Little gating question.......

MiXit-G · #1 03-08-2002

Again i've been told that it is better to gate the signal during tracking ,that its better because of the dynamics and other things.

I realize that insert gating is there to stay always on the mix so if you get it wrong bad luck, but if you can get it right then is it better to gate during tracking?

Should i only attempt this with a freq key??

esactun · #2 03-08-2002

I used to like effects during tracking... then I realized how badly I ws screwing it all up. If it's not perfect, you're screwed. Better to add effects later on the pooter so you can change them if they stink. If only I had learned that before tracking my newest demo, I wouldn't have spent eons on mixing it to just sound "eh" (as opposed to "completely shitty").

The Green Hornet · #3 03-08-2002

Yo Mix-It-G-man:

I exactly agree with esactun. When you do the effects when mixing down, you can change them over and over and over.

However, for my folks who sing, I like to put some reverb into the headset. It makes them feel "mighty" as they do the vocals. But, the effect is not recorded. That's the way I've been doing it for a long time.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Green Hornet

MiXit-G · #4 03-08-2002

I dont really view gates as an effect,i would never add anything like reverb and such during tracking.

So gating during post production works just as well?

fenix · #5 03-08-2002

yes, works just as well...never gate during recording unless you absolutely have to for some reason. bad technique!

MiXit-G · #6 03-08-2002

Ok.. just that these guys in my local say that you should do it before, and swear by it.

They dont do much recording mainly PA hire but they completed a sound engineers course that cost them $10,000 you wouyld think they know what they're on about?

dr.colossus · #7 03-09-2002

i'm pretty sure this idea is a reminant from old school recording, where they'd run out of aux's, and would worry about tape degredation, so gates were probably the easiest effect to get right while tracking.....

then again, i might be wrong

MiXit-G · #8 03-09-2002

Auxilarys are usally used to "mix in" an effect (time effects delay reverb etc) gates are inserted so the the whole signal passes through them even in old school.

dr.colossus · #9 03-09-2002

did old mixers have inserts? i thought they'd send the signal pre-fader, and patch the return into another channel.....

then again, i might be wrong

MiXit-G · #10 03-09-2002

Yes.

Inserting method is as old as gating itself,either by jacks on the console or just plain old plug the thing straight into the unit, gates and compression are usally inserted buy one of these two methods,i would never run them through an auxilary and it uses more channels that way. (alright on a big desk!)

Some high end recording desks actually have balanced insert points!(some old ones do too).

sjoko2 · #11 03-09-2002

I think the last time I used a gate in recording was somewhere around 1974?

Otherwise.........always make sure you close one behind you

MiXit-G · #12 03-09-2002

Really? Gates are fantastic, i like using one on my guitar tracks when im using lots of gain and want to kill the noise between chops...but thats just me.

Great way to stop a snare and other stuff coming through the kick drum too..actually there are lots of uses for them!!!

sjoko2 · #13 03-09-2002

always tune drums right, place mics right, use the right mics, and make sure the gear is not noisy.
All the above work much better than any gate.
Second place - the only good gates are either Neve, AMEK or API, all the rest are downright awfull

Dolemite · #14 03-09-2002

Hey sjoko,

I just bought a Symetrix 528E for a price I couldn't pass on - should be getting it in a couple days. I think I've heard you comment on this unit, and I was curious if you've ever made use of its expander or if that feature is mainly intended for use in broadcast audio purposes?

sjoko2 · #15 03-09-2002

Cool dolomite! I love those things. It is the most used vocal channel in broadcast worldwide, and not for nothing.
I think the only reason it isn't used much more in studios is its "broadcast looks".
You can use everything on it, its all good.
I have always used them live for vocals as well as drums - snares and toms sound killer through a 528.

Dolemite · #16 03-09-2002

Yeah, I can't wait to get my hands on it. Its probably what I'd consider my first piece of non-prosumer gear, but you wouldn't know from the price. I'm still gloating over snagging one for $175.

So, back to the topic of gating, do you think the 528's downward expander is anything usable, or is that to be avoided in general, as well?

MiXit-G · #17 03-09-2002

always tune drums right, place mics right, use the right mics, and make sure the gear is not noisy.

Until then i'll be gating.....

sjoko2 · #18 03-10-2002

there is nothing on a 528 to be avoided, as you'll find out.

Gates - lazy mans excuse for masking crap

MiXit-G · #19 03-10-2002

Looks like i have a new goal

eliminate the gate.
But there will be things i'll still gate, like heavy guitar.

Turn the thing up to eleven and get the creamiest sound and then gate the breaks.

fenix · #20 03-10-2002

Quote:

Originally posted by sjoko2

Second place - the only good gates are either Neve, AMEK or API, all the rest are downright awfull

well shit. What am I doing with my drawmer gates? I'm gonna go out and buy me some Neve gates. Do they even make gates? Or are these gates from a neve channel on an old board?

While I'm at it, I'll pick up an amek and an api gate.

sjoko2 · #21 03-11-2002

oooops, I forgot the only other decent one, drawmer
and yes - I was refering to channel gates

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