Noise gate with gcx audio switcher and gcp help!

[reaper121088]

 Hi guys.
I've changed my rig since I last asked for advice... 
 I now have a digitech delay pedal running in loop 2 and a boss eq rack unit in loop 1. The delay is the only thing running in the fx loop. I also have a y cable in loops 7 and 8 plugged in the footswitch socket on my krank rev1 head. 
 Basically, I just bought an Alto ACL2 pro compresser/enhancer/gate/limiter rack and was wondering where to insert it into my rig. The noise is coming from my amp head (high gain buzzing) which I want to eliminate without it reducing the sustain or distortion. 
 It also has 2 channels, so ideally I'd like to use one for the compressor and one for the gate (unless they'd both run through the same part of the amp). I don't have much experience with compressors so would I route it in the front of the amp or through the fx loop? Sorry for all the questions. I'm using a GCX with GCP.
 Thanks in advance!

[nyteowl]

You said you have a Digitech delay pedal running in loop 2, and then you said "The delay is the only thing running in the fx loop." So when you say "FX Loop" are you referring to your amp's FX Loop or a GCX Loop?

Personally, I like to run my compressor after my overdrive pedals, which would put it in front of my amp. However, if you're not running any OD Pedals, I'd suggest experimenting by inserting the compressor at various points of your signal chain and just leaving it wherever you think it sounds best. You can try it before the amp, but one location I'd suggest trying is first in line in your FX Loop. Make sure whatever channel you use has both the Expander/Gate and Limiter sections turned Off.

I would also experiment with using the Expander/Gate and Limiter both separately and together, again using whatever combination eliminates the most noise. I would put them last in the FX Loop chain, between the preamp and power sections of your amp. Make sure the "Couple" Switch is in Dual Mono mode and the Compressor section for that channel is in Bypass mode.

I am not at all familiar with Alto products, so have no idea if this piece will solve your noise problem or not. However, two noise reduction pieces I have used with great success in guitar rigs are a Boss NS-2 in front of my amp and an ISP Pro Rack G in my FX Loop.

Hope this helps...

[reaper121088]

Thanks man, I'll try that! Sorry, I meant the fx loop of my amp.