Ääniportti

Ääniportti, often translated as "sound gate" or "audio gate," is an audio effect that functions as a dynamic range controller. Its primary purpose is to reduce or eliminate an audio signal when it falls below a certain threshold. Essentially, it acts like a gate, allowing sound to pass through only when it is sufficiently loud, and blocking it otherwise.

The core functionality of an ääniportti involves several key parameters. The threshold determines the level at which the gate opens or closes. When the signal level rises above this threshold, the gate opens, allowing the audio to pass through. Conversely, when the signal drops below the threshold, the gate closes, attenuating the signal. The range or reduction parameter controls how much the signal is attenuated when the gate is closed, effectively determining the depth of the silence or reduction.

Further controls often found on an ääniportti include attack, which defines how quickly the gate opens once the signal exceeds the threshold, and release, which dictates how quickly it closes when the signal drops below the threshold. A hold parameter can also be present, keeping the gate open for a specified duration after the signal has fallen below the threshold.

Ääniportit are commonly used in music production and live sound engineering for various purposes. They are frequently employed to remove unwanted noise, such as room ambience, microphone bleed, or hum, from recordings, particularly between phrases or notes in vocal tracks or instrumental performances. They can also be used creatively to shape the percussive impact of drums, shorten the sustain of instruments, or create rhythmic gating effects.