using the 4 cable method the way it's meant to be done! So that the pedal gates the whole gain signal, but is only listening to your dry guitar to hear when and what noise to suppress. You guys missed out on one of the main points of the pedal and the loop.
Guys, as much as I look forward to your videos everyday, it would be totally fine if you did a video every two days, and spent a bit more time researching and preparing.
Yeah agreed, half the videos I watched lately you can just tell Lee and Pete are tired/burnt out and not really wanting to be there. And in their EAE video I just watched they knew nothing about any of the pedals and misrepresented the Longsword (one of the best modern overdrives) badly enough that the creator corrected them in the comment section. Love Andertons content but would personally prefer 10 or so high quality videos that they enjoy making each month vs 30 low effort rushed ones.
Interesting new take from Boss, very shiny. I've been using an NS-2 for nigh on 2 decades now (Still the same one I bought back in my teens) - You really need to try the 4 cable method to see the NS-2 shine, guys. That's what the Send/Return is for, after all.
@@adamcogan211 Basically you wire it up so that your clean guitar goes straight in so that the pedal only hears your unaltered guitar signal to listen for when to open and close, but then you have all your gain effects loop around back in for what the pedal is actually gating. That way it's better at gating the noise by being after all the gain, but all the noise isn't being listened to for when to turn on and off because it's only hearing your dry signal to detect when you're playing or not. This makes it so that the pedal isn't trying to hear your guitar through the noise being after the gain, making it quicker and more accurate in knowing when to open and close, but is also better at reducing the noise because all of the gain signal is going through the gate that's going through the loop. It's harder to visualize with words than with a picture or something haha. I guess a way you could say it, is that using 4 cables instead of 2, you can make the pedal only listen to your dry guitar signal to detect playing (like a faster more accurate "remote"), but gate the whole gain signal instead of the dry signal.
I'm sure it's been mentioned, but the loop doesn't cut pedals out of the chain. The footswitch only turns the Effect on or off (or in the NS-1X, a long press in mute mode will turn gate mode on or off). It allows the pedal to isolate the guitar input and is more accurate at filtering noise from the pedals in the loop. The NS loop can also include the amp via FX loop to tame any noise from the amplifier.
Tonight I was given one of the first jumbo 12 strings Breedlove ever made. From 93 a gift I wish I never had to receive but I am incredibly grateful for. RIP Dee. We love you forever and always. Just thought I’d share with a group that might care about guitar history.
Tip for a brilliant noise gate/suppressor - the Zoom MS70 CDR. The gate block inside this is better than every gate pedal I've used. Not only is it a great gate, it also blocks lots of hums and buzzes too.
The NS-2 was introduced in 1987, i had one in 1992. You should read the manual, there are ways to wire this thing that will make you scratch your head. When used properly. I used to find that it cleaned up my actual signal, not just gated it...
If it’s not broken, don’t fix it! The NS-2 is a great pedal and works as it should! Boss need to reissue some of the old pedals WAZA RV-3 with infinite mode when you press and hold the pedal down. PH-1r BF-2 SG-1 Just to mention a few!
The truth is... NS-2 is good enough... but most people don't know that they should put their drive pedal in send-return loop and then they tone is completely hissless . If you use f.e. old HM-2 or DOD Grunge in this loop it will be completely noiseless . This loop removes the hiss of your pickups so your effect is not boosting these frequencies and this is why this loop exists here.
The 4 cable method like everyone else in the comments is saying. But on top of that most guitarists that use these in a live setting do usually run at least 2. One for clean one for the gain
Gates are always great for high volume live stuff. Like Lee mentioned, they usually perform best when you use the send/return function in your amp's fx loop.
Sorry guys, but you are using both in the wrong way. Never put a NS in the effect-loop and put your drive pedals in the send return loop of the pedal and ambient pedals like reverb and delay just behind the NS. Great result.
@@94SexyStangwildly false. Especially with the new one. It is literally designed to utilize the dry signal as a reference. Should never be used in the way you describe. Total waste of time and money. You seem to lack any understanding of these devices
Thanks, guys. I needed to see your take on these noise pedals. Your discerning content regarding specs and capabilities which I wouldn't know as a newer player is immensely helpful in winnowing down gear options. Your taking the time to look them over legitimizes the pedals which you choose to evaluate. Note to your producer: I was glad that the decibel meter at the right rear of the stage was NOT covered by the headstock of a tall guitar in this video. Please continue to check for that when you are recording these excellent vids. I do watch many of them - often in binges as evening entertainment and for purchase research. Seeing the dB level in the room helps me understand what's coming out of the amps, how hard the tones are being played, etc. All of your efforts are VERY much appreciated here at the "end of the road" just south of Canada! Anderton's is my go-to YT channel.
