smart:gate is the latest addition to Sonible’s growing range of AI-powered plug-ins, and takes a completely different approach to conventional gate processors. Described by the company as “content-aware”, it promises to deliver reliable results that don’t rely entirely on the level of the source material.
The plug-in is said to capable of differentiating between the components of a mixed signal, allowing gating to remain consistent even when the target source varies in level, and even when a competing instrument is louder than the wanted signal. Users are able to select their target source from a drop-down menu, which offers a range of options including vocals, electric guitar, piano and many more.
There are, of course, plenty of controls on offer that allow the results to be fine-tuned. A three-band suppression network allows the gating to be weighted differently across the frequency range, and it is also possible to increase the level-dependency of the processing if required — a feature that Sonible say is handy for refining the plug-in’s response to sources with more extreme transients. The plug-in offers a ducking mode in addition to its standard gating operation, which still benefits from the same target-focused operation. It is also possible to bypass the AI features entirely, and use the plug-in in the same way as a conventional gate, if required.
As with the rest of the Sonible range, smart:gate’s GUI provides detailed visual feedback, and the company’s Instant Replay feature displays any parameter changes across the signal history, making it easier to see how any changes made have impacted the material.
Compatibility
smart:gate is supported on PCs running Windows 10, and Macs running macOS 10.13 and higher. VST, VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available.
Pricing & Availability
smart:gate is available now, and is being offered for an introductory price of €89 until 21 August 2023, after which the price will increase to €129. Sonible also offer a 40% educational discount on their plug-ins for students and lecturers. More details are available on their website.
