Now draw it, then say it
Draw and label the graph of a noise gate: threshold −30 dB, range 20 dB.
Drag dot 1 to the top of the drop and dot 2 to its foot. Then pick a label and tap where it goes.
Say it in words
Tick each point your words or drawing make.
On the paper and in Live: the same controls
The names you may meet
| On the paper | In Live's Gate | On some gates |
|---|---|---|
| Threshold | Threshold | Threshold |
| Range | Floor | Reduction |
| Attack, Hold, Release | Attack, Hold, Release | Attack, Hold, Release |
| Return, Flip, Lookahead | Hysteresis |
Floor is Live's word for the paper's Range, written as a level down: Floor −80 dB is Range 80 dB.
Return and Flip are Live extras the paper does not ask about. Return (hysteresis) makes the gate shut a little below the level that opens it, so it does not chatter; Flip turns the gate round, so only the quiet parts get through.
Lookahead: Live delays the sound a moment, so the gate is already opening when a note starts and its start is not cut.
The picture of the Gate is a screenshot of Ableton Live, used for teaching. Ableton and Live are trademarks of Ableton AG. Music Tech Studio is independent and has not been authorised, sponsored or otherwise approved by Ableton AG.
The gate panel is our own drawing, in the exam's names. Its graph, its meter and the sound all come from the same numbers: a model of a noise gate, made for teaching. The vocal is a recording. The hiss, the hum, the knocks and the drums are made in the browser. Ableton is a trademark of Ableton AG. Made for a laptop or the whiteboard.