I just got this pedal today. I'm using it with the onboard effects of the Katana Artist so it's plugged directly into the effects loop. I've only used it and experimented with its settings for an hour or so but it has already made me SO MUCH HAPPIER to play especially with headphones and higher volume. I'm very excited to explore it more fully and see how it compliments my style
I use 4 always on Gates. Using what I seen as one in one out single end noise reduction is a total farce. The gate must be able to read your clean signal and dirt signal separately or it slam the gate shut too early and cut off your signal in an unnatural way. ___When the noise is louder than noisy pedals it turns off your signal BUT, your clean signal coming in can still be ringing but too quietly to keep the gates door open. If read separately it tells the gate "Not Yet" I'll let you know" ___You need to use the pedals looping function, the 4 cable 'Smart Gate' method to keep noisy pedals in their own loop. It is why I use 4. I often compress then stack a Fuzz, even 2 Fuzz into an OD. The noise is beyond frightening. I then might go to a dead clean sound one second later. I then go to a nice medium gain pedal. All 3 need a different amount of gating. Even your clean sound has PU hiss. I doubt the Boss can beat the REVV G8 noise gate for precise gating. I consider the old Boss gate a door stop or paper weight. My favorites gate is the SMG C*ckblocker made in the Czech Republic . Unfortunately a limited edition pedal. I have and use 2. I wish I had 3. One knob, 2 seconds to nail a sweet spot and very forgiving. It was sold on Glen Fricker's Spectra Sound Studios site. Killer pedal.
Setup mistakes aside, it is reassuring to know if you guys don't like something, you'll make it pretty clear. It validates when you say you do like something, imo
As a single coil player I use noise suppression regularly. As a living room player I just use an inexpensive Behringer unit, and it does the trick well, although I have to balance the settings to where the noise is suppressed without choking my dynamics. If I use a lit of fuzz all bets are off, and I have to use its mute mode to silence the noise. When I used to gig I used a multi effects board with noise suppression built in, and it was more versatile. This new boss pedal looks like a great improvement for dynamic types if playing styles, but the price is too high for a hobby player.
Guys, you really need to use the 4CM when you put it in the loop, the second test was really useless. Also, put it first, like actually first. The first test as basically wrong as well. A few simple principles: - clean guitar in so the pedal has the best chance at knowing what is a note - *all* gain in the loop so that can be gated - all time based stuff after, obviously
I didn't understand why they kept setting the threshold and damp controls the same. Play with them to get what effect you need. I have a GT-1000 core and the noise reduction block does a great job.
Just go over to Leon Todd’s page and see it used properly. The NS2 and the new one work best in x pattern, 4CM. You NEED to trigger the input for any gate to work properly. The ns2 is much maligned but it works perfectly in the right hands and properly setup. The ns2 is analogue the 1x is digital. The ns2 has been in my rig for 20 years with no issues.
I think the really important thing about noise suppression is that the silence, however short, between your notes can be just as important as the notes themselves and i think suppressors really make you realize that in a tangible way
Have to say, Lee's chops have significantly improved over the years. Not that he was ever bad at all, he's always been good. But definitely a lot more confidence, feel, and tastier note choices.
ISO noise decimator is a pretty magical gate . To have the gate almost all the way on lee’s board which I wouldn’t even consider high gain is nuts to me. I use a peacetime invective and the decimator is barely half way up.
you're literally using them both wrong?!?!?! use the send/return and your signal degradation is basically zero... thats the entire point of the feature... and what makes these pedals so good in the first place.....
You don’t have them hooked up right!! Run the distortion through the send return and guitar through the input and out put to the amp. Put the release fast(all the way) and threshold halfway
Lee might be the head of one of the largest music stores, but he is also an absolutely fantastic presenter. Have been watching for 5 years, and he just gets better every day.
This video definitely made the NS2 seem way better but neither are fantastic options tbh. I would personally just save for a Precision Drive and use it’s own noise gate but I appreciate the honesty and transparency in this video! ❤
Well, i am needing to buy a noise suppressor and this video is exactly what i need to determine if i need the $100 or $200 one. So thank you for this video!!!!
This pedal has been more exciting than anything recently. It's actually something new and a different take on a noise sup. Not just another tube screamer/boost/nonsense pedal😂
I can always count on Andertons to take on a less sexy topic like utility pedals and make it funny and really feel like I'm there with you trying things out. Thank you for this service and I hope it adds to the success of Anderton's. - Mark (in Los Angeles)
That term spring noises sound awesome, i want a pedal amplifying those! Noise surpressors are probably the only pedals I'll never use in my lifetime. Gonna listen to some live nirvana or sonic youth right now 😋🤩
came to complain about the lack of 4 cable method, cos that's obviously how to use it and gives the best results, but everyone else has already done that. so instead I'd like to point out that when Lee did mention the 4 cable method he said you have your gain pedals in the loop and then turn the whole loop on and off with a tap of the pedal? well my NS-2 doesn't do that, the loop is always on just with reduction or without reduction. I leave mine in mute mode then reduction is always on but then by pressing pedal can mute completely for changing guitars etc. Top Tip, put you compressor pedal in the loop to.
@@stevendearden8030I don’t send mine through the send/return of the amp, but do have it at the start of my pedal board chain, and return back from my last pedal then go from ns2 output to amp input What is the advantage of using the amps send/return?
I think Rabea should have done the video while Pete adjusted the controls on the pedals! In other words more playing while listening then commenting. Don’t get me wrong Captain Lee the two of you were fine but needed to hear MORE DJENT AND SHRED. CHEERS!
When I use pedals I have a Boss CP-1X Compressor that uses the same MDP technology. It's still my favorite compressor. I use a Source Audio EQ2 that has a built-in noise gate that works great IMO, but this iNS-1X is interesting!
