What does the Boss NS-2 actually do?

The NS-2 eliminates unwanted noise such as pickup hum and high-gain hiss from your guitar signal. It uses an intelligent sensing circuit to distinguish between your playing and background noise.

How does the Threshold knob work?

The Threshold knob sets the sensitivity level. It determines the volume point at which the pedal begins to suppress the signal to eliminate noise.

What is the purpose of the Decay knob?

The Decay knob controls the speed at which the sound fades out once the signal drops below the Threshold. Setting this correctly prevents notes from being cut off too abruptly.

What are the different modes on the NS-2?

The NS-2 features Reduction mode for standard noise removal and Mute mode for silent tuning or breaks. It also includes an On/Off function via the footswitch.

Why does the NS-2 have Send and Return jacks?

These jacks create an effects loop. By placing noisy pedals like distortion or wah units inside this loop, the NS-2 can more effectively suppress their specific noise.

Can the NS-2 power other pedals?

Yes, if used with a Boss PCS-20A daisy chain cable and a suitable 9V adapter, the NS-2 can distribute power to other pedals on your board. This makes it a useful hub for power management.

Does the NS-2 affect your guitar's natural tone?

The NS-2 is designed to provide a pristine tone by only removing the noise. When adjusted correctly, it leaves the original character of your guitar and amplifiers unchanged.

Is the NS-2 suitable for bass guitar?

While marketed primarily for guitar, the NS-2 works effectively with bass guitars as well. It is particularly useful for bassists using high-gain distortion or vintage pickups.

Where should the NS-2 be placed in a signal chain?

It is often placed after noisy gain pedals but before time-based effects like the Boss DD-3T. However, using the Send/Return loop is the most effective method for high-gain setups.

How does the NS-2 compare to a standard noise gate?

Traditional gates simply cut audio based on volume, whereas the NS-2 uses a noise detection circuit that monitors the input signal. This leads to more natural-sounding transitions.

Can it remove hum from single-coil pickups?

Yes, it is specifically designed to reduce the 60-cycle hum often found in single-coil pickups. This helps keep your signal clean without needing to modify your guitar.

Is the Boss NS-2 durable for touring?

Like all Boss compact pedals, the NS-2 features a rugged metal chassis and a heavy-duty footswitch. It is designed to withstand the rigours of professional touring and frequent use.

Gear article

Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor

The Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor is a compact effects pedal designed to eliminate unwanted hiss and hum from a guitar signal without compromising the original tone. Utilising a unique noise detection circuit, it effectively distinguishes between the intended guitar signal and background interference.

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Overview

The Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor is an industry-standard utility pedal designed to provide a pristine tone by removing electronic noise. It is particularly effective at addressing the hum generated by certain guitar pickups and the high-gain hiss often associated with distortion and overdrive pedals. Its robust construction makes it suitable for both professional studio environments and heavy touring use.

Features and Controls

The NS-2 features a simple three-knob layout that allows for precise control over noise reduction:

Threshold: Determines the level at which the suppression begins to act.
Decay: Adjusts how quickly the sound fades out once the signal falls below the threshold, ensuring natural-sounding notes.
Mode: Allows the user to select between 'Reduction' (standard noise removal), 'Mute' (fully silencing the signal when the pedal is engaged), and 'Check' for status monitoring.

A key feature of the NS-2 is its integrated Send/Return loop. This allows users to place noisy pedals—such as the Electro Harmonix Big Muff or high-gain overdrives—directly into the detection circuit for more accurate tracking.

Sound Character

Unlike basic noise gates that can abruptly cut off the ends of notes, the NS-2 is designed to preserve the nuance of the player's performance. By effectively hushing interference without muddying the primary tone, it ensures that the character of instruments, such as a Fender American Standard Stratocaster, remains clear and defined even in high-interference settings.

Usage and Artist Association

The pedal is highly recommended for guitarists who use complex pedalboards involving multiple effects like the Boss DD-3T Digital Delay or the Fender Hammertone Flanger. It is a staple on professional boards, with notable users including Erham Alman. Its ability to clean up a signal chain makes it a 'fix-all' solution for live performers dealing with inconsistent stage power or noisy lighting rigs.

Comparison to Alternatives

While there are many noise reduction solutions available, such as those from Behringer or boutique manufacturers, the NS-2 remains popular due to its unique detection method. Unlike a simple gate that sits at the end of a chain, the NS-2's ability to 'listen' to the clean input signal while muting the noise in the effect loop provides superior tracking and responsiveness compared to standard noise gates.

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Frequently asked questions

What does the Boss NS-2 actually do?: The NS-2 eliminates unwanted noise such as pickup hum and high-gain hiss from your guitar signal. It uses an intelligent sensing circuit to distinguish between your playing and background noise.
How does the Threshold knob work?: The Threshold knob sets the sensitivity level. It determines the volume point at which the pedal begins to suppress the signal to eliminate noise.
What is the purpose of the Decay knob?: The Decay knob controls the speed at which the sound fades out once the signal drops below the Threshold. Setting this correctly prevents notes from being cut off too abruptly.
What are the different modes on the NS-2?: The NS-2 features Reduction mode for standard noise removal and Mute mode for silent tuning or breaks. It also includes an On/Off function via the footswitch.
Why does the NS-2 have Send and Return jacks?: These jacks create an effects loop. By placing noisy pedals like distortion or wah units inside this loop, the NS-2 can more effectively suppress their specific noise.
Can the NS-2 power other pedals?: Yes, if used with a Boss PCS-20A daisy chain cable and a suitable 9V adapter, the NS-2 can distribute power to other pedals on your board. This makes it a useful hub for power management.
Does the NS-2 affect your guitar's natural tone?: The NS-2 is designed to provide a pristine tone by only removing the noise. When adjusted correctly, it leaves the original character of your guitar and amplifiers unchanged.
Is the NS-2 suitable for bass guitar?: While marketed primarily for guitar, the NS-2 works effectively with bass guitars as well. It is particularly useful for bassists using high-gain distortion or vintage pickups.
Where should the NS-2 be placed in a signal chain?: It is often placed after noisy gain pedals but before time-based effects like the Boss DD-3T. However, using the Send/Return loop is the most effective method for high-gain setups.
How does the NS-2 compare to a standard noise gate?: Traditional gates simply cut audio based on volume, whereas the NS-2 uses a noise detection circuit that monitors the input signal. This leads to more natural-sounding transitions.
Can it remove hum from single-coil pickups?: Yes, it is specifically designed to reduce the 60-cycle hum often found in single-coil pickups. This helps keep your signal clean without needing to modify your guitar.
Is the Boss NS-2 durable for touring?: Like all Boss compact pedals, the NS-2 features a rugged metal chassis and a heavy-duty footswitch. It is designed to withstand the rigours of professional touring and frequent use.