Donner Noise Killer Noise Gate Pedal with Hard/Soft Modes and True Bypass

Fast noise detection and smooth attack and release help the Donner Noise Killer reduce unwanted noise while keeping your played notes clear. Choose between Hard mode for faster, stronger noise reduction and Soft mode for a smoother response, giving you two ways to shape how the gate behaves with an electric guitar or bass.

Its true-bypass design provides a direct signal path when the effect is bypassed. The compact pedal format also makes it easy to add noise control to a guitar or bass setup without making the effect itself the focus.

Best use cases

Use the Noise Killer when hum or other unwanted noise is distracting during practice, recording, or performance. It is designed for electric guitar and bass, with a 1/4-inch audio connection, so it fits a pedal-based instrument setup. The two modes let you choose a firmer cutoff or a softer response depending on the feel you want from your playing.

A noise gate pedal offers a hands-on alternative to relying only on a quieter room or trying to address noise later in a recording. It places noise suppression in the instrument signal path, where you can switch the effect on or off as needed. For example, a player moving between quiet passages and louder sections can use the gate to reduce distracting background noise when it is not time to play.

Why it’s worth it

The two-mode design makes this more adaptable than a gate with only one response: Hard mode applies faster, more forceful reduction, while Soft mode is intended to sound gentler. Fast detection and smooth attack and release are designed to keep the transition around played notes controlled. True bypass is useful when you want the pedal out of the signal path while preserving a direct connection through the effect.

Buyers often praise its noise reduction, compact pedalboard-friendly size, and straightforward operation. Feedback on tone and controls is mixed: some say their tone remains intact, while others report tone loss or difficulty finding a setting they like. The Hard and Soft modes provide a clear starting point for choosing the response that suits your setup.

Highlights

• Noise reduction range: -70 to +10 dB
• Gate modes: Hard and Soft
• Signal format: Analog
• Audio connection: 1/4-inch
• Power: 9 volts, 26 milliamps
• Bypass: True bypass
• Power source: Corded electric, the DC 9V adapter is not included

Practical questions

What is the difference between Hard and Soft mode? Hard mode provides faster, stronger noise reduction. Soft mode provides a smoother, gentler response, so you can choose the gate behavior that better fits your playing.

Is the Noise Killer intended for guitar or bass? It is described for electric guitar and bass, and its 1/4-inch audio connection suits a standard instrument-pedal setup.

What power does it use? The pedal uses 9-volt power and draws 26 milliamps. The DC 9V adapter is not included, so plan to power it with a compatible adapter.

When it makes sense

The Noise Killer makes sense for players who want a dedicated, switchable way to manage unwanted noise in an electric guitar or bass rig. Its two gate responses, true bypass, and compact pedal format make it a practical fit when you want noise suppression available as part of your pedal setup, with a choice between a firmer or smoother approach.