Gatekeeper by Polyverse volume modulation and gating plugin interface

Gatekeeper: Volume Modulation and Gating Effect by Polyverse Free Download

Rated 4.7/5 on Plugin Boutique (916 ratings)

Gatekeeper is a volume modulation and gating effect plugin by Polyverse. It uses sample-fast envelopes and a variable smoothing algorithm to create punchy gating and sequencing.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

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Free trial available from the developer

01Overview

Gatekeeper is built around one job: shaping level over time. Its volume envelopes can be drawn by hand and triggered by MIDI, so the same tool can gate a pad, sequence a rhythm or automate volume with sample accuracy. A smoothing algorithm is included to remove clicks and pops, keeping the output clean even with hard, fast transitions. The plugin is offered in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats on Windows and macOS, and it ships with hundreds of presets.

Best for

Rhythmic gating
Volume automation
Step sequencing
Modular synth control
Sound design modulation
Pad and synth gating

Developer: Polyverse
Category: Gates
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Sample-fast and precise volume modulation
Expressive envelope drawing tools with curve brushes
Boost and clip features for extra punch
Smoothing algorithm to reduce clicks and pops
8 independent volume envelopes
Fully customizable MIDI triggering
Panning tools for stereo movement
Tempo-mapped looping
CV output for modular synths
Hundreds of included presets

03In depth

Envelope Control and Sound Shaping

Gatekeeper provides 8 independent volume envelopes, each of which can be drawn with curve brushes. The developer describes the drawing tools as expressive and fun to use, and the plugin offers boost and clip features for extra punch on gated material.

The smoothing algorithm is the key detail here. Fast gating can produce clicks and pops on many tools, and Gatekeeper is designed to reduce them while keeping the transitions sharp.

Panning tools are included, so envelopes can also move a signal across the stereo field, not only its level.

MIDI, Tempo Sync and Modular Output

Triggering is fully customizable with MIDI, and loops can be mapped to tempo so rhythmic gates stay locked to your project. Gatekeeper can also send MIDI CC data to control parameters in other plugins.

For modular setups, a CV output is available. This lets the envelopes drive external hardware, which is useful if your rig includes modular synths alongside your DAW.

The Polyverse developer notes that Infected Mushroom worked with the team on the plugin, so its volume-envelope and gating techniques are part of the design.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Polyverse
Type	Plugin
Category	Gate
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit
Free trial	Yes

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What is Gatekeeper used for?

Gatekeeper is used for volume modulation and gating. It can act as an LFO, envelope, step sequencer or sample-accurate volume automation, depending on how you set the envelopes.

Which formats and operating systems does Gatekeeper support?

Gatekeeper is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats. It runs on Windows and macOS, and the plugin is 64-bit only.

What do I need to run Gatekeeper?

On macOS, Gatekeeper requires Mac OS X 10.9 or later, with macOS 11 Big Sur and M1 Apple Silicon listed as compatible, an Intel Core 2 Duo or higher and 4GB of RAM minimum. On Windows, it requires Windows 7 SP1 or later, an Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon 64 X2 or higher, and 4GB of RAM minimum.