A dynamics processor that silences a signal when it falls below a set threshold, used in DJing to chop vocals or synths into rhythmic stutter patterns.
A gate is a dynamics processor that passes audio only when the signal exceeds a threshold level. Below that threshold the output is cut to silence, and the speed of that cut is set by the attack and release times.
Why it matters
As a DJ effect, a gate synced to the BPM chops a sustained sound into percussive pulses, turning a long reverb tail, vocal hold, or synth pad into a rhythmic stutter without needing to edit the track.
In practice
Set the gate rate to 1/8 or 1/4 note at the current BPM and apply it to the channel running an acapella or synth lead during a breakdown. Adjust the release time to control how clipped or groovy each chop feels.
