Boss NS-2chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Effective noise killing, especially at low thresholds, once set up correctly. Multiple long-term users say the NS-2 outperforms pricier suppressors and handles suppression even at very low volume settings. Reviewers who switched to the effects-loop or 4-cable configuration after years of front-of-amp use reported dramatic improvements, eliminating amp hum and overdrive hiss they'd lived with for years. One called it the best pedal they own after using it for cutting fuzz and octave noise.

Setup is finicky and the 4-cable method causes trouble for some. Several commenters found that the classic 4-cable method actually introduced new noise or a 60Hz hum that wasn't present before, forcing them to raise the threshold higher than desired and produce a less natural gate. Others got confused wiring diagrams, underwater-sounding tone, or no noise reduction at all despite following instructions repeatedly, while some eventually solved it by isolating power supply interference.

Threshold/decay controls involve real tradeoffs between noise and dynamics. A commonly cited weakness is that the threshold knob also functions as the reduction amount, so killing louder noise means sacrificing note attack, sustain, or low-end punch. Some users say careful decay/threshold dialing yields a satisfying compromise, while others feel it clips attack no matter the setting and wish for independent controls like on newer multi-band alternatives.