Artec SE-NGT Noise Gate

Two knobs and a footswitch... pretty easy to use. I gave it a 9 instead of a 10 because I don't think it needed an output knob. That feature is nice, but I'd rather it just be a fixed output level.

Used with Epi LP Standard (SD '59 and Custom) through a Blackheart Little Giant with a MI Audio Crunch Box distortion pedal. Off, the pedal lets the signal through perfectly. It's true bypass, so no tone sucking like Boss pedals. On, the signal sounds slightly muffled regardless of how the pedal is dialed in. It's much better if I put it in front of my distortion pedal instead of after it, but that almost defeats the point of having a noise gate. It seems like it affects the clean signal a lot less than the distorted signal.

But it doesn't do what it's supposed to do well: cut noise. Having it after the distortion pedal, it never starts silencing anything because it considers noise from the pedal something to be let through. I have to put it in front of the distortion and it will stop low level noise from coming from my guitar, and then it will let signal through when I start playing, but unlike more expensive gates, this one just doesn't seem to have a high enough threshold. And it's either cutting noise or not, there's no taper effect with the ISP Decimator.

It seems like it's built pretty solidly.

Never tried.

Pros: cheap, built well, easy to use, true bypass
Cons: doesn't do it's job, muffles tone when on

I got this pedal as a cheap gate to stick at the end of a second pedal board I made for some other pedals I had sitting around that weren't part of my main rig. Unfortunately, it's useless at the end of the pedal chain. Just simple hum from having a distortion or OD turned on will make the gate allow all sound through. It does work well at the beginning of the pedal chain though. It will keep noise from getting through when you're not playing, so you don't have to worry about feedback starting. But if you accidentally bump your guitar, even lightly, it will let the signal through even at it's highest setting. It still serves a purpose though, so even though I'm disappointed, it's not a total loss.

Very easy to use. It's based on the old Boss Noise Gates of the 80's (pre-Boss "Noise Suppressor.) Only 2 knobs. Just the way it should be. Easy, breezy, beautiful.

Love it. Kills the noise from my guitar pickups on stage when i use it before the input of my amp. When i use it in the effects loop of my Laney tube amp, it quites down the hum/amp noise. It's a classic style gate suited better to rock and classic styles rather than ultra high gain death metal. The style of this gate just works better. I play Guns N Roses, Aerosmith, Rolling Stones, Led Zep, Metallica and stuff like that. This gate is great. And the price is great too. The gate isn't as razor sharp as some modern gates, but that's what i love about it. it's not clinical sounding. warm and classic.

All metal housing. Appears to be bulletproof. No problems with it at all.

Got it off ebay. I think from thier main usa seller in chicago. they shipped it quick. no problems.

For the price, this pedal is great. Clean, warm classic style gate at half the price of most other gates. it kills lots of extra noise that i don't need when playing live, so it accomplished it's mission. passed my test with flying colors. I will be buying more Artec pedals soon. I also have the Artec analog delay and that pedal RULES. They're sweet quality.