@@STRATMAN1969 Yes, it's buried in the user manual, barely mentioned; same as the limiter. you can turn the gate on/off and adjust the threshold on the pedal using the options menu without needing the apps.
@@zoomzoom3950 yeah I looked that up after reading your comment. Will definitely have to check it out. Mine is after my switcher ,right Chanel, so I might have to get into it with my ol' nemesis the Fiddler lol.
Hm ... this might be one "RTFM before U demo" video ... just puzzled The NS-2 is great for all of us who like it simple ... just works/does the job and its great cause you have the loop ... best way to kill the noise
Of course the NS-2 was the standard for me until I tried some others. Depending on your style music, the ISP Decimator is a killer noise gate. So is the MXR Smart Gate. I will have to give this NS-1X a shake and see what it does. I have a Epiphone Wildkat hollow body with an unpotted P-90. Noisy? lol the WORST. But I use it because if you stand in the right spot, you get this wonderful, very musical feedback and harmonic that I cannot get with any other guitar. But without a gate of some sort, you can't play it. It's too noisy. Especially with the other frequencies bouncing around the stage.
The only trouble (read: undesirable effect) I've had so far with the 1X is the gate mode clipping off the tail ends of my delay echos but of course you can easily fix that by adjusting the decay and it sounds even more natural in reduction mode. I'm honestly really enjoying the 1X so far
Guys Guys....these pedals need to be used with the send and return with noisy effects in that loop......been using the ns-2 since the 80'S....ya the same one ...that way and it is perfect
I know this may sound like a broken record, but would love love love to see the 4 cable method for both compared. Two cable with these just doesn’t quite achieve their full potential from what I’ve experienced with the NS-2. Doing 4 cable method, in what I’ve experienced, gives a lot more freedom for reducing the threshold to maintain more of the original tonal qualities. The NS-2 just doesn’t compare to more modern counterparts using 2 cable
I much prefer the NS-2, I use it to replace the Electro-Harmonix Silencer. I play prog metal and the Boss remains excellent in both saturated and clean sound. If I had to change, I would take the beautiful Zuul from Fortin.
I literally can’t comfortably play without an NS2. The only effect I always have on and I primarily play clean guitar. It must be placebo but I swear everything sounds a little bit better and neater with it on
The price aint worth it when you can pick up an NS2 for 50-60 quid and mine does for me. Glad i bought the boss ir2 instead, that pedal is a winner and does way more than noise cancel.
After watching the video the 1x is better than the ns2 but like he said you have to remember one is £100 and one is £200. Is the 1x worth the extra £100? That's for the musicians to decide themselves.
Good evening, I just watched this review, a little late I know, but I'd be grateful if you could respond to the many voices asking for a review of these pedals using the 4 cable method. If you set it up right you can track the dry guitar signal while clamping all noise including the preamp and part of the fx loop (I place only time-based effects after). As an NS2 user I can confirm that this is a secret weapon if you're stacking gain pedals or overcranking a small tube amp (or both in my case). I'd be really interested to see how the NS1X, or the TC Sentry or any other gate with a loop, handles this configuration. Thanks
Long time NS-2 user 👋 Why no demo or comparison of using the loops of the pedals, putting a signal chain of gain pedals in the pedal loops? The NS-2 is awesome when used in this way, and I was keen to see how the NS-1X compared.
Boss just might be the only company that can make a digital version of a pedal sound better than the original analogue. The "X" line of pedals is terribly brilliant. I don't know that I really need the NS-1X, but I might buy it, anyway, to go with my BB-1X and BC-1X.
Lee doesn't seem like a great person to demo this pedal. I don't have a noise gate/suppressor, but if I did I would want the NS-1x. I would want it to be able to more than I "need," so that I would never run into a situation where the suppressor would be in effective. Easy of use is nice, but for something like this precision is more valuable. It will take more time to hone in the 1X, but the result will be more of what I want, because I have more options.
Nice review! Actually is very valid and not boring! The noise from single coils makes me crazy but the tone still being unique.. I have an ISP decimator and an ISP hum extractor + G decimator (really expensive pedal, more than 450eur) it solves almost all the problems with noise but it does change the sound as the "expander" needs to be set higher.. So I didn't found yet a full transparent noise gate/supressor, it would interesting to see a comparison between both of them. Cheers
@@sebastian_drazczyk Sure, I use high-quality shielded cables (Mogami with Neutrik plugs). All my guitars are shielded, including the ones with EMGs or Fishman. However, for the electromagnetic field picked up by the pickups, there is no way to solve it only with shielding, cables, and grounding. The pickups pick up the EM field generated by all electronic/electric sources around. There is a hell of interference in my room, and unfortunately, this can't be solved only by using all you mentioned before. :) But thanks for your comment!
You said it would be great to have 2 noise suppressors, you can switch from noise suppressor to gate by holding down the pedal, you didn’t mention that?
wrong patching guys. if you really wanna A/B, either use 2 of the same distortion pedal and setting and put it inside the loop, or send from ns2 to ns1x input, send and return the distortion in the loop, and ns1x output goes into ns2 return, and output to amp. please re-shoot the video.
