Gating off the kick

Samsound · #1 05-01-2011, 12:10 AM

Out of curiosity, has anyone ever used a gate keyed off the kick drum in a live rig? It's a very common studio technique, but wondering if anyone has rigged it up live, using either a kick drum mic, or a trigger. If so, how did it work out for you? Was it tough dialing it in for a full set?

cultrvultr · #2 05-01-2011, 12:31 AM

I've tried it. The dbx compressors don't have slow enough attack to get that cool whomping sound but you can get a cool rhythmic arpeggiated sound.

If you've got a laptop with ableton you can get a super slow attack and throw in a bit crusher for good measure.

j_nition · #3 05-01-2011, 12:35 AM

trying to think of wht that would sound like and how you would use it?

agreatheight · #4 05-01-2011, 12:39 AM

You mean for ducking?

Samsound · #5 05-01-2011, 01:27 AM

No, you typically set the floor to -2 dB or so, so when the kick triggers the gate, it's a subtle volume increase that adds a little punch to the bass dynamics. You have to set the attack and threshold just right so that it's not obvious, and you need to be locked in with the drums tightly.