Sonnox has introduced a major update to its noise gate effect plugin geared towards processing drums. Oxford Drum Gate 2 features intelligent detection, phase-locked alignment and adaptive decay to deliver clean, mix-ready drums from the first hit.
Inconsistent hits, phase issues, and uncontrolled spill can make or break a drum mix before the rest of the production has even begun. Not a threshold-based noise gate. Not source separation. A purpose-built drum detection engine.
Whether you’re mixing live-tracked drums across close mics, overheads and rooms, or shaping kit sounds from stems, Drum Gate 2 gives you total command so these elements work for your mix rather than against it.
Changes in Oxford Drum Gate 2
- Time, polarity, and phase alignment with the new Align tab.
- Adaptive Resonant Decay algorithm with HF Damping parameter.
- External sidechain input (audio and MIDI).
- Hit Clip with per-hit dynamic ceiling calculation.
- Claro-derived resonance detection for natural decay.
- New Hi-Hat, All Transients and No Gating detection modes.
- More accurate drum type classification (Kick, Snare, Toms).
- Enhanced transient detection with reduced false triggers.
- Overhauled user interface adds a modern look, clearer communication and a faster workflow.
Regularly priced $179.99 USD, Oxford Drum Gate 2 for Windows and macOS (VST3, AU and AAX) is on sale for the intro price of $119.99 USD until March 31st, 2026. The offer is available at Plugin Boutique and from the Sonnox store.
Users of the original Oxford Drum Gate can upgrade to version 2 for $59.99 USD.