That's why it's a pedal,... when you play clean, you turn it off! And yeah, for most peeps, plug it in the loop circuit of your amp before Rev/Delays! ( any of them!) Thank me later, you're welcome!
What's this at 17:40 about being able to use the FX loop as a distortion bypass? this is the only source I found on this about these pedals, everywhere else (including BOSS' website) says it just mutes everything... Too bad they didn't try out the four cable configuration, a FX loop bypass would be a killer feature.
The NS-1X is so quiet that it feels like you lost half of the tone too. Although NS-1X has a lot more high end kept. Which is almost weird with the lack of noise. NS-2 is like some of those old rack gear units that acted like low-pass filters and made your tone "sweeter" when there was less high frequencies and more middle in relative terms.
Why didn't you put it second (after a wah), or first if you don't have one? It's there to cut out unwanted noise, so having it as close as possible BEFORE any stacked noise generating elements is the only way I've ever used one. How is it ever going to work at the end of an fx loop if you've got any sort of phase or flange effect? You want it to cut the signal as soon as you mute the strings, so there's less signal going in to the noisy effects in your chain.
In regards to the comment about using two NS 1X noise suppressors to make the effect work more successfully. I’ve been using the NS 2 in conjunction with the volume knob of the guitar to avoid using two units. Also just reading the online manual. The example in there used the distortion pedal through the effects loop. But a good demo to get a feel for the NS 1X. Cheers.
Oh dear...did they just make a HUGE mistake? The great thing about the Boss NS-2 (and the new NS-1X) is that it is designed to key off the actual guitar signal (output from pickups), by placing the noise generating devices (pedals, preamp) in the Send/Return Loop of the NS. In other words, it compares the clean, unprocessed guitar signal (the "Key" signal at NS-2 input) with the effected signal coming back after the distortion, at the NS Return. When connected this way, the NS-2/NS1-X detects and analyzes the guitar’s signal and allows the noise suppression circuit to activate only as the guitar signal (the "key" input) dies out. This is a much superior and more effective way to utilize these type of noise suppressors, versus simply connecting them in series, after a distortion device.
I have an NS-2 and use the 4 cable method, but it does not do the job when I load an HM-2W and MT-2 into it. This video at least gives me hope that the new pedal can do the job.
Sometimes, it pays off to read the manual.
I thought this
glad i read this comment first. aint watching a 26 min video with this.
Exactly! I was like, what are they doing here 🤷🏿🤷🏿
You guys gotta do a follow up video to this using the 4 cable method the way it's meant to be done! So that the pedal gates the whole gain signal, but is only listening to your dry guitar to hear when and what noise to suppress. You guys missed out on one of the main points of the pedal and the loop.
Well said!! Hopefully they listen to comments conveying this exact thing!
came here to say that as well. its really the only way to run the original pedal.
Agreed - I didn’t spend 4 hours figuring out how to run my NS-2 via 4 cable in my setup for them to throw it in line and call it done!!!
th-cam.com/video/KUP2jle1w88/w-d-xo.htmlsi=ArEvc7YSauLRw2dc
manual literacy is a big deal. talking heads strike again.
Guys, as much as I look forward to your videos everyday, it would be totally fine if you did a video every two days, and spent a bit more time researching and preparing.
Yeah agreed, half the videos I watched lately you can just tell Lee and Pete are tired/burnt out and not really wanting to be there. And in their EAE video I just watched they knew nothing about any of the pedals and misrepresented the Longsword (one of the best modern overdrives) badly enough that the creator corrected them in the comment section. Love Andertons content but would personally prefer 10 or so high quality videos that they enjoy making each month vs 30 low effort rushed ones.
Agreed. Andertons videos are always fun to watch but they for the most part poorly researched.
Interesting new take from Boss, very shiny. I've been using an NS-2 for nigh on 2 decades now (Still the same one I bought back in my teens) - You really need to try the 4 cable method to see the NS-2 shine, guys. That's what the Send/Return is for, after all.
I think Boss was trying to troll ISP with that shiny chrome face
Why don't you use the Send/Return too?
Guitar > input NS > send NS > input dist > output dist > return NS > output NS > Amp
Yeah isn't that the main way to do it?
..or. Guitar > input NS > send NS > input OD > output OD > input AMP > send AMP > return NS > output NS > return AMP
This went straight through my head, can someone explain please?
@@adamcogan211 Basically you wire it up so that your clean guitar goes straight in so that the pedal only hears your unaltered guitar signal to listen for when to open and close, but then you have all your gain effects loop around back in for what the pedal is actually gating. That way it's better at gating the noise by being after all the gain, but all the noise isn't being listened to for when to turn on and off because it's only hearing your dry signal to detect when you're playing or not.
This makes it so that the pedal isn't trying to hear your guitar through the noise being after the gain, making it quicker and more accurate in knowing when to open and close, but is also better at reducing the noise because all of the gain signal is going through the gate that's going through the loop. It's harder to visualize with words than with a picture or something haha.
I guess a way you could say it, is that using 4 cables instead of 2, you can make the pedal only listen to your dry guitar signal to detect playing (like a faster more accurate "remote"), but gate the whole gain signal instead of the dry signal.
