Overview - Chapter 3
Gating
Of all the different reverb types, only two types do not provide gating parameters (ÒReverseÓ and ÒNonlinearÓ). Gating is the process which abruptly cuts off the reverbÕs decay for a more ÒchoppyÓ sound. This effect was very popular on drums in the 80s because it makes them sound HUGE. It is achieved by dropping the level of the signal very rapidly after the initial attack making a short, sharp sound.
There are four gating parameters available in most of the reverb types. These include: Gate Trigger Source, Hold Time, Gate Release Time and Gate Level. The Trigger Source can be either the Left or Right inputs, or both. Or this can be set to ÒOFFÓ when you do not wish to use the gating effect. The Hold Time determines how long the gate will be held open before it begins to turn off; this can be set from 10 to 500 ms. The rate at which it closes is determined by the Gate Release Time, which can be set from 0 to 500 ms. The Gate Level controls the level of the reverb signal after the gate closes. In other words, if the Gate Level is set to 99, then no reverb will sound after the gate turns it off. If the Gate Level is set to 50, then some reverb signal will still be present even after the gate turns off the main reverb signal.
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