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An introduction to GVST GVST GGate, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
Gate effect to silence audio below a set threshold. Adjustable attack and release to create staccato chops or gentle fades.
— GVST official site
What is GVST GGate?
GGate is a free noise-gate VST distributed by GVST (Graham Yeadon). It is a simple gate that silences the signal once it drops below a threshold.
A noise gate is used to reduce background noise heard while nothing is being played, such as amplifier hum or artifacts from an effect chain. The official manual explains that the main audio is usually much louder than the noise, so the gate only passes signal when the level rises.
It has three knobs (Thresh, Fade and Attack) with editable numeric readouts below them, and a meter shows the gate's activity.
According to the manual it can keep noise from piling up across individual tracks in a mix, and can also emphasize staccato passages and palm muting on high-gain guitar.
Thresh (threshold)
Sets, in dB, the level below which the audio is silenced. Only sound above it passes through unchanged.
Fade
The time it takes for the gate to close after the signal drops below the threshold. Very short times are noticeable and generally avoided, but can suit special processing.
Attack
How quickly the signal is unmuted after rising above the threshold. Fast times emphasize playing techniques, slower times ramp up more gradually.
Activity meter
A meter shows the gate's activity, giving you a reference when setting the threshold.
Staccato and palm-muted guitar
On high-gain guitar it can reduce noise and also emphasize short, chopped passages.
Free to download
The page presents it as a free VST plug-in with download options.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Noise gate |
| Format | VST |
| Parameters | Thresh (dB), Fade, Attack |
| Metering | Gate activity meter |
| Author | Graham Yeadon (GVST) |
| Price | Free |
What is included and system requirements
- Format: VST plug-in (the page says "free VST plugin")
- An online manual and a PDF manual are on the official page
- Supported OS details are given on the official download options page
How to use it
- On the official GGate page choose Download to open the download options.
- Download the file matching your OS and bit depth.
- Place it in your VST folder or run the installer.
- Rescan plug-ins in your DAW.
- Insert GGate on the track whose noise you want to reduce.
- Set Thresh between the noise level and the signal, then adjust Fade and Attack.
Background noise on home-recorded vocals
If noise between phrases bothers you, you could reduce it by adjusting Thresh.
Reducing guitar hum
It may be worth trying when amp hum is audible between notes; the manual's hints mention this use.
Sharpening high-gain guitar
The manual describes using short Attack and Fade to emphasize staccato and palm muting.
Who it may suit
- People who want to try a simple free gate first
- People who want to set up quickly with three knobs
- People looking for a gate for guitar noise
Good to know before you buy
- The manual notes that background noise still passes while the gate is open; it becomes less noticeable but is not removed.
- The author's page states no responsibility is accepted for damage from use and asks you to agree to the license conditions before downloading.
How it differs from similar products
We do not pick a winner; the official figures are placed side by side.
ReaGate ReaPlugs
GGate is operated with three knobs: Thresh, Fade and Attack. ReaGate in ReaPlugs also has hold, hysteresis, sidechain and lookahead.
Price
Free to use (GVST official site, checked 2026-10-27).
A free VST plug-in.
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