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An introduction to Metric Halo MH SuperGate v4, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
SuperGate lets you customize the gate attack and release gain curves precisely to the sound you are isolating.
— Metric Halo official site
What is MH SuperGate v4?
MH SuperGate v4 is Metric Halo's noise gate. The maker says a gate's job is to pass target audio untouched and attenuate only unwanted signal.
Unlike typical gates, you build the gate's attack and release gain curves yourself, by ear and with a specialized visual detector display, to match the sound being isolated.
The curve is applied not as dynamic expander parameters but as a sample-by-sample set of instructions. The maker says this avoids aliasing, modulation and smearing.
It says curves are applied with perfect repeatability, letting small variations in each event through. It is also part of the MH Production Bundle v4.
Custom attack and release curves
You can build the gate's open and close curves, shaping exactly how it enters and exits for the sound you target.
State-machine design
The attack and release use a state-machine approach aiming for distortion-free gating by applying instructions directly to samples.
Look-ahead
A delay-compensated look-ahead mode lets the gate open just before onsets, helping keep attacks intact.
Gating and ducking
Both gating and ducking are supported, letting you switch behavior to suit the task.
Detector EQ and monitoring
An integrated detector EQ with SpectraFoo analysis and flexible internal monitoring let you check what is being detected.
Threshold, hysteresis and hold
Threshold, hysteresis, hold time and maximum attenuation are adjustable, helping reduce chatter.
History meters and presets
Detailed detector and gain reduction history meters are provided, along with presets.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Formats (macOS) | AU, AAX, VST2, VST3 (64-bit) |
| Formats (Windows) | AAX, VST2, VST3 (64-bit) |
| macOS | OS X 10.10 or newer, Intel or Apple silicon |
| Windows | Windows 7 or newer, Intel |
| Licensing | iLok.com account required; iLok dongle optional (iLok Cloud also works); two activations per license |
| Trial | Free 30-day trial of the Production Bundle |
What is included and system requirements
- Gate / ducker
- Detector EQ with SpectraFoo analysis
- Presets
How to use it
- Get the trial or the product from the Metric Halo website and run the installer.
- Activate the license with your iLok.com account.
- Rescan plug-ins in your DAW.
- Insert the plug-in on the track or bus you want to process.
- Load a preset first and listen while watching the display.
- Move the main controls a little at a time to hear the change.
- Use A/B snapshots to switch between before and after settings.
- Adjust the window size and theme to your liking.
Drum bleed
Endorsements on the official page describe use on toms with snare and cymbal bleed, so it may be worth trying for drum cleanup.
Gating and ducking
It supports ducking as well as gating, so it may work when you want a sound to dip while another plays.
Noisy recordings
Maximum attenuation, hysteresis and hold time are adjustable, which may help tune the effect for noisy recordings.
Preserving natural feel
The maker says custom open and close curves keep small variations of each event, which may help when you want to retain decay and nuance.
Who it may suit
- People who want to craft how the gate behaves in detail
- Those cleaning up bleed on drum tracks
- Users who care about preserving attacks
Good to know before you buy
- An iLok.com account is needed to manage the license (a physical iLok dongle is optional).
- One license covers both supported macOS and Windows systems.
- A free 30-day Production Bundle trial lets you try it before buying.
- Besides buying it alone, you can get it as part of the MH Production Bundle.
- New purchases of Metric Halo audio interfaces include an MH Production Bundle v4 license.
Price
$179 (Metric Halo official site, checked 2026-10-27). Prices can vary by region and promotion, so check the official page before buying.
See MH SuperGate v4 on the product page
Sources: mhsecure.com (checked 2026-10-27)
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