aXGate is an ambisonic gate and downward expander from SSA Plugins that controls dynamics while preserving spatial balance, supporting up to tenth-order ambisonics.
Purpose
aXGate is a specialized gate and downward expander built for ambisonic signals. Its core purpose is to tame the dynamics of immersive recordings and mixes without degrading the delicate spatial balance of the soundfield. Unlike standard stereo gates, this plugin applies gain reduction evenly across all channels, maintaining the directional relationships between sources.
It offers the familiar parameters of a conventional noise gate, so engineers can use it intuitively. The plugin automatically detects the ambisonic order of the input signal, optimizing CPU usage for lower orders without manual configuration. This makes it a straightforward tool for cleaning up ambisonic material while keeping the spatial image intact.
Key Capabilities
The gate includes adjustable threshold, ratio, knee width, attack, and release times. A hard knee is possible with zero knee width, and users can choose between RMS or peak detection for level sensing. Input gain and output make-up gain allow compensation for level changes. A gain reduction display shows the amount of reduction over time, with a right-click adjustable range.
It can handle ambisonic orders from first up to tenth, processing channels with the W channel on the first input. The output format matches the input. This high-order support is currently only possible in Reaper 7 or later with up to 128 channels; other DAWs have limitations, such as Pro Tools Ultimate (seventh-order) or Cubase (third-order).
Workflow
Use aXGate as you would a stereo gate. Insert it on an ambisonic track or bus, set the threshold to define the level below which gating or expansion occurs, and adjust the ratio for the desired amount of gain reduction when signals exceed the threshold. Attack and release times shape how quickly the gate opens and closes.
The knee width controls smoothness between open and closed states. Choose RMS or peak detection depending on whether you want average or peak levels to trigger the gate. The input and output gains let you trim levels before and after processing. The auto-detection of ambisonic order removes a manual step, simplifying setup.
Practical Applications
aXGate is ideal for cleaning up ambisonic field recordings, removing background noise or rumble between sounds, and tightening the dynamics of immersive mixes. It can be applied to any ambisonic source, from first-order microphone captures to higher-order synthetic ambisonics, ensuring the spatial image remains stable.
In post-production for VR, film, or game audio, the gate helps isolate desired sounds without shifting the perceived location of elements. Use it to reduce crowd noise, wind, or room tone in between dialogue or effects. The tenth-order capability benefits users on Reaper 7+, while others must account for their DAW’s order limit.
Key features
- Ambisonic gate and downward expander
- Automatic ambisonic order detection
- Threshold, ratio, knee, attack, release controls
- RMS or peak detection
- Input and output gain adjustments
- Gain reduction display with adjustable range
- Supports up to tenth-order ambisonics
Best for
Best for audio engineers and sound designers working with ambisonic recordings or mixes who need to apply gating or expansion while preserving the spatial balance. It suits immersive post-production for VR, film, and games, particularly for cleaning up field recordings without altering the soundfield’s directional integrity.