@@adamcogan211
Think first
Guitar >
> input NoiseGate >
> output NoiseGate >
> return Amp (F/X loop)
Then think about the drive section of your pedal via amp.
send NoiseGate >
> input Overdrive >
> output Overdrive >
> input AMP (in front)
> send AMP (F/X loop)
> return NoiseGate
I'm sure it's been mentioned, but the loop doesn't cut pedals out of the chain. The footswitch only turns the Effect on or off (or in the NS-1X, a long press in mute mode will turn gate mode on or off). It allows the pedal to isolate the guitar input and is more accurate at filtering noise from the pedals in the loop. The NS loop can also include the amp via FX loop to tame any noise from the amplifier.
I think the pedals would be more effective when using the send and return option. I wonder why it isn't even mentioned at all in this review.
yep 4 cable method
Also they didn't set the Damp control correctly.
Cause they didn't read the manual.
Because they do not understand how it should work, apparently.
th-cam.com/video/KUP2jle1w88/w-d-xo.htmlsi=ArEvc7YSauLRw2dc
Tonight I was given one of the first jumbo 12 strings Breedlove ever made. From 93 a gift I wish I never had to receive but I am incredibly grateful for. RIP Dee. We love you forever and always.
Just thought I’d share with a group that might care about guitar history.
Tip for a brilliant noise gate/suppressor - the Zoom MS70 CDR. The gate block inside this is better than every gate pedal I've used. Not only is it a great gate, it also blocks lots of hums and buzzes too.
Would you please explain more? 🙂
The NS-2 was introduced in 1987, i had one in 1992. You should read the manual, there are ways to wire this thing that will make you scratch your head. When used properly. I used to find that it cleaned up my actual signal, not just gated it...
I have an NS-2 but I also have the NF-1 I purchased in about '80, '81... still works. Now, THAT'S vintage. :-)
If it’s not broken, don’t fix it! The NS-2 is a great pedal and works as it should! Boss need to reissue some of the old pedals WAZA
RV-3 with infinite mode when you press and hold the pedal down.
PH-1r
BF-2
SG-1
Just to mention a few!
The truth is... NS-2 is good enough... but most people don't know that they should put their drive pedal in send-return loop and then they tone is completely hissless . If you use f.e. old HM-2 or DOD Grunge in this loop it will be completely noiseless . This loop removes the hiss of your pickups so your effect is not boosting these frequencies and this is why this loop exists here.
The 4 cable method like everyone else in the comments is saying. But on top of that most guitarists that use these in a live setting do usually run at least 2. One for clean one for the gain
th-cam.com/video/KUP2jle1w88/w-d-xo.htmlsi=ArEvc7YSauLRw2dc
Gates are always great for high volume live stuff. Like Lee mentioned, they usually perform best when you use the send/return function in your amp's fx loop.
Lee you need to insert your high gain pedal into the boss insert/ return section to better reduce the noise from high gain pedals
yeah the pedal order isn't optimised
Sorry guys, but you are using both in the wrong way. Never put a NS in the effect-loop and put your drive pedals in the send return loop of the pedal and ambient pedals like reverb and delay just behind the NS. Great result.
wrong, you can run it threw pedal board for basic operation.....not everyone needs it whisper quiet, Just need to take the edge off it.
@@94SexyStangwildly false. Especially with the new one. It is literally designed to utilize the dry signal as a reference. Should never be used in the way you describe. Total waste of time and money. You seem to lack any understanding of these devices
Thanks, guys. I needed to see your take on these noise pedals. Your discerning content regarding specs and capabilities which I wouldn't know as a newer player is immensely helpful in winnowing down gear options. Your taking the time to look them over legitimizes the pedals which you choose to evaluate.
Note to your producer: I was glad that the decibel meter at the right rear of the stage was NOT covered by the headstock of a tall guitar in this video. Please continue to check for that when you are recording these excellent vids. I do watch many of them - often in binges as evening entertainment and for purchase research. Seeing the dB level in the room helps me understand what's coming out of the amps, how hard the tones are being played, etc.
All of your efforts are VERY much appreciated here at the "end of the road" just south of Canada! Anderton's is my go-to YT channel.
I just got this pedal today. I'm using it with the onboard effects of the Katana Artist so it's plugged directly into the effects loop. I've only used it and experimented with its settings for an hour or so but it has already made me SO MUCH HAPPIER to play especially with headphones and higher volume. I'm very excited to explore it more fully and see how it compliments my style
I use 4 always on Gates. Using what I seen as one in one out single end noise reduction is a total farce. The gate must be able to read your clean signal and dirt signal separately or it slam the gate shut too early and cut off your signal in an unnatural way. ___When the noise is louder than noisy pedals it turns off your signal BUT, your clean signal coming in can still be ringing but too quietly to keep the gates door open. If read separately it tells the gate "Not Yet" I'll let you know" ___You need to use the pedals looping function, the 4 cable 'Smart Gate' method to keep noisy pedals in their own loop. It is why I use 4. I often compress then stack a Fuzz, even 2 Fuzz into an OD. The noise is beyond frightening. I then might go to a dead clean sound one second later. I then go to a nice medium gain pedal. All 3 need a different amount of gating. Even your clean sound has PU hiss.
