Gating - Alesis 2 Reference Manual

Chapter 3 - Overview

Gating

Of all the different reverb types, only two types do not provide gating parameters
("Reverse" and "Nonlinear"). Gating is the process which abruptly cuts off the reverb's
decay for a more "choppy" sound. This effect is very popular on drums because it
makes them sound HUGE. It is achieved by dropping the level of the signal very
rapidly after the initial attack making a short, sharp sound.
There are four gating parameters available in most of the reverb types. These include:
Gate Trigger Source, Hold Time, Gate Release Time and Gate Level. The Trigger
Source can be either the Left or Right inputs, or both. Or this can be set to "OFF"
when you do not wish to use the gating effect. The Hold Time determines how long
the gate will be held open before it begins to turn off; this can be set from 10 to 500
ms. The rate at which it closes is determined by the Gate Release Time, which can be
set from 0 to 500 ms. The Gate Level controls the level of the reverb signal after the
gate closes. In other words, if the Gate Level is set to 99, then no reverb will sound
after the gate turns it off. If the Gate Level is set to 50, then some reverb signal will still
be present even after the gate turns off the main reverb signal.
44 QuadraVerb 2 Reference Manual