GATE-12: A Free Open-Source Volume Shaper With MIDI and Audio Triggering
12 patterns, multi-segment envelopes, MIDI and transient triggering, paint tools, sequencing and randomization in a free cross-platform trance-gate effect.
GATE-12 by TiagoLr is a free open-source envelope generator for gate and volume shaping inspired by workflows found in tools such as Gross Beat and ShaperBox. Version 2 was rebuilt from scratch with JUCE and expands the concept with cross-platform builds, audio triggering, MIDI pattern control, a sequencer and a much more flexible envelope editor.
A Multi-Segment Volume Shaper for Rhythmic Editing
GATE-12 uses a point-based multi-segment editor to control amplitude over time. Eight point types include hold, curve, S-curve and stair-like shapes, making it possible to create anything from simple pumping to detailed rhythmic gating.
The envelope can run tempo-synced or at an LFO rate in Hz, so it can follow the project grid or operate independently.
12 Patterns Can Be Triggered From MIDI
The plugin stores 12 main patterns that can be selected or triggered with MIDI notes. MIDI can also restart the envelope cycle, which turns GATE-12 into a performance-friendly effect rather than a fixed repeating curve.
Pattern changes can be synchronized to the song position so transitions happen cleanly on the beat.
Audio Transients Can Trigger the Envelope
Audio Trigger mode detects transients and can restart the envelope automatically. The developer includes a simple envelope-following detector and a drum-oriented detector based on energy over a short time window.
Sidechain input can also be used, opening the door to rhythmic shaping driven by another track.
Paint Mode Speeds Up Complex Shapes
The rebuilt Paint mode uses user-defined shapes that can be drawn repeatedly across the editor. Up to 32 paint patterns can be edited and stored in the settings.
This is particularly useful for stutters, chopped grooves and repeated gating figures that would be tedious to build point by point.
Sequencer, Randomizer and Flexible Point Editing
A built-in sequencer can build and randomize pattern structures quickly. Multiple points can be selected together, moved, scaled or skewed to create rising and falling wedges or compress an existing rhythm into a shorter section.
Undo and redo support make experimentation less destructive.
Cross-Platform and Open Source
The official releases provide VST3 and LV2 builds for Windows, Linux and macOS, plus AU on macOS. The project is released under GPL-3.0 and its full source code is available publicly.
- Trance-gate patterns
- Sidechain-style pumping
- Rhythmic vocal chops
- Drum and percussion gating
- Stutter effects
- Automated volume sequences
At a Glance
Developer: TiagoLr
Type: Envelope generator / trance gate / volume shaper
Main patterns: 12
Point editor: Multi-segment with 8 point types
Trigger modes: MIDI and audio transient triggering
Paint patterns: 32 user-editable shapes
Sequencer: Built in with randomization
Formats: VST3, LV2; AU on macOS
Platforms: Windows, macOS and Linux
License: GPL-3.0
Price: Free
Download GATE-12 for Free
Get the current free version directly from the official developer page.
Final Thoughts
GATE-12 gives producers a serious amount of rhythmic control without hiding the workflow behind a complicated modulation system. MIDI triggering, transient detection, paint tools and the sequencer make it useful for much more than a basic trance gate. For electronic production, it is an unusually capable open-source alternative to commercial volume-shaping effects.
