The MXR M135 Smart Gate is an MXR noise gate pedal, currently around $124.78. Close alternatives include the Boss RCL-10 and the Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor. It pairs well with the PRS MT100 and the Synergy SL2 Module.
MXR M135 Smart Gate
MXR · pedal
The MXR M135 Smart Gate is a noise-gate pedal eliminating unwanted hum and noise while preserving sustain. Its footswitchable design and adjustable threshold provide flexible noise suppression. The Smart Gate appeals to high-gain players and recording studios seeking clean, transparent gating.
What stands out
“Tone: transparent noise gating that smoothly cuts hum and hiss , aiming for musical”
— from the community notes
“Standout strength: preserves tone and natural sustain better than many competing noise gates, even when left on continuously”
— from the community notes
“Limitations: settings often need readjustment when switching guitars or other pedals, results are , and pushing the threshold too high can noticeably clip sustain and natural note decay”
— from the reviews
“Use case: who need to control noise from cranked distortion, as well as recording studios wanting a clean, low-artifact gate; works well as an always-on utility”
— from the community notes
“Signal-chain interaction: can be placed either in front of the amp or in an effects loop, with three preset ranges plus a fine-adjustment knob for dialing in the threshold to a specific rig”
— from the community notes
- transparent
- gate
- natural
- preserves tone
- studio
- effects loop
- noise gate
- note decay
Price updated Oct 22, 2026
Genres the MXR M135 Smart Gate is commonly used in
- Metal
Amps that pair well with the MXR M135 Smart Gate
PRS MT100
PRS
19% matchWhat PRS MT100 brings here leans toward mid-forward — that's worth building a pairing around
Comes later in the signal chain
Synergy SL2 Module
Synergy
tonal matchComes later in the signal chain
Put Synergy SL2 Module after MXR M135 Smart Gate
Mesa/Boogie JP-2C John Petrucci Signature 60/100-Watt
Mesa Boogie
tonal matchComes later in the signal chain
Mesa/Boogie JP-2C John Petrucci Signature 60/100-Watt goes after MXR M135 Smart Gate in the chain
Egnater Tweaker 88 Head
Egnater
tonal matchComes later in the signal chain
Egnater Tweaker 88 Head goes after MXR M135 Smart Gate in the chain
Ceriatone 2202H
Ceriatone
tonal matchComes later in the signal chain
Put Ceriatone 2202H after MXR M135 Smart Gate
Carol-Ann OD-2R
Carol Ann
tonal matchComes later in the signal chain
Carol-Ann OD-2R goes after MXR M135 Smart Gate in the chain
Marshall Studio JCM900 SN20H
Marshall
tonal matchComes later in the signal chain
Marshall Studio JCM900 SN20H goes after MXR M135 Smart Gate in the chain
Bad Cat Lynx 50
Bad Cat
tonal matchComes later in the signal chain
Put Bad Cat Lynx 50 after MXR M135 Smart Gate
Pedals that stack with the MXR M135 Smart Gate
Dr. Scientist Frazz Dazzler
Dr Scientist
21% matchWhat Dr. Scientist Frazz Dazzler brings here leans toward fuzzy — that's worth building a pairing around
Comes earlier in the signal chain
Nobels ODR-1
Nobels
20% matchNobels ODR-1's own full character is the real reason this is worth trying
Comes earlier in the signal chain
Alexander Pedals Now We Are Ghosts Reverb
Alexander Pedals
8% matchsits in the right chain slotPlaced for where it does its job cleanly in the chain, not for a tonal interaction with the anchor.
Put Alexander Pedals Now We Are Ghosts Reverb after MXR M135 Smart Gate in the signal chain, where it won't crowd MXR M135 Smart Gate — goes in the amp's FX loop (or last, into a clean amp)
Comes later in the signal chain
JHS 3 Series Oil Can Delay
JHS Pedals
8% matchsits in the right chain slotPlaced for where it does its job cleanly in the chain, not for a tonal interaction with the anchor.
Put JHS 3 Series Oil Can Delay after MXR M135 Smart Gate in the signal chain, where it won't crowd MXR M135 Smart Gate — goes in the amp's FX loop (or last, into a clean amp)
Comes later in the signal chain
Dr. Scientist Frazz Dazzler V2
Dr Scientist
tonal matchComes earlier in the signal chain
Put Dr. Scientist Frazz Dazzler V2 in front of MXR M135 Smart Gate
Donner Big Mouth Distortion
Donner
tonal matchComes earlier in the signal chain
Put Donner Big Mouth Distortion in front of MXR M135 Smart Gate
Warm Audio Jet Phaser
Warm Audio
tonal matchComes later in the signal chain
Warm Audio Jet Phaser goes after MXR M135 Smart Gate — modulation reads clearest once the core tone is set
Demon FX Gladiator Double Preamp Just
Demon Fx
tonal matchComes later in the signal chain
Put Demon FX Gladiator Double Preamp Just after MXR M135 Smart Gate
Cheaper alternatives
Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor
Boss
67% similarityShared character: reduced noise, gate, noise gate
Fame LEF-319 Noise Gate
Fame
59% similarityShared character: gate, noise gate, noise
Ibanez PT Gate
Ibanez
57% similarityShared character: noise, gate, noise gate
Artec SE-NGT
Artec
55% similarityShared character: gate, noise gate, noise
Pigtronix Gate Keeper Micro Noise Gate
Pigtronix
44% similarityShared character: noise gate, noise
Similar character
See all alternatives to the MXR M135 Smart Gate (cheaper + boutique) →
Questions people ask
What are good alternatives to the MXR M135 Smart Gate?+
The closest matches in character are the Boss RCL-10, the Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor, the Fame LEF-319 Noise Gate. Budget picks: Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor, Fame LEF-319 Noise Gate, Ibanez PT Gate.
What pairs well with the MXR M135 Smart Gate?+
Strong matches from rig and tone-complementarity evidence: PRS MT100, Synergy SL2 Module, Mesa/Boogie JP-2C John Petrucci Signature 60/100-Watt — What PRS MT100 brings here leans toward mid-forward — that's worth building a pairing around.
How much does the MXR M135 Smart Gate cost?+
Around $124.78 (live listing price, updated Oct 22, 2026).