Noise Gate

Music Tech || MT CA2 - The Digital Audio Workstation

Why is bleed/spill an issue in recording?

• This bleed can become an issue when we start to use compression and EQ.

• To reduce the amount of bleed we can use a noise gate.

What is noise gate?

• Designed to remove unwanted noise or sound from an audio signal.

• This could be:

  • Gaps in vocal phrases.

  • Breaths.

  • String buzz.

  • Bleed from other instruments.

What are the main controls on a noise gate plugin?

• Threshold.

• Reduction.

• Attack.

• Release.

What is reduction on a noise gate?

• This is the amount (dB) that the noise gate will turn down the incoming signal once it falls below the threshold.

• This allows you to control how severe the noise gate reduction is.

What is the threshold on a noise gate?

• Serves the opposite function as it does on a compressor.

• When the incoming signal falls below the threshold, the noise gate will turn down the signal.

What is the attack on a noise gate?

• This is the speed at which the noise gate will start to open once the signal passes the threshold.

  • Fast attack: the noise gate will open almost immediately.

  • Slow attack: the noise gate will take longer to respond to opening creating a smoother transition.

What is release on a noise gate?

• This is the speed at which the noise gate will start to close once the signal has fallen below the threshold.

  • Fast release: the noise will close almost immediately and return to the level set by the amount of reduction.

  • Slow release: the noise gate will take much longer to close and reach the level set by the amount of reduction.

What is bleed/spill?

• Refers to any unwanted sound captured by a microphone when recording.

• For example: kick drum sound in the snare drum microphone.

Label the noise gate graph.

• Input level

• Threshold

• Level (dB)

• Output Level

• Time (ms)

• Attack

• Release