Need advice on noise.

[Mike19]

I have a noisy Boss Bass Overdrive ODB-3. I would get rid of it and get a different overdrive, but I really really like the sound and versatlity of the ODB-3.

I could try a noise suppression box (like an MXR Smart Gate or the Boss NS2), but I'm wondering if I really need one because at the volume level I play at the noise from the OBD-3 is drowned out.

As I can't hear the noise when I'm playing (except, of course, during passages when the bass is silent), can I just ignore this problem?

[JMDavis]

You could ignore it, but depending on what else is happening during a passage, it could be distracting.

I have a Digitech X-Series Bass Driver that gives me a little noise when I'm not playing. The easiest thing you could do is just turn it off when things need to be quiet, at least that's what I do.

[bongomania]

If you want to avoid spending money, then keep the ODB, don't buy a noise suppressor, and ignore the noise. If you don't mind spending a little money, there are other distortion pedals with just as much versatility, equally good tone (or better), and lower noise. There's no call for buying a noise suppressor in either case.

[Mike19]

Thanks for the advice guys. At least for now, I'll just live with the noise.