Gate
The Gate Component (short for Noise Gate) is used to either pass or attenuate audio signals based on the RMS level of the input signal. If the signal is above the specified Threshold, the signal is passed un-attenuated. If the signal is below the Threshold, it is attenuated by the amount specified by the Depth control.
The Gate component controls its output based on the input level. If the input is lower than the Threshold level, it is attenuated. If the input is above the Threshold Level, it is amplified. You can use the Gate to prevent open microphones and other types of inputs, from introducing unwanted sounds into your system.
The Gate Component can be Mono, Stereo, or Multi-channel. The Multi-channel mode can have from 2 to 256 input/output channels. The Gate has an optional Side Chain Input for each input channel. The Side Chain Input provides a secondary input to the RMS Detector allowing the Side Chain to be used to trigger the Gate to open or close. The main Input is then attenuated or un-attenuated based on the Side Chain Input signal.
Properties
Tip: For additional properties not listed, refer to the Properties Panel help topic for more information.
Gate Properties
Side Chain Input
For each standard input, an additional input is provided for alternate control of the Gate. When Side Chain is set to yes, the standard inputs have no control over the opening and closing of the gate.
In Gain is always applied to the Side Chain input signal, regardless of the state of Bypass.
Detector Time
Sets one of three pre-set Detector Times, or the Detector Time control in the Control Panel.
The Detector Time adjusts the time constant which determines the rate of change of the Detector level in response to changes in the input signal.
This adjustment is to prevent changes (spikes, low frequency signals) in the input from causing unwanted, momentary output.
Bypass Gain Meter
When set to Active, the Applied Gain meter is active regardless of the state of the Bypass button. This means you can adjust the Gate in Bypass mode.
When set to Inactive, the Applied Gain meter is inactive to indicate that the component is in Bypass mode.
Channels
Type
Sets the type of input and output channels. You can choose from Mono, Stereo, or Multi-Channel.
Count
For Multi-Channel, sets the number of channels.
Controls
General
In Gain (dB)
Sets the Gain of the input. This is added to the level of the input source.
Detector (dB)
Measures the level of either the main Input, or the Side Chain Input to determine when the Gate opens or closes. The range of the graphic display is -60 to 20 dB, the text readout is the sum of the Input level plus the In Gain control.
Response Panel
The Response panel provides points at the Threshold Level and Depth that give current readings when the mouse passes over them.
Bypass
Bypasses the Gate - forces the Gate open regardless of the Input level.
Gain Calculations
Threshold Level
Sets the level at which the Gate opens based on either the main Input level or the Side Chain level. The Threshold level is on the X axis of the graph.
Depth (dB)
Sets how much attenuation (Applied Gain) is applied to the inputs when they are below the Threshold Level. This is a negative amount added to the Detector Level. The Depth is on the Y axis of the graph.
Time Constants
Attack Time (seconds)
The Attack Time adjusts the time it takes for the output amplitude to rise to equal 63% of the input amplitude once the Threshold Level is exceeded. This does not affect the decay of the signal.
Hold Time (seconds)
The Hold Time determines the minimum time the Gate stays open once it is opened, or the length of time the Gate stays open after the RMS input level drops below the Threshold Level. This is to prevent the gate from opening and closing due to momentary pauses in the input.
Release Time (seconds)
The Release Time adjusts the time it takes for the output to fall to 63% of the level set by the Depth control, after the Detector level drops below the Threshold Level and the Hold Time is expired.
Detector Time (seconds)
Available only when the Detector Time Property is set to Use Control.
The Detector Time adjusts the time constant which determines the rate of change of the Detector level in response to changes in the input signal.
This adjustment is to prevent changes (spikes, low frequency signals) in the input from causing unwanted, momentary output.
Gain
Open
The green LED Open indicator lights when the Detector level exceeds the Threshold and the Gate is open.
Applied Gain (-dB)
The Applied Gain meter is a representation of the amount of attenuation ( Depth) applied to the input channel.
Gain (dB)
Adjusts the output level of the Gate.
Control Pins
|
Pin Name |
Value |
String |
Position |
Pins Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Applied Gain |
0 to -40 |
0 dB to -40 dB |
0.000 to 1.00 |
Output |
|
Attack Time |
0.0001 to 100 |
.100 ms to 100 ms |
0.000 to 1.00 |
Input / Output |
|
Bypass |
0 1 |
active bypass |
0 1 |
Input / Output |
|
Depth |
0 to 60 |
0 dB to 60 dB |
0.000 to 1.00 |
Input / Output |
|
Detector Level |
-60 to 20 |
-60 dB to 20 dB |
0.000 to 1.00 |
Output |
|
Detector Time |
0.0001 to 100 |
.100 ms to 100 ms |
0.000 to 1.00 |
Input / Output |
|
Hold Time |
0.010 to 10 |
10.0 ms to 10 s |
0.000 to 1.00 |
Input / Output |
|
Input Gain |
-20 to 20 |
-20 dB to 20 dB |
0.000 to 1.00 |
Input / Output |
|
Open |
0 1 |
false true |
0 1 |
Output |
|
Output Gain |
-20 to 20 |
-20 dB to 20 dB |
0.000 to 1.00 |
Input / Output |
|
Release Time |
0.010 to 10 |
10.0 ms to 10 s |
0.00 to 1.00 |
Input / Output |
|
Threshold Level |
-60 to 20 |
-60 dB to 20 dB |
0.000 to 1.00 |
Input / Output |
