SMG Cock Blocker Noise Gate pedal: Clever tech to keep your hiss in check

20 Dec 2019 by Jef |

3,0 / 5,0 | Approximate reading time: 2 Minutes

SMG Cock Blocker noise gate · Source: SMG

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Regular gate pedals are either used before or after your amp’s FX Loop. Both solutions are not ideal. But help is at hand: the new Cock Blocker is here! And if you’re after a noise gate for heavier guitar styles, this thing has an interesting new approach you may find compelling.

Block the signal

SMG Cock Blocker · Source: SMG

The pedal is the brainchild of SpectreSoundStudios‘s Glen Fricker, who you may recognise from his YouTube channel. Yes, the sweary long-haired guy sharing his vast knowledge of recording guitars who’s also known for having manufacturers quaking in their boots with his “Fearless Reviews” series.

You can hear Ola Englund blocking some unwanted noise in the demo video below. As you would imagine, Ola adds a fair amount of gain to his guitars and can Djent when he has to, so the Cock Blocker is useful for this style of music.

Blocker In, Blocker Out?

The single knob on the Cock Blocker adjusts how sensitive the noise gate is to noise and hiss. You can use it as a regular gate with the guitar on the input and the output going to your amplifier. But as well as the normal In/Out connectors, the Cock Blocker has Blocker In and Blocker Out jacks, too. That lets you insert your gain effect into the circuit. Now the Cock Blocker is reacting to your guitar playing but working on the signal coming from the drive pedal. That’s pretty darn neat! A lot of thought has evidently gone into this.

If you want to get you hands on the SMG Cock Blocker, pre-orders are now open. Follow my link below to grab one.

RRP – USD 219 with free worldwide shipping

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Pre-Order here

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5 responses to “SMG Cock Blocker Noise Gate pedal: Clever tech to keep your hiss in check”

nerdist says:

20 December 2019 at 13:28

Preordered this almost 3 months ago already (via the SMG YT channel). Willing to wait for it a few more months as this promises to be a pedal which should be very good at what it should be doing.

Jef says:

20 December 2019 at 18:04

Yeah, I saw they had a limited run via the channel. I would like to hear your opinion of it once you get your hands on one. Looks really well thought out, so should be great.

nerdist says:

27 December 2019 at 11:14

I actually got mine in as surprise Monday 23rd! As I live in Europe it’s made by It;s Electric in Prague. Very well build, and yes has the two secret knob/switches on the inside. First tested it as regular guitar in guitar out noise gate. Which is fine nothing spectacular there really. Then popped in the two extra cables to and from my Blackstar Stage 60s effects loop. Well, magic appeared! This thing works better than any noisegate, I tried before as it didnt make my Rickenbacker sound different on clean whilst keeping any annoying hum or buzz out at the same time. Tried my ES-355 as well, and same, works awesome… even popped in a P-bass cppy for fun, but then I got confused by the amount of knobs on the top… It does boost the signal a bit even on lowest boost setting on inside. Overall, I am VERY impressed with this pedal. Well worth the money, hands down. I would say get yours now if you are still wondering if you should get one!