PedalN/A (Noise reduction)

Rocktron HUSH

Rocktron · 1987

What It Is

Rocktron HUSH is a noise reduction system — not a traditional noise gate, but a dynamic downward expander. While a conventional noise gate cuts signal abruptly below a threshold (resulting in an obvious on/off action), the HUSH uses downward expansion: the quieter the signal becomes, the more it reduces the noise floor, resulting in more natural-sounding noise reduction that doesn't clip the decay of notes. The HUSH became the standard noise reduction tool in high-gain guitar rigs in the late 1980s and 1990s.

Tonal Character

The HUSH should be inaudible when working correctly. Its entire purpose is to reduce noise during quiet passages and between notes without affecting the signal when you're actually playing. Unlike a hard gate, the downward expansion means noise reduction is graduated — it's not all-or-nothing. Properly set, the HUSH cleans up a high-gain rig significantly without changing the amp's character.

Found In

Platform	Model Names
HeadRush	Gate

Videos

Rocktron Hush Pedal — Video Demo Review For Guitar Players

73guy

HUSH The Pedal Review — Rocktron Effect Pedal

YourGuitarSage

Manual

View Manual

Famous Uses

→Standard equipment in professional high-gain rigs through the 1990s and 2000s

Best For

High-gain noise reductionMetalHard rockStudio noise floor controlClean signal chain

Controls Explained

Descriptions reflect the real-world gear these models are inspired by. Your modeler's implementation may vary. Use as a starting point — always trust your ears.

Threshold

Sets the level below which noise reduction begins. When the signal drops below the threshold, the HUSH begins attenuating noise. When the signal rises above the threshold (when you're playing), the HUSH releases and the full signal passes. A lower threshold setting means the HUSH only activates during very quiet passages — less aggressive noise reduction. A higher threshold setting activates noise reduction more readily — more aggressive, but risks cutting off quiet notes or the natural decay of sustained notes. The right threshold setting depends on your noise floor and playing style. Start with threshold at minimum and gradually increase it until the noise between phrases is eliminated without cutting into note decays. High-gain amps typically need a moderately high threshold (40–60% of range); single-coil guitar setups in quiet environments can use a lower threshold.

Sample Configurations

Starting points for common tones — dial in from here.

Name	Threshold	Notes
Light Noise Floor	25%	Low threshold. Only activates during complete silence. Good for single-coils.
High Gain Standard	50%	Typical setting for high-gain amps. Cleans between phrases without cutting decays.
Aggressive Noise Cut	70%	High threshold for very noisy setups. Monitor decay carefully.