Front Panel Noise Gate Controls - Alesis 3630 Reference Manual

With the Link switch in, Channel A's controls become master controls for
Channels A and B, with the exception of the input/output and the +4
dBu/-10 dBV switches which will continue to operate independently. The
stereo signal is processed identically by both channels to preserve proper
stereo imaging.
While in stereo mode, the compressor and gate control signals are derived
from a combination of Channel A and Channel B inputs. Compression
and gating are not soley dependent upon the input signal present at
Channel A (the master channel). For example, an input signal on either
Channel A or Channel B will cause compression to occur (and/or open
both gates) once it rises above the threshold set by Channel A controls,
even if there is no input signal present on the opposite channel.
For stereo sidechain applications, please refer to Section 1.8.
1.6 FRONT PANEL
NOISE GATE CONTROLS
The noise gate will not pass signals below the specified threshold setting,
but signals above the threshold will pass unaffected. In a typical
application, the threshold would be set just above any residual hiss or
noise. Thus with no signal going through the 3630, no hiss would be
audible. A signal going through the 3630 would pass through unimpeded.
The hiss would also be present under these conditions, but since a strong
signal is present it would tend to "mask" the hiss.
To use the 3630 solely as a noise gate, set the Ratio control to 1:1. This
passes the input signal to the noise gate without processing.
Threshold (no gating to -10dBV)
Sets the level above which the noise gate will allow signals to pass.
Turning the Threshold fully counter-clockwise disables the noise gate and
lets the signal through unaltered.
To set the proper gate level for most applications, turn the Gate Threshold
to OFF. Turn on all instruments to be gated but do not pass program
material through them (For example, turn your microphone on but do
not sing through it). Increase the Threshold (clockwise) until the red
CLOSE LED comes on. Any background noise should now be eliminated.
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