I find the KPA is incredibly merciful with noise, but it depends on the profile - some profiles are just noisy. I've actually started turning the Noise Gate all the way to 0 and not using any 2:1 or 4:1 gates. But if I do want some REALLY high gain, where I can punch in and out I'll put the Noise Gate at 1.5 and use a 4:1 gate with intensity somewhere around 25-35%.
What are other users doing for their noise gates?
I'm finding to avoid feedback at normal rehearsal/gig volumes I'm having to set a 4.1 gate on the first stomp with the threshold at maximum. Seems a bit extreme, although i guess i had to set things up similar with a real amp+gate.
do you mean microphonic feedback (aka howl, squeal etc.)?
that is 'caused' by mirophonic pickups.
do you mean microphonic feedback (aka howl, squeal etc.)?
that is 'caused' by mirophonic pickups.
Obviously. Regardless the solution to this is still gate/s, or preferably distancing yourself from the speaker, but this is often not possible. Hence the question on how people are setting their gates.
I don't like using the noise gate global knob because i don't want any gating at all on my clean tones.
If you unlock the input section you can store the noise gate settings per rig (but then you have to store the clean/dist sense settings per rig too).
If you unlock the input section you can store the noise gate settings per rig (but then you have to store the clean/dist sense settings per rig too).
Yeah, thats the problem i'd rather not unlock the clean sense setting. I think next time i'm in the rehearsal space im gonna give what meambobby said a go, a slight global noise gate with a reduced stomp one.
That's the way I'm working too. Global noise gate at 2.0, stomp noise gate (2:1) as needed.
Obviously. Regardless the solution to this is still gate/s, or preferably distancing yourself from the speaker, but this is often not possible. Hence the question on how people are setting their gates.
the best solution is always to treat the cause of the problem.
properly wax potted pickups shouldn't display microphonic behaviour, even if your standing next to an amp.
trying to fix this with a noise gate is like trying to cover up uneven picking due to lacking technique with a compressor.
the best solution is always to treat the cause of the problem.
properly wax potted pickups shouldn't display microphonic behaviour, even if your standing next to an amp.
trying to fix this with a noise gate is like trying to cover up uneven picking due to lacking technique with a compressor.
Are you suggesting that modern metal bands with thousands of pounds worth of guitars play without noise gates? A friends band (Tesseract) use noise gates on their axe-fx's despite the fact they have no guitar volume on stage and run everything through in ears. And 3k's worth of Mayones guitar too.
FYI the pickups are almost brand new EMGs (potted with epoxy as standard).
Should also note that no one has responded to this thread by saying "i dont use a noise gate".
Perhaps i'm miss understanding and you just assume that because i'm having to set my noise gate so high i must be using a rubbish guitar 
why the aggressive tone?
I'm trying to help here.
true, many metal bands use gates also as an artistic choice, not necessarily just to keep the amp from hissing in their ears, but also to shape the attack and release, but what has that to do with your issue?
I must admit I never encountered a squealing EMG before, but I had only a few of these.
Like you said, these things are covered in epoxy, not sure what can go wrong there, but again:
usually, when your guitar starts to squeal when close to an amp the cause the pickup.
that's why I suggested looking at it from this perspective instead of using a noise gate,
but you don't seem to be open for suggestions.
Display Morewhy the aggressive tone?
I'm trying to help here.
true, many metal bands use gates also as an artistic choice, not necessarily just to keep the amp from hissing in their ears, but also to shape the attack and release, but what has that to do with your issue?
I must admit I never encountered a squealing EMG before, but I had only a few of these.
Like you said, these things are covered in epoxy, not sure what can go wrong there, but again:
usually, when your guitar starts to squeal when close to an amp the cause the pickup.
that's why I suggested looking at it from this perspective instead of using a noise gate,
but you don't seem to be open for suggestions.
Apologies, tone is not intentionally aggressive!
I am open to suggestions and plan on trying the stuff thats been mentioned by others, aka mixing the KPA's global gate with stomps.
The issue remains the same with 3 different guitars (both pickups, both regularly and recently maintained by a pro), so i'm doubtful the issue is being caused by an actual instrument fault.
when your guitar starts to squeal when close to an amp the cause the pickup.
I think i just must be missing something maybe? With your amp set to stage/practise volumes, you can't stand directly in front of your cab with ANY guitar and not encounter feedback without gating.
I think i just must be missing something maybe? With your amp set to stage/practise volumes, you can't stand directly in front of your cab with ANY guitar and not encounter feedback without gating.
I see.
I guess I use lower volume and gain levels then you do. 
I see.
I guess I use lower volume and gain levels then you do.
Gain levels are unchanged from TAF profiles, and volume is minimum required to be heard over drums.
My guitars are all hotter than vintage output, too. I've had to dial back the gain of some rigs to keep them from squealing, but they still have huge amounts of gain.
Unless you are using profiles created with EMG pickups, you are using more gain than the person who created the profile - not that you shouldn't be, just an observation. If you can dial it back a little, without losing the sound, it may cure the problem.
When you aren't playing, using a kill switch, or turning your guitar down will help.
If it gets in the way of playing, try aiming the cabinet right at your head, so you can still hear if you turn it down a little bit.
Or.....a bigger room, smaller drum sticks, a quieter rehearsal drumset
