Sonatura has released MIDIGator, a MIDI-controlled audio gate plugin for macOS and Windows, which is currently available for free (regularly priced at $10).
MIDIGator is a simple but practical MIDI plugin that lets you control audio gating using any MIDI note or sustain pedal input. It works across all MIDI channels and responds immediately to note-on messages or pedal presses, opening the gate to let audio through. The moment all notes and pedals are released, the gate closes.
This is handy if you like using sidechain gating for creative effects or rhythmic pulses. Instead of routing an audio source to trigger the gate, you can just play MIDI notes.
Also, you don’t need to configure anything complex for MIDIGator to work because every MIDI note on any channel will do the trick. I love it when a plugin is easy to set up.
The interface is intentionally minimal, which I also like. You get Attack and Release envelope controls to smooth out the gating behavior, a Depth control to determine how much of the original audio gets ducked when the gate is closed, and a Dynamics knob that lets MIDI velocity influence the gate’s intensity.
There’s also a bright green light to show you when the gate is active. It’s simple but handy for troubleshooting any potential MIDI setup issues.
So, my favorite thing about MIDIGator is its sheer ease of use. It doesn’t require any fancy routing or MIDI mapping. You just insert it on the audio track you want to gate, route a MIDI track to it (most DAWs support this), and you’re good to go.
You can tap any MIDI input to cut the audio and release it to continue the playback. It works great for adding rhythm to pads, textures, and other static sounds.
The plugin setup is detailed in the user manual, with specific instructions for DAWs such as Ableton Live, FL Studio, Reaper, and others.
MIDIGator also supports sustain pedal input, which acts as a maximum-velocity note. This means you can open the gate without even playing a note. Just press the pedal and the audio comes through. It’s a neat trick for live performance or improvisational setups.
I’ve tried a few MIDI gate plugins in the past, but MIDIGator’s combination of full MIDI channel listening, velocity sensitivity, and ease of use makes it a winner, especially considering it’s free right now.
MIDIGator is available in VST3 and AU formats for macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon, macOS 11 or newer) and Windows 10 or later. You’ll need to register with Sonatura to download the plugin, and activation is required (you can choose between online and offline activation).
Download: MIDIGator ($10 value, FREE for a limited time)
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Last Updated on July 15, 2025 by Tomislav Zlatic.
