SSL X-Gate: Gate and Ducker Plugin by Solid State Logic

The THRESHOLD and RANGE controls are aligned with the waveform graph and gain reduction meter, so you can see exactly where the gate opens and how much it reduces the signal. Traffic light cues show whether the gate is open, closed or holding at any moment.

ATTACK, RELEASE and HOLD parameters give direct control over how the gate shapes the audio over time. An interactive filter graph lets you apply high-pass and low-pass filtering to the sidechain signal, so the gate reacts to the frequencies you choose rather than the full mix.

Detection can be set to peak or RMS, depending on whether your source is transient-heavy or more sustained.

EXPANDER mode, with its KNEE control, offers a gentler alternative to hard gating. It makes quiet signals quieter and widens the dynamic range of the material.

DUCK mode inverts the sidechain logic so the signal is attenuated only when it exceeds the threshold. Solid State Logic gives the example of ducking music when you speak into a microphone.

Lookahead has discrete settings. The developer notes that X-Gate introduces zero additional plugin latency at its lowest lookahead setting, which is useful when tracking with mic bleed present.