The Rocktron Reaction HUSH is a compact noise reduction stompbox from Rocktron's Reaction Series, built into what the maker describes as a rugged metal slim form factor chassis that takes up as little space as possible on a pedalboard1. It carries the same HUSH noise reduction circuitry that Rocktron says has been used by thousands of high profile artists for years, now in a pedal format1.
What it does to your sound
Rocktron describes the Reaction HUSH as a form of single-ended noise reduction that tracks your signal all the way and pushes the noise down, rather than a simple gate that chops the signal off. The pedal delivers 65dB of signal cleanup while, in the maker's words, "your music signal integrity remains unaffected"1. Rocktron's stated aim is to "get rid of the noise without altering your tone," and the company says the circuit will not alter your sustain or chop the end of your notes1.
Because it is a true bypass pedal, Rocktron notes that when you turn it off, it is out of your signal path entirely1.
Controls
The Reaction HUSH keeps things simple with one knob and one footswitch1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Threshold | Turn the knob until the noise goes away, smoothing out the signal1 |
| Footswitch | Controls On/Off status, shown by the LED indicator1 |
Where to put it in your chain
Rocktron gives specific placement guidance for the Reaction HUSH1:
- Plug it in after distortion boxes, wahs, noisy vintage effects, or other noisy units
- Place it after distortion and modulation effects, but before delay or reverb
- It can be used in an amplifier's effects loop as the last dynamic device before digital delays or reverbs
- It is not designed to take input directly from the guitar with no processing between the guitar and the noise reduction
Because the pedal is meant to sit after distortion and other noisy effects rather than first in line, players running a clean guitar straight into it will not be using it the way Rocktron intends1.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Input impedance | 220kΩ1 |
| Output impedance | 1kΩ1 |
| Maximum input | 7dBu1 |
| Maximum output | -1dBu1 |
| Current consumption | 15mA1 |
Power
The Reaction HUSH runs on a 9V alkaline battery, or can be powered by Rocktron's DC OnTap Universal Power Supply, which is sold separately, with a negative tip connection1. With a current draw of 15mA, the battery option is a realistic one for this pedal1.
The HUSH family
The Reaction HUSH is one of several HUSH noise reduction products Rocktron has offered. Related units include the rack-mounted Rocktron HUSH Ultra, the dual-channel Rocktron Hush 2X, the Rocktron HUSH PRO, and the compact Rocktron MicroHUSH. For a wider view of the category, see the site's Noise Gate Pedals page, which covers alternatives such as the Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor and the MXR Smart Gate.
Videos
Derek Buddemeyer
Questions
Is the Rocktron Reaction HUSH true bypass?
Yes. Rocktron states that the Reaction HUSH is a true bypass pedal, meaning that when you turn it off, it is out of your signal path entirely. Your guitar's signal does not pass through the noise reduction circuitry while the pedal is disengaged.
Does the Reaction HUSH run on a battery?
Yes. According to Rocktron, Reaction stomp boxes run on a 9V alkaline battery. The pedal can also be powered by Rocktron's DC OnTap Universal Power Supply, which is sold separately, with a negative tip connection.
Is the Reaction HUSH analog?
Yes. The Reaction HUSH is an analog pedal. Rocktron describes its circuit as a form of single-ended noise reduction that tracks your signal and pushes noise down, rather than a digital gate.
How much current does the Reaction HUSH draw?
Rocktron lists the current consumption of the Reaction HUSH at 15mA, which is low enough that a 9V alkaline battery is a practical power option.
Is the Reaction HUSH a noise gate?
Rocktron describes it as a form of single-ended noise reduction rather than a conventional gate. The circuit tracks your signal all the way and pushes noise down, delivering up to 65dB of signal cleanup while, in Rocktron's words, your music signal integrity remains unaffected.
Sources (2)
- Reaction HUSH Stomp Box, Rocktron, 2024-09-24
- Reaction HUSH by Rocktron, RockBoard PedalPedia (rockboard.de), 2026