I doubt the Boss can beat the REVV G8 noise gate for precise gating. I consider the old Boss gate a door stop or paper weight.
My favorites gate is the SMG C*ckblocker made in the Czech Republic . Unfortunately a limited edition pedal. I have and use 2. I wish I had 3. One knob, 2 seconds to nail a sweet spot and very forgiving. It was sold on Glen Fricker's Spectra Sound Studios site. Killer pedal.
Setup mistakes aside, it is reassuring to know if you guys don't like something, you'll make it pretty clear. It validates when you say you do like something, imo
My boss tuner app on my phone just notified me of the NS-1X release as I was watching this video.... damnit google.
same
As a single coil player I use noise suppression regularly. As a living room player I just use an inexpensive Behringer unit, and it does the trick well, although I have to balance the settings to where the noise is suppressed without choking my dynamics. If I use a lit of fuzz all bets are off, and I have to use its mute mode to silence the noise. When I used to gig I used a multi effects board with noise suppression built in, and it was more versatile. This new boss pedal looks like a great improvement for dynamic types if playing styles, but the price is too high for a hobby player.
Guys, you really need to use the 4CM when you put it in the loop, the second test was really useless.
Also, put it first, like actually first. The first test as basically wrong as well.
A few simple principles:
- clean guitar in so the pedal has the best chance at knowing what is a note
- *all* gain in the loop so that can be gated
- all time based stuff after, obviously
I didn't understand why they kept setting the threshold and damp controls the same. Play with them to get what effect you need. I have a GT-1000 core and the noise reduction block does a great job.
Just go over to Leon Todd’s page and see it used properly. The NS2 and the new one work best in x pattern, 4CM. You NEED to trigger the input for any gate to work properly.
The ns2 is much maligned but it works perfectly in the right hands and properly setup.
The ns2 is analogue the 1x is digital. The ns2 has been in my rig for 20 years with no issues.
Best I have ever used and does not cut the tail off and has 3 settings is the mxr smart gate and best price.
I think the really important thing about noise suppression is that the silence, however short, between your notes can be just as important as the notes themselves and i think suppressors really make you realize that in a tangible way
Have to say, Lee's chops have significantly improved over the years. Not that he was ever bad at all, he's always been good. But definitely a lot more confidence, feel, and tastier note choices.
ISO noise decimator is a pretty magical gate . To have the gate almost all the way on lee’s board which I wouldn’t even consider high gain is nuts to me. I use a peacetime invective and the decimator is barely half way up.
I still have a noise decimator from 2007! Gen 1, no loop, one knob. Works like magic
you're literally using them both wrong?!?!?! use the send/return and your signal degradation is basically zero... thats the entire point of the feature... and what makes these pedals so good in the first place.....
You don’t have them hooked up right!!
Run the distortion through the send return and guitar through the input and out put to the amp. Put the release fast(all the way) and threshold halfway
Lee might be the head of one of the largest music stores, but he is also an absolutely fantastic presenter. Have been watching for 5 years, and he just gets better every day.
Yeah but he really needs to RTFM sometimes...
This video definitely made the NS2 seem way better but neither are fantastic options tbh. I would personally just save for a Precision Drive and use it’s own noise gate but I appreciate the honesty and transparency in this video! ❤
I thought the gate in the precision drive sucks?
@@mrcoatsworth429 Yeah it's not that great. I had the same idea, did one gig and resold the Precision Drive.
“We will keep it short!”
Me seeing the video being 26 minutes: ????
Well, i am needing to buy a noise suppressor and this video is exactly what i need to determine if i need the $100 or $200 one. So thank you for this video!!!!
You should use the 4 cable method to show a noise gate with that useful feature
This pedal has been more exciting than anything recently. It's actually something new and a different take on a noise sup. Not just another tube screamer/boost/nonsense pedal😂
I can always count on Andertons to take on a less sexy topic like utility pedals and make it funny and really feel like I'm there with you trying things out. Thank you for this service and I hope it adds to the success of Anderton's. - Mark (in Los Angeles)
That term spring noises sound awesome, i want a pedal amplifying those! Noise surpressors are probably the only pedals I'll never use in my lifetime. Gonna listen to some live nirvana or sonic youth right now 😋🤩
came to complain about the lack of 4 cable method, cos that's obviously how to use it and gives the best results, but everyone else has already done that. so instead I'd like to point out that when Lee did mention the 4 cable method he said you have your gain pedals in the loop and then turn the whole loop on and off with a tap of the pedal? well my NS-2 doesn't do that, the loop is always on just with reduction or without reduction. I leave mine in mute mode then reduction is always on but then by pressing pedal can mute completely for changing guitars etc. Top Tip, put you compressor pedal in the loop to.
That sold me. I'll go with the NS-2.
Actually very useful. I have 2 x NS-2s and really rate the job they do, but may think about upgrading to NS-1x
@whamett1 yep fully integrated using all 4 inputs and send & return on amp too.
@@stevendearden8030I don’t send mine through the send/return of the amp, but do have it at the start of my pedal board chain, and return back from my last pedal then go from ns2 output to amp input
What is the advantage of using the amps send/return?
