Denise Audio Poltergate is a versatile audio plugin that combines gating, de-bleeding, and transient shaping functionalities into a single tool. Designed primarily for drums and percussive sounds, Poltergate offers both problem-solving and creative capabilities. The plugin features an intuitive interface with four main sections: Side-Chain, Curve, Dynamics, and De-bleed, each accessible through dedicated tabs. Poltergate’s unique selling point is its ability to handle multiple audio processing tasks simultaneously, potentially replacing several individual plugins in a typical signal chain. The gate section includes advanced features like a parametric side-chain EQ and a Spike control for enhanced transient detection. The de-bleeding algorithm, a standout feature, allows users to reduce unwanted bleed from other instruments while preserving the punch and resonance of the target sound. Poltergate also incorporates transient design elements, enabling users to shape the attack and sustain characteristics of their audio. With its comprehensive feature set and flexible controls, Poltergate aims to streamline workflow for producers and sound engineers working with drum recordings, samples, or loops.
Pros:
• Combines gating, de-bleeding, and transient shaping in one plugin
• Unique de-bleeding algorithm for precise control over audio spillover
• Intuitive interface with visual feedback for easy operation
• Flexible side-chain EQ for targeted frequency detection
• Creative possibilities through external side-chain and Flip function
Cons:
• Limited effectiveness on non-percussive or melodic sounds
• Learning curve may be steep for users unfamiliar with advanced gating techniques
Poltergate plugin feature set is extensive and well-thought-out. The gate section forms the core of the plugin, offering standard controls like Threshold, Attack, Hold, and Release. However, it goes beyond basic functionality with the inclusion of a Floor control for setting maximum attenuation and a Return parameter for adding hysteresis. The Spike control is a unique feature that enhances the gate’s sensitivity to transients, making it easier to trigger on specific drum hits.
The side-chain section is particularly powerful, featuring a fully parametric EQ that allows for precise frequency targeting. This is especially useful when working with complex drum recordings where specific elements need to be isolated. The side-chain can also accept external input, opening up creative possibilities for rhythmic effects and sound design.
Poltergate’s de-bleeding functionality sets it apart from traditional gates. This section uses a proprietary algorithm to reduce unwanted spill from other instruments while maintaining the character of the target sound. It offers separate high and low-pass filters, each with three modes (soft, medium, heavy) and adjustable release times. This allows for frequency-selective transient shaping, effectively modifying the spectral content during a note’s decay.
The Dynamics section provides tools for shaping the transient and sustain characteristics of the processed audio. The Punch control enhances note transients, while the Fat parameter affects sustain. Both can be fine-tuned using Attack and Duration controls. A Clip function is also included, useful for adding aggression to sounds like snare drums.
Poltergate VST offers a sync feature that allows the gate’s release time to be synchronized with the host DAW’s tempo. This is particularly useful for creating rhythmic effects or working with loop-based material. The Curve control allows users to adjust the feel of these gated rhythms.
Visually, Poltergate provides clear feedback through its waveform envelope display. This shows thresholds and shaded areas to illustrate the effect of the processing, making it easier for users to understand and adjust the plugin’s behavior. The side-chain EQ curve is also visible in this display, albeit in a more subdued color.
When compared to similar plugins, Poltergate stands out due to its all-in-one approach. While many DAWs and plugin suites offer separate tools for gating, transient shaping, and de-bleeding, Poltergate combines these functions into a single, cohesive interface. This integration can lead to more efficient workflows and potentially better results, as the different processes are designed to work in harmony. Traditional noise gates, such as those found in most DAWs, typically offer basic threshold, attack, and release controls. Poltergate expands on this with its advanced side-chain EQ and Spike control, allowing for more precise triggering. Dedicated de-bleeding plugins like Accusonus Drumatom or SPL De-Verb offer similar functionality to Poltergate’s de-bleeding section, but lack the integrated gating and transient shaping capabilities. Transient shapers like SPL Transient Designer or Softube Transient Shaper provide similar functionality to Poltergate’s Dynamics section, but again, they lack the integrated gating and de-bleeding features. Poltergate’s strength lies in its ability to handle all these tasks simultaneously, potentially replacing multiple plugins in a signal chain and offering a more streamlined workflow.
This plugin is best for:
• Audio engineers working with multi-tracked drum recordings
• Producers looking to clean up and shape drum samples or loops
• Sound designers seeking creative gating and rhythmic effects
• Musicians wanting to reduce bleed in live recordings
• Anyone looking to streamline their drum processing workflow
Poltergate is a powerful and versatile plugin that offers a comprehensive solution for drum and percussion processing. By combining gating, de-bleeding, and transient shaping into a single tool, it provides a streamlined workflow for audio professionals. The plugin’s standout features include its unique de-bleeding algorithm, flexible side-chain EQ, and integrated transient shaping tools. While it excels in handling percussive material, its effectiveness on melodic content may be limited. The learning curve might be steep for some users, but the potential for time-saving and improved results makes it a valuable addition to any audio engineer’s toolkit. Poltergate’s ability to replace multiple plugins in a typical drum processing chain, coupled with its creative potential for sound design, makes it a compelling option for those working extensively with drums and percussion. Whether used for cleaning up live recordings, shaping samples, or creating rhythmic effects, Poltergate offers a level of control and flexibility that sets it apart from more traditional gating solutions.