The Rocktron Hush 2X is a noise reduction unit that puts two completely separate channels of HUSH noise reduction in a single small unit. Rocktron calls it essentially a "double HUSH": each channel works on its own, so a player can clean up two signals independently, for example a guitar and a bass, or two paths in a larger rig. Rocktron describes the HUSH line as its world famous guitar noise reduction technology, and the 2X is a re-introduction of a previous Rocktron idea with a new twist, building on the company's long history in noise-suppression circuits.1
What it does and how it is controlled
The HUSH circuit works on a threshold: you roll back your volume pot, then adjust the HUSH Threshold control to remove any hiss you hear. The amount of suppression available is substantial. Delicious Audio's 2015 write-up put it at up to 65dB of noise suppression to get rid of feedback, signal noise and ancillary interference, and Guitar Interactive Magazine's announcement described up to 65dB of effective noise reduction for eliminating stompbox hiss and unwanted feedback.23
Because the two channels are completely separate, the 2X suits rigs where noise comes from more than one place: one channel can sit after a high-gain pedal chain while the other handles a second instrument or loop. It sits alongside Rocktron's other HUSH products, including the rack-mounted Rocktron HUSH Super C and Rocktron HUSH Ultra and the single-channel Rocktron HUSH The Pedal; for other makers' approaches, see the Noise Gate Pedals page125.
Placement and use
Rocktron recommends placing the HUSH after distortion and modulation effects such as chorus, flanger and phaser, but before delay or reverb effects. A gate placed after a delay or reverb would cut off the repeats and tails, so the unit goes late in the chain but not last.3
Physically it is flexible. Delicious Audio described it as a singular small unit designed to sit nicely near the backline, in a rack drawer, or right on the floor in front of the player, so it works whether your rig is a pedalboard, a rack drawer or a backline shelf.2
"If you are looking for a different type of setup to get rid of noise in your rig, the Hush 2X is definitely worth a look"
Background
The HUSH 2X carries a retail price of $249 USD, with Rocktron also listing it at £214.95 GBP. The unit is a dual-channel take on Rocktron's HUSH noise reduction, and it is true bypass, so the pedal takes itself fully out of the signal path when switched off.23
Rocktron builds the HUSH 2X as a true bypass pedal, a detail that matters on a noise reduction unit, since a non-true-bypass design could leave its circuitry loading the signal even when the effect is switched off.1
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Questions
Is the Rocktron Hush 2X true bypass?
Yes. Rocktron states on its product page that the HUSH 2X is true bypass, so when the unit is switched out your signal passes through without the HUSH circuitry in the path. That matters on a pedalboard where several effects in a row can each load down the guitar signal, and it means the 2X only colors your tone when it is actively reducing noise.
How much noise reduction does the Hush 2X give?
Up to 65dB. Delicious Audio's 2015 write-up put the figure at up to 65dB of noise suppression for getting rid of feedback, signal noise and ancillary interference, and Guitar Interactive Magazine's announcement the same month described up to 65dB of effective noise reduction for eliminating stompbox hiss and unwanted feedback. The Threshold control sets how much is applied.
Where should the Hush 2X go in a signal chain?
Rocktron recommends placing the HUSH after distortion and modulation effects such as chorus, flanger and phaser, but before delay or reverb effects. Gating after a delay or reverb cuts off the repeats and tails of those effects, so the unit goes late in the chain but not last.
Can the Hush 2X be used in a rack?
Yes. Delicious Audio described it as a singular small unit designed to sit nicely near the backline, in a rack drawer, or right on the floor in front of the player, so it works as a floor unit or tucked into a rack setup depending on how your rig is built.
Who owns Rocktron?
Rocktron is a division of GHS Corporation. The company was sold to GHS Corporation in 2000 and moved from the northern suburbs of Detroit to Battle Creek, Michigan, and Rocktron's own pages carry the GHS Corporation division notice.
Sources (5)
- HUSH 2X Noise Reduction, Rocktron, 2024-08-28
- Rocktron Hush 2X Dual Noise Suppressor, Delicious Audio, 2015-05-21
- Rocktron Introduces New Hush Product, Guitar Interactive Magazine, 2015-05-15
- VooDu Valve Guitar Preamp, Rocktron (rocktron.com), 2024-08-28
- HUSH Super C Guitar Noise Reduction - Rocktron - Technology for Guitarists - rocktron, Rocktron, 2024-08-28
