Bayou Media has released Drum Gator, a noise gate plug-in designed specifically for drums and percussion.
Traditional noise gates are triggered when the signal level reaches a threshold set by the user. Gates triggered in this way may chop off the initial onset of the drum hit, creating noticeable artifacts. These artifacts vary depending on the intensity of each drum beat. Also, in order to make sure that all drum hits are allowed through the gate, the user may be tempted to lower the threshold. This can have the side effect of allowing unwanted signals through the gate. The result is a tradeoff, with some drum hits gated out while some unwanted signals are passed through.
Drum Gator does not suffer from the issues experienced with traditional noise gates. It uses a transient detection algorithm combined with spectral analysis to provide an almost uncanny ability to remove only the unwanted drum hits while preserving other program material. It can also do things that are not possible with any other noise gate, opening up creative possibilities that were previously unavailable.
Drum Gator is available for Windows (VST), priced at an introductory price of $50 USD.
More information: Bayou Media / Drum Gator
