ManInMotion711
New member
I'm kinda new at recording especially drums and I'm finding out I need a noise gate, can anyone explain what I need to generally know to apply an effective noise gate?
Bobbsy
Boring Old Git
By ear.
Basically you're setting the gate to a level so it opens for the drum you want to hear but remains closed for the general wash from other drums. It can be a bit of a balancing act but what you're trying to avoid is the gate failing to open at the right time for the desired drum--and you can only judge that by listening.
(Of course, you'll eventually experiment with setting you gate NOT to open at the beginning of a hit, thus creating a very clipped, definite sound. SOMETIMES this can be a neat effect but it's also prone to overuse.)
Depending on the gate you have, you may also be able to adjust attack and release--basically how quickly the gate opens for a specific level and how long it takes to shut when the level drops below the threshold. Again, adjust by ear but I'd suggest starting with a quick attack and slower release.
Basically you're setting the gate to a level so it opens for the drum you want to hear but remains closed for the general wash from other drums. It can be a bit of a balancing act but what you're trying to avoid is the gate failing to open at the right time for the desired drum--and you can only judge that by listening.
(Of course, you'll eventually experiment with setting you gate NOT to open at the beginning of a hit, thus creating a very clipped, definite sound. SOMETIMES this can be a neat effect but it's also prone to overuse.)
Depending on the gate you have, you may also be able to adjust attack and release--basically how quickly the gate opens for a specific level and how long it takes to shut when the level drops below the threshold. Again, adjust by ear but I'd suggest starting with a quick attack and slower release.
ManInMotion711
New member
That make perfect sense thank you, are there any VST plugin gates you'd suggest that I could download and put into my DAW?
Steenamaroo
...
Maninmotion, What kind of music are you recording?
I pretty much never use gates on my own recordings.
Having said that, if you're doing some uber unnatural metal drums or something, fair play.
I pretty much never use gates on my own recordings.
Having said that, if you're doing some uber unnatural metal drums or something, fair play.
ManInMotion711
New member
Mostly recording alternative/heavy rock, metal, and occasionally some hip hop beats when requested
ManInMotion711
New member
Is that VST free?
grimtraveller
If only for a moment.....
What VST ?
R
RAMI
Guest
Wait, ManInMotion, don't you use VST drums? Even if you're using real drums the advice that you NEED a gate is wrong. You MIGHT need a gate, but it's certainly not a certainty. I personally almost never gate anything on my drums.
But if you're using VST drums, you definitely do not need a gate.
But if you're using VST drums, you definitely do not need a gate.
Chili
Site Moderator
I could see the use of a gate on a kick or snare to cut off the tail or ringing after teh hit, but that's for a very particular sound and it's used more as an effect than for cleaning up a track.
You might find an adequate gate or gating function in your DAW. As an example, in Cubase, you can right click on a part, select Processing and there is a gating function that works well.
You might find an adequate gate or gating function in your DAW. As an example, in Cubase, you can right click on a part, select Processing and there is a gating function that works well.