Noise Gate and Expander plugins (VST, AU…) are sometimes a bit overlooked, as their functionality is necessarily much less fun than an equalizer or a compressor.
However, they are quite essential tools for properly mixing a track — whether to clean up a track or to creatively utilize side-chain options.
While there are a number of paid plugins, free noise gates and expanders are a bit less common.
This is why I decided to compile this selection of the best ones into a list to help you better control the dynamics of your mixes… 🙂
► Also read: my selection of the best free audio plugins
1. Renegate
Developer: Auburn Sounds (French developer 🙂 ! )
Formats: VST, AU, AAX, LV2
Let’s start with what is undoubtedly one of the best free gate plugins you can download: Renegate, from the publisher Auburn Sounds.
Indeed, it is a gate plugin that includes:
- automatic hysteresis management based on the input signal;
- a look-ahead algorithm to manage transients well;
- an automatic release option;
- a 43-band listening model designed in accordance with human hearing to maximize loudness detection quality;
- the ability to open or close the gate via MIDI.
Note that there is also a more complete and paid version of the plugin, which includes a step sequencer and various other features.
A must-have in this category.
► Click here to download Renegate
2. GGate
Developer: GVST
Formats: VST (32 and 64 bits)
This is undoubtedly the simplest plugin on this list.
Now available on Windows, MacOS, and Linux, it will be undoubtedly useful if you are a complete beginner and/or looking to filter a signal in a really simplified way.
Indeed, the plugin is very basic as it only contains 3 settings: Threshold, Attack, and Fade (the latter being equivalent to release) — which does not prevent it from being fully functional and doing its job well when used.
In short, a tiny plugin to keep on hand…
► Click here to download GGate
3. Dead Duck Gate
Developer: Dead Duck Software
Formats: VST (32 and 64 bits) — Windows Only
Dead Duck Software is the publisher of a suite of nice free plugins called simply “Free Effects Bundle”, among which there is of course a Noise Gate and an Expander.
This time, we find a bit more settings, as all the parameters one would generally expect from this type of plugin are there (I’m thinking in particular of the Hold, which allows the noise gate to stay open for a certain time, even if the signal has fallen below the Threshold).
Note the possibility of using an internal (low-cut filter) or external side-chain, whose level is managed via the Trim button.
If you are looking for a good gate and a good expander without going for complex plugins, don’t hesitate to take a look at these… 🙂
► Click here to download Dead Duck Gate and Dead Duck Expander
4. Bob Perry Gate
Developer: Bob Perry Audio
Formats: VST3, AU (32 and 64 bits)
The Bob Perry Gate is a somewhat more modern plugin, as it was released in 2015.
Despite a somewhat simple design and a necessarily limited number of controls since there is a
And to go even further, SEGX2 gives you the ability to open the gate in advance via the pre-gate control (which of course introduces latency).
In short, a very nice dual-band plugin that you can use in wide-band mode if needed.
► Click here to download SEGX2 (via Plugins4Free, as the publisher’s website is no longer accessible as of now)
8. HY-ESG
Developer: HY-Plugins / Bedroom Producers
Formats: VST, VST3, AU
Finally, here is one last plugin that is a bit special, because unlike those presented above, it is more oriented towards creative effects than simple signal filtering.
Specifically, it is a gate with an integrated Euclidean step sequencer. So it’s an ideal tool if you produce electronic music, to create rhythmic patterns from a simple pad sound, for example.
Ideal for trance, but also for all sorts of other musical styles if you want to experiment a bit.
In fact, the plugin is very comprehensive but also a bit complex: generating interesting things with it is easy, but if you want to dive into the settings, you need to take the time to carefully read the manual or at least analyze what you see.
And then, you can create some esoteric rhythms to give character to your productions! 🙂
► Click here to download HY-ESG
Do you like free plugins?
Well, head over to my main article on free VSTs (or other formats) to find more lists! 🙂