@@MrBronsen15 ive found it is quieter
honestly, quite an entertaining video. never seen a noise suppressor in action before
I think Rabea should have done the video while Pete adjusted the controls on the pedals! In other words more playing while listening then commenting. Don’t get me wrong Captain Lee the two of you were fine but needed to hear MORE DJENT AND SHRED. CHEERS!
When I use pedals I have a Boss CP-1X Compressor that uses the same MDP technology. It's still my favorite compressor.
I use a Source Audio EQ2 that has a built-in noise gate that works great IMO, but this iNS-1X is interesting!
Thanks ,for whatever reason I never realized the EQ-2 has a gate as well. I know it has a tuner too ,but I've never even tried to look for it lol.
@@STRATMAN1969 Yes, it's buried in the user manual, barely mentioned; same as the limiter. you can turn the gate on/off and adjust the threshold on the pedal using the options menu without needing the apps.
@@zoomzoom3950 yeah I looked that up after reading your comment. Will definitely have to check it out.
Mine is after my switcher ,right Chanel, so I might have to get into it with my ol' nemesis the Fiddler lol.
Hm ... this might be one "RTFM before U demo" video ... just puzzled
The NS-2 is great for all of us who like it simple ... just works/does the job and its great cause you have the loop ... best way to kill the noise
ngl...so glad I watched this whole video. The NS1x is WAY better for my multiple pedals
Interesting demo… it felt like we were finding out about the NS1x vs. the NX2 along with you guys. Each pedal has its good points
Of course the NS-2 was the standard for me until I tried some others. Depending on your style music, the ISP Decimator is a killer noise gate. So is the MXR Smart Gate. I will have to give this NS-1X a shake and see what it does. I have a Epiphone Wildkat hollow body with an unpotted P-90. Noisy? lol the WORST. But I use it because if you stand in the right spot, you get this wonderful, very musical feedback and harmonic that I cannot get with any other guitar. But without a gate of some sort, you can't play it. It's too noisy. Especially with the other frequencies bouncing around the stage.
The NS-1X must be superior: it's got lots of flashing lights and shiny chrome knobs.
Classic Lee. Always preferring the older iteration of a piece of equipment.
The only trouble (read: undesirable effect) I've had so far with the 1X is the gate mode clipping off the tail ends of my delay echos but of course you can easily fix that by adjusting the decay and it sounds even more natural in reduction mode. I'm honestly really enjoying the 1X so far
Guys Guys....these pedals need to be used with the send and return with noisy effects in that loop......been using the ns-2 since the 80'S....ya the same one ...that way and it is perfect
This is NOT how you use a noise gate with send & return loop.
This is a huge review fail.
The captain's lick in the intro, nice !
I know this may sound like a broken record, but would love love love to see the 4 cable method for both compared. Two cable with these just doesn’t quite achieve their full potential from what I’ve experienced with the NS-2. Doing 4 cable method, in what I’ve experienced, gives a lot more freedom for reducing the threshold to maintain more of the original tonal qualities. The NS-2 just doesn’t compare to more modern counterparts using 2 cable
I came to the comments to complain about the way these were connected, but I see the other commenters have already got it covered. 😁
the extra noise suppression would work great with super high output guitars, my NS-2 barely keeps up with my double humbbuckers
Been using boss ns-2 since it became available. Great device. Irreplaceable.
My setup left to right ...
3 o'clock
Noon
Noon
I much prefer the NS-2, I use it to replace the Electro-Harmonix Silencer. I play prog metal and the Boss remains excellent in both saturated and clean sound. If I had to change, I would take the beautiful Zuul from Fortin.
4 cable method guys… that’s the game changer feature of these pedals…
They are not that stupid, it could turn out that the newer model is the same or worse than the older one, and then no one would buy it.
I literally can’t comfortably play without an NS2. The only effect I always have on and I primarily play clean guitar. It must be placebo but I swear everything sounds a little bit better and neater with it on
Decimator g-string is definitely better than the ns-2, I have both. In your spare time maybe compare g-string to 1x?
I forsee another grumpy Lee followup video like with the SLO pedal
The price aint worth it when you can pick up an NS2 for 50-60 quid and mine does for me. Glad i bought the boss ir2 instead, that pedal is a winner and does way more than noise cancel.
I would like to see the comparison against the MXR Smart Gate
I’ll keep my ns2, utilising send/return thanks
Redo it with Rabea, he'll know how to use it
After watching the video the 1x is better than the ns2 but like he said you have to remember one is £100 and one is £200. Is the 1x worth the extra £100? That's for the musicians to decide themselves.
Good evening, I just watched this review, a little late I know, but I'd be grateful if you could respond to the many voices asking for a review of these pedals using the 4 cable method. If you set it up right you can track the dry guitar signal while clamping all noise including the preamp and part of the fx loop (I place only time-based effects after). As an NS2 user I can confirm that this is a secret weapon if you're stacking gain pedals or overcranking a small tube amp (or both in my case). I'd be really interested to see how the NS1X, or the TC Sentry or any other gate with a loop, handles this configuration. Thanks
Long time NS-2 user 👋 Why no demo or comparison of using the loops of the pedals, putting a signal chain of gain pedals in the pedal loops? The NS-2 is awesome when used in this way, and I was keen to see how the NS-1X compared.
