How to Reduce Noise & Hiss on High-Gain Tones

High gain means high noise — unless you tame it. Here's how to get a quiet, tight metal tone.

Fix the source first

• Use good cables and a solid power supply.
• Single-coils hum; consider noiseless pickups or humbuckers for high gain.
• Move away from screens and lighting that cause buzz.

Use a noise gate correctly

Place a gate early in the chain and set the threshold just above the noise floor. Too aggressive and it chokes your sustain.

Use less gain

Excess gain amplifies noise and fizz. Back it off and add a tight boost in front for clarity instead.

Our metal presets are gated and gain-staged for tight, quiet chugs.

FAQ

Where should the noise gate go? Early in the chain, before heavy gain, for the tightest result.

Why is my tone still noisy? Often single-coil hum or a bad power supply — fix the source before adding a gate.