ABSTRACT
Following compressors, gates are perhaps the second most common dynamic range processors in mixing. Gates are also called noise-gates – a name that implies their traditional usage as noise eliminators. In the past, tapes and analog equipment were the main contributors to added hiss. Nowadays, digital technology tends to allow much cleaner recordings. Still, in project studios unwanted noise on a recording might be the outcome of ground-loops, a computer fan or airborne traffic. Noise, however, is not the only thing gates are employed to reduce. The rumble produced by the floor tom when the rest of the drum kit is played is often gated. The hi-hats spill on a snare track and the headphone spill on a vocal track are just two more examples. In addition to their traditional role, gates are also used for more creative tasks, like tightening drums, adding punch or applying dynamic movement.
