Having the boost on the pedal allows me to just use this one pedal on by board for rhythm and lead OD sounds, where before, I'd use a second "tube screamer" type pedal afterward to boost mids and volume for leads

I find that it provides a great tone at a good bedroom level volume through the Mini Z and sends my Cornell Plexi 7 into an awesome deep, dark British bliss

It is sufficiently quite and probably quieter than many distortion pedals because it is a high quality item, but some noise is there and the loudness depends on the volume level you prefer