A1AUDIO has introduced A1TriggerGate, a freeware trance gate effect in VST/AU/RTAS/AAX plugin formats for 32-bit and 64-bit plugin host applications running on Windows and Mac OS.
A rhythmic gate (also known as sequenced gate or trance gate) is a type of modulation effect which passes or mutes incoming audio following a pre-programmed sequence. Rhythmic gates are often used as creative effects (as opposed to noise gates which are a common mixing tool), capable of turning static sounds like pads and drones into exciting rhythmic sequences. Rhythmic gates were originally used in genres like trance and techno, however nowadays we can hear the classic “trance gate” effect in many different music styles like trap, dubstep, house, even modern pop hits.
See also: Freeware Noise Gate VST/AU Plugins!
There are quite a few trance gate plugins out there already, both free and commercial, however A1TriggerGate is undoubtedly the most powerful and versatile one I’ve ever used. Alex Hilton (the developer behind A1AUDIO) says that his motivation for creating A1TriggerGate came from the fact that he wasn’t entirely satisfied with any existing rhythmic gate plugin and it’s more than obvious that a lot of work and dedication went into creating this one. The end result is a fantastic sequenced gate plugin which works on both Mac and Windows based systems and is also completely free to download and use (much like Alex Hilton’s fantastic A1StereoControl panner effect which was released last year and included in our round-up of the best freeware plugins from 2014).
A1TriggerGate sports a fully resizable vector based user interface which looks great on huge desktop screens, as well as on smaller laptops. The interface is centered around a 16-step sequence editor which is used for programming the gate pattern. The plugin can store eight different patterns which can be switched via automation. A preset browser is also included for hassle-free saving and loading of custom presets.
Other features include a multi-FX section with delay, distortion and low-pass filter effects, an AHDSR envelope, undo/redo functionality, zero latency processing and full host automation support. It’s worth noting that the built-in effects can be switched on or off globally, which is great if you only want to load different rhythmic patterns from the preset browser without applying any additional FX.
The plugin is available for direct free download from the developer’s website, no sign-up or registration required. You can choose to download the installer, or a simple ZIP archive containing the plugin executable (always nice to have that option).
A1AUDIO stepped on the scene with the impressive A1StereoControl panner effect last year and they are confirming their superb craftsmanship with the new A1TriggerGate trance gate. We can’t wait to see what Alex Hilton of A1AUDIO has in store for the next release!
Download
A1TriggerGate is available for free download via A1AUDIO (1.57 MB download size, ZIP archive, installer also available, 32-bit & 64-bit VST/AU/RTAS/AAX plugin format for Windows & Mac).
