ReaGate Free
ReaGate
Cockos ReaGate is an ultra-configurable noise gate designed for engineers and producers who need precise, controllable dynamics rather than a one-knob cleanup tool.
As part of the ReaPlugs VST FX Suite, it brings DAW-grade gating logic into a lightweight, no-friction plugin that works just as comfortably on individual tracks as it does inside complex sidechain-driven setups.
Unlike basic gates aimed at quick fixes, ReaGate is built around flexibility.
It gives you full control over how, when, and why the gate opens, making it suitable for corrective noise reduction, creative rhythmic gating, and even MIDI-driven workflows where gate states need to trigger external events.
System Requirements:
- 32 & 64-bit
- VST 3 / AU
- Windows
Precision gating with deep control
At its core, ReaGate is a dynamics processor that reacts intelligently to signal level over time. Adjustable attack, hold, and release parameters let you shape the envelope of the gate with surgical accuracy, whether you are tightening up close-miked drums, cleaning up vocal bleed, or creating hard-edged, staccato cuts on guitars and synths.
The addition of hysteresis helps prevent chatter by defining separate open and close thresholds, which is critical when working with material that hovers around the trigger point.
The gate’s variable RMS window allows you to decide how the detector “listens” to incoming audio. Short RMS values react quickly to transients, while longer values smooth out the response for more stable gating on sustained sources.
This makes ReaGate equally effective on percussive material and evolving textures where consistency matters more than speed.
Sidechain intelligence and creative routing
ReaGate’s sidechain capabilities are where it moves beyond traditional gating.
Built-in sidechain filters allow you to focus the detector on specific frequency ranges, such as using only midrange energy to trigger a gate on a noisy vocal, or isolating low-end content to control sub-heavy material.
External sidechain input opens the door to classic ducking-style setups and more experimental routing techniques.
Lookahead processing ensures the gate can open slightly before a transient hits, preserving punch and avoiding clipped attacks.
On top of that, ReaGate can send MIDI events when the gate opens or closes, making it possible to trigger other plugins, instruments, or external hardware based on audio dynamics.
Features like wet/dry mix and noise mix further expand its creative potential, allowing controlled bleed-through or even intentional noise injection when the gate is open.
Key Features:
A highly adaptable noise gate built for both technical control and creative routing.
- Ultra-configurable noise gate with detailed envelope control
- Lookahead processing for clean transient handling
- Hold and hysteresis controls for stable, chatter-free gating
- Variable RMS detection size for transient or sustained material
- Internal sidechain filters for frequency-selective triggering
- External sidechain input for advanced routing and ducking
- MIDI output on gate open and close for automation and control
FAQ
ReaGate offers deeper control over detection behavior, envelope timing, and routing. Features like hysteresis, variable RMS size, and MIDI output make it suitable for complex mixing and sound design tasks that simpler gates cannot handle reliably.
Hysteresis is useful when a signal fluctuates around the threshold, such as vocals with room noise or guitar amps with hum. It prevents rapid opening and closing by separating the open and close trigger points.
MIDI output allows ReaGate to act as a control source. You can trigger synth notes, modulate parameters, or switch effects on and off based on when audio crosses the gate threshold.
Lookahead allows the gate to anticipate transients and open slightly early, preserving attack and punch. This is especially valuable on drums and percussive material.
Yes. With sidechain routing, wet/dry blending, noise mix, and MIDI triggering, ReaGate can be used for rhythmic gating, dynamic textures, and experimental modulation beyond traditional noise reduction.