Boss just might be the only company that can make a digital version of a pedal sound better than the original analogue. The "X" line of pedals is terribly brilliant. I don't know that I really need the NS-1X, but I might buy it, anyway, to go with my BB-1X and BC-1X.
Lee doesn't seem like a great person to demo this pedal. I don't have a noise gate/suppressor, but if I did I would want the NS-1x. I would want it to be able to more than I "need," so that I would never run into a situation where the suppressor would be in effective. Easy of use is nice, but for something like this precision is more valuable. It will take more time to hone in the 1X, but the result will be more of what I want, because I have more options.
Nice review! Actually is very valid and not boring! The noise from single coils makes me crazy but the tone still being unique.. I have an ISP decimator and an ISP hum extractor + G decimator (really expensive pedal, more than 450eur) it solves almost all the problems with noise but it does change the sound as the "expander" needs to be set higher.. So I didn't found yet a full transparent noise gate/supressor, it would interesting to see a comparison between both of them.
Cheers
it's worth having good cables, a good power supply, a shielded guitar and then you don't have to use a noise suppressor
@@sebastian_drazczyk Sure, I use high-quality shielded cables (Mogami with Neutrik plugs). All my guitars are shielded, including the ones with EMGs or Fishman. However, for the electromagnetic field picked up by the pickups, there is no way to solve it only with shielding, cables, and grounding. The pickups pick up the EM field generated by all electronic/electric sources around. There is a hell of interference in my room, and unfortunately, this can't be solved only by using all you mentioned before. :) But thanks for your comment!
Alright, great vid. We need to see Dave Simpson and Cici again, please. Also. digital John if possible!
All coming soon. 👍
They are using the pedals wrong. Both NS are supposed to be placed first in line with the noisy pedals in the loop. That way the NS works thw best.
Put the drive pedal in the send and return. That’s the way to get the most out of your gate. Kinda a demo fail
You said it would be great to have 2 noise suppressors, you can switch from noise suppressor to gate by holding down the pedal, you didn’t mention that?
kind of a bummer you didn't show it setup in the most ideal way. it would have performed better for what they wanted with the four cable method.
I keep hearing noisess in my head. Would it help?
Or should i just add more drive?
gun it to 11
The Send / Return does NOT turn the pedal into a loop switcher to “activate your overdrives”, and Boss definitely did NOT say that?
wrong patching guys. if you really wanna A/B, either use 2 of the same distortion pedal and setting and put it inside the loop, or send from ns2 to ns1x input, send and return the distortion in the loop, and ns1x output goes into ns2 return, and output to amp. please re-shoot the video.
Do they work on tinnitus?
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, no.
What?
That Schecter is a beauty. Do they come in LH?
Yeah it's the HSS Nick Johnston signature. There is a left handed version in orange and surf green? I think the SSS has orange surf green and pink.
That's why it's a pedal,... when you play clean, you turn it off!
And yeah, for most peeps, plug it in the loop circuit of your amp before Rev/Delays! ( any of them!)
Thank me later, you're welcome!
Token Blue would be an awesome band name.
Any pedal that has a "damp" knob is immediately a buy. I wonder how much "damp" John Mayer uses
John Mayer makes me very damp
I.m my opinion the Ns2 sounds better. I.ve got one since years ago and it.s one of the best pedals in my board.
I used to use a ns-2 then seen the light and binned it and got a isp g string decimator….a far better and more capable pedal
You got to use some gain there Lee! One little tube screamer aint gonna cut it.
Nothing grinds my gears more when your playing with high gain you hear all the behind the nut or trem springs ring/noise!
What's this at 17:40 about being able to use the FX loop as a distortion bypass? this is the only source I found on this about these pedals, everywhere else (including BOSS' website) says it just mutes everything... Too bad they didn't try out the four cable configuration, a FX loop bypass would be a killer feature.
The NS-1X is so quiet that it feels like you lost half of the tone too. Although NS-1X has a lot more high end kept. Which is almost weird with the lack of noise. NS-2 is like some of those old rack gear units that acted like low-pass filters and made your tone "sweeter" when there was less high frequencies and more middle in relative terms.
NS2 = analog
The best way to use this pedal is the 4-cable method. Why did you leave this method put? It’s whisper quiet this way.
7:34 I'm really the same with the captain here. I've hated noise gates because of this so I'm really interested if the ns1x is not gonna do that
Why didn't you put it second (after a wah), or first if you don't have one?
It's there to cut out unwanted noise, so having it as close as possible BEFORE any stacked noise generating elements is the only way I've ever used one.
How is it ever going to work at the end of an fx loop if you've got any sort of phase or flange effect?
You want it to cut the signal as soon as you mute the strings, so there's less signal going in to the noisy effects in your chain.
So if your clean, or on the edge of breakup, would adding a compressor to hel0
In regards to the comment about using two NS 1X noise suppressors to make the effect work more successfully. I’ve been using the NS 2 in conjunction with the volume knob of the guitar to avoid using two units. Also just reading the online manual. The example in there used the distortion pedal through the effects loop. But a good demo to get a feel for the NS 1X. Cheers.
…I’ve only used an MXR Noise Gate, and it eliminates all fuzz from any of my guitars.
Can I use that noise suppressor on modularsynths mix outs ? Two, one for the left and one for the right.