Headrush Utility
Gate
Inspired by Rocktron® Hush
Noise control effect opens or closes the signal based on the level
GENERAL FUNCTION
Blocks the signal when it is too low
Delete:
- I rustled
- hum
- background noises
Essential for:
- distortions
- live
- clean recording
Control Parameters
ThresholddB
- Typical range: −80 → 0 dB
- Minimum level to open the gate
Behavior
- low (−70 dB): always open
- medium (−50 dB): natural
- high (−30 dB): cuts a lot
Most important parameter
Releasems
Gate closing time
Behavior
- low: fast closing
- medium: natural
- high: slow closing
Check for naturalness
Noise FilterdB
Amount of attenuation when the gate is closed
Behavior
- low: slight reduction
- medium: cleanliness
- high: total silence
How much it “cuts” the noise
Pro Tips
- Threshold high → cut notes
- Low release → “cut” effect
- High Noise Filter → too artificial
Better to find a balance
POSITION IN THE CHAIN
Before distortion:
- Gate → Distortion
Check input noise
After distortion:
- Distortion → Gate
Cleans generated noise.
Both are often used
Quick Reference
- Threshold (dB): threshold
- Release (ms): closing time
- Noise Filter (dB): attenuation
Setup Examples
Natural Gate (live)
Threshold−50 dB
Release200–300 ms
Noise Filtermedium
Clean but natural
Metal tight gate
Threshold−40 / −30 dB
Release50–100 ms
Noise FilterHigh
Super precise sound
Clean setup
Threshold−60 dB
Release300–500 ms
Noise Filterlow
Almost invisible
Studio silence
Thresholdmedium
Releasemedium
Noise FilterHigh
Total silence