The ratio knob below the threshold allows you to use the plugin as an expander or a gate (gate is infinity on the threshold). The main control is the threshold knob which shows you the volume of the signal. It has a feint graphical display in the center that shows both the ADSR of the control knobs and the input signal. UX: The UX has a ton of functionality but is not as intuitive as other gate plugins on this list. The Pro-G is an all-in-one gate and expander plugin that gives users great versatility and everything you need in a gate plugin. Fabfilter Pro-G Best overall gate VST currently available!įabfilter is one of the best plugin companies in the world with hit products such as Pro-Q 3, Pro-R, Fabfilter Saturn, and more. Let’s kick things off with the absolute best gate VSTs I think you can get, starting with my top choice, the FabFilter Pro-G. A noise gate plugin also increases dynamic range, but it doesn’t have a ratio to allow anything through. So, an expander acts as a backwards compressor, in that it increases dynamic range after making the lowest signals lower. An expander, on the other hand, decreases a signal below an adjustable level.
Difference Between Gate and ExpanderĪs we’ve just explained, a gate is a plugin that eliminates a signal below an adjustable level. Commonly used with drums, percussive elements, and/or poorly recorded audio, a noise gate is a must-have item in any serious music producer or mix engineer’s toolbox. A noise gate is a plugin that filters out the signal of a track or group of tracks below a certain threshold.