ISP Technologies G-String Decimator Pedal Review

	Download example 1
	Download example 2
Recorded with a Squier Affinity Stratocaster with single coil pickups into a series of effects that included: Fulltone Full Drive 2, MOSFET Overdrive, Electro-Harmonix Holy Stain, Source Audio Soundblox Flanger into the Decimator G String. The signal was sent to a C.B. Evans Spitfire Amp into a Marshall Lead 1960 4x12 cab. Mic'ed with a Shure SM57 into the preamp of a Yamaha 02R Digital Mixing Console, recorded into Pro Tools.

From the original Rocktron engineering team that designed the Hush noise reduction, ISP Technologies introduces the Decimator G String Pedal. The Decimator takes an innovative approach to noise reduction. All other noise reduction systems suffer from the same problem: they always treat short, staccato notes as if they’re the enemy. In a typical noise reduction system, a threshold must be set that immediately kills the unwanted noise, yet it compromises the tracking of both short staccato notes as well as longer, sustained notes. The Decimator uses Time Vector Processing, which instantly and accurately responds to all varieties of note durations. It tracks the guitar signal directly, and can be inserted into a series effects loop or at the end of your chain of badly behaved, noisy pedals.

The Decimator’s smooth chrome chassis is perfect for those narcissistic guitarists out there who will love seeing the reflection of themselves in their pedal! It consists of one threshold knob and an active/bypass switch. Operation is as simple as turning it on and adjusting the threshold knob until no noise or hum is present. I wanted to challenge the Decimator using my noisiest guitars so I chose both my Fender and Squier Stratocasters with three singlecoil pickups and plugged them into a variety of dirty overdrive, flanger and multieffects pedals, with the Decimator at the end of the chain. The hum and buzz was plentiful and annoying! I played a rhythm guitar figure with some chord stops and the Decimator successfully killed the extraneous noise instantly. It was also totally transparent and didn’t morph my guitar tone into some feeble shadow of its former self. (see audio sample 1)

I also tested the noise reduction by playing some long, sustained notes. I was pleased to hear the Time Vector Processing doing its job by fading the notes out smoothly instead of just choking the notes to certain death. It takes only a short while to adjust the threshold knob to your liking and adapt the noise reduction to your tone and playing style. (see audio sample 2)

Overall, the Decimator G String Noise Reduction pedal is a welcomed addition to any noisy guitar rig. With its ease of use, transparent operation and Time Vector Processing, it is a high quality performer in noise reduction.—GG

Buy If...
you wish to be convicted in the murders of Hum, Buzz and Noise.
Skip If...
You actually enjoy wallowing around in your guitar tone’s noisy mess.
Rating...

MSRP $249 - ISP Technologies - isptechnologies.com