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.

@smeagle3295

9 ай бұрын

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.

@mrcoatsworth429

9 ай бұрын

Sometimes, it pays off to read the manual.

@dan_s_higginson

9 ай бұрын

I thought this

@Dawgley

9 ай бұрын

glad i read this comment first. aint watching a 26 min video with this.

@kenminerva

9 ай бұрын

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.

@THESESSIONROOM

9 ай бұрын

Well said!! Hopefully they listen to comments conveying this exact thing!

@badjon

9 ай бұрын

came here to say that as well. its really the only way to run the original pedal.

@gohamm8629

9 ай бұрын

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!!!

@macsarcule

8 ай бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/fYmElMyllZTdaJs.htmlsi=ArEvc7YSauLRw2dc

@solemashi

7 ай бұрын

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.

@holybrad

9 ай бұрын

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.

@jamesc7720

9 ай бұрын

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.

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

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.

@thehoppo

9 ай бұрын

yep 4 cable method

@zombiemosher1139

9 ай бұрын

Also they didn't set the Damp control correctly.

@mrcoatsworth429

9 ай бұрын

Cause they didn't read the manual.

@Quicksilver_Cookie

9 ай бұрын

Because they do not understand how it should work, apparently.

@macsarcule

8 ай бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/fYmElMyllZTdaJs.htmlsi=ArEvc7YSauLRw2dc

Why don't you use the Send/Return too? Guitar > input NS > send NS > input dist > output dist > return NS > output NS > Amp

@evanjfraser

9 ай бұрын

Yeah isn't that the main way to do it?

@mcinen67

9 ай бұрын

..or. Guitar > input NS > send NS > input OD > output OD > input AMP > send AMP > return NS > output NS > return AMP

@adamcogan211

9 ай бұрын

This went straight through my head, can someone explain please?

@niclastname

9 ай бұрын

@@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.

@mcinen67

9 ай бұрын

​​@@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

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.

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...

@MarcCoteMusic

9 ай бұрын

I have an NS-2 but I also have the NF-1 I purchased in about '80, '81... still works. Now, THAT'S vintage. :-)

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.

@khan.tanvir

6 ай бұрын

Would you please explain more? 🙂

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.

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

honestly, quite an entertaining video. never seen a noise suppressor in action before

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!

My boss tuner app on my phone just notified me of the NS-1X release as I was watching this video.... damnit google.

@nikdsh

9 ай бұрын

same

Lee you need to insert your high gain pedal into the boss insert/ return section to better reduce the noise from high gain pedals

@rainbowslushy223

8 ай бұрын

yeah the pedal order isn't optimised

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 😋🤩

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.

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.

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! ❤

@mrcoatsworth429

9 ай бұрын

I thought the gate in the precision drive sucks?

@yessitsme6884

9 ай бұрын

@@mrcoatsworth429 Yeah it's not that great. I had the same idea, did one gig and resold the Precision Drive.

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.....

Best I have ever used and does not cut the tail off and has 3 settings is the mxr smart gate and best price.

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

9 ай бұрын

it's worth having good cables, a good power supply, a shielded guitar and then you don't have to use a noise suppressor

@nevesnow

9 ай бұрын

​@@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!

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

9 ай бұрын

May I ask do you use the send and return inputs on the Ns-2?

@stevendearden8030

9 ай бұрын

@@whamett1 yep fully integrated using all 4 inputs and send & return on amp too.

@MrBronsen15

9 ай бұрын

@@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?

@rainbowslushy223

8 ай бұрын

@@MrBronsen15 ive found it is quieter

You should use the 4 cable method to show a noise gate with that useful feature

That sold me. I'll go with the NS-2.

The captain's lick in the intro, nice !

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

@macsarcule

8 ай бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/fYmElMyllZTdaJs.htmlsi=ArEvc7YSauLRw2dc

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.

“We will keep it short!” Me seeing the video being 26 minutes: ????

The biggest take away from these recent videos is that Sire S7 that they clearly love! It's been on everything!!

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.

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)

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 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

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

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!!!!

The NS-1X must be superior: it's got lots of flashing lights and shiny chrome knobs.

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

9 ай бұрын

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.

@zoomzoom3950

9 ай бұрын

@@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.

@STRATMAN1969

9 ай бұрын

@@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.

Playing live I can get away without a noise reduction, but recording it's on most of the time now. I don't like the way it chokes the sustain at times though, especially with the threshold high. But it's better than all the hiss and hum.

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’ll keep my ns2, utilising send/return thanks

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.

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.

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

the extra noise suppression would work great with super high output guitars, my NS-2 barely keeps up with my double humbbuckers

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.

I would like to see the comparison against the MXR Smart Gate

Can I use that noise suppressor on modularsynths mix outs ? Two, one for the left and one for the right.

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.

@mymodel6

9 ай бұрын

Yeah but he really needs to RTFM sometimes...

This is NOT how you use a noise gate with send & return loop. This is a huge review fail.

Alright, great vid. We need to see Dave Simpson and Cici again, please. Also. digital John if possible!

@andertons

9 ай бұрын

All coming soon. 👍

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

I forsee another grumpy Lee followup video like with the SLO pedal

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

Redo it with Rabea, he'll know how to use it

4 cable method guys… that’s the game changer feature of these pedals…

@sebastian_drazczyk

9 ай бұрын

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.

Classic Lee. Always preferring the older iteration of a piece of equipment.

The Send / Return does NOT turn the pedal into a loop switcher to “activate your overdrives”, and Boss definitely did NOT say that?

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

I came to the comments to complain about the way these were connected, but I see the other commenters have already got it covered. 😁

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?

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.

Been using boss ns-2 since it became available. Great device. Irreplaceable. My setup left to right ... 3 o'clock Noon Noon

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

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.

That Schecter is a beauty. Do they come in LH?

@niclastname

9 ай бұрын

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.

Decimator g-string is definitely better than the ns-2, I have both. In your spare time maybe compare g-string to 1x?

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.

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!

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.

@94SexyStang

9 ай бұрын

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.

@Roger-il8iw

Ай бұрын

@@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

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.

I keep hearing noisess in my head. Would it help? Or should i just add more drive?

@dominicijavier1575

9 ай бұрын

gun it to 11

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

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.

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

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.

Token Blue would be an awesome band name.

Im curious how those two would compare to a isp decimator 2, because i just got one and haven't even taken out of the box to compare it to my ns2s yet 🤣

Can you review the Engl amps please

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.

is there any escape from noise?

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

Send return? How about the gate function?

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.

Do they work on tinnitus?

@digitalchris6681

9 ай бұрын

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, no.

@friedrudibega6384

9 ай бұрын

What?

You got to use some gain there Lee! One little tube screamer aint gonna cut it.

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 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

May I ask what is the guitar that Lee is playing (the golden strat shape)? It sounds and looks great!

@smeagle3295

9 ай бұрын

It was a Schecter.

@cgtt22

9 ай бұрын

Sire Larry Carlton S7

@lockharthorsburgh8601

9 ай бұрын

It's a Sire S7, but Lee upgraded the pickups. Can't remember what he put in, but there's a vid, from a few months ago, in which he and Danish Pete modify guitars.

@eddy50

9 ай бұрын

@@lockharthorsburgh8601 thanks, I will have a look

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.

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.

Damp knob was the key

I like this skinny red head!!

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.

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

Any pedal that has a "damp" knob is immediately a buy. I wonder how much "damp" John Mayer uses

@jimbob6th

9 ай бұрын

John Mayer makes me very damp

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!