Switch
by Sinevibes · Modulation · Gate step sequencer
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Switch is a gate sequencer from Sinevibes that chops audio in time with the host using 8 patterns of up to 32 steps.
Positive and negative swing, polymetric timing and a two-pole lag filter cover everything from classic trance gates to complex rhythms, for $29.
Best for: Keys & Synths, Vocals, Sound Design. Genres: Electronic & EDM.
Keywords: rhythmic, samples & loops, classic, vocals, tremolo, evolving, macro controls, mixing, randomize, smooth, sound design, pads, stutter.
What it does
Switch is Sinevibes' gate sequencer: a high-precision step sequencer locked to the host transport that switches the audio on and off in rhythm. The developer pitches it for everything from "classic trancegate and intricate tremolo effects" to beat chopping, pulsing accents and complex staccato.
- Patterns: 8 gate patterns per preset, each with its own step count of up to 32 steps.
- Timing: rhythmically correct swing with positive and negative values, plus polymetric and polyrhythmic sequences.
- Gate shape: a two-pole analog-style lag filter sets how smooth or sharp the gate transitions are, from hard chops to soft tremolo.
- Smooth control: one-pole lag filters on all continuous parameters, so moving knobs doesn't click.
- Editing: copy, paste, reset, trim, invert, shift, evolve, randomize and loop region macros.
- Presets: built-in preset management with an open preset format.
- Interface: colour-coded graphics and window scaling up to 200%; mono to mono, mono to stereo and stereo to stereo.
Switch v3 is a free upgrade for owners of Strobe, Switch or Switch v2. A demo version, a PDF manual and audio examples are on the product page.
Source: Sinevibes product page
When to use it
Switch is the pick for a fast, dedicated trance gate with more pattern depth than usual. Compared with Kilohearts Trance Gate, it adds eight switchable patterns per preset, per-pattern step counts and polymetric timing. Against Cableguys ShaperBox 3 and Xfer LFO Tool it is narrower, working in on/off steps rather than drawn curves, and it only modulates volume, but it is quicker for strict rhythmic chopping. Its sister plugin Inertia shapes each step with envelopes, while Switch keeps to gates with an adjustable edge.
- Best for: trance gates on pads, chords and vocals, rhythmic chopping of sustained sounds, and stuttered staccato parts.
- Genres: trance, techno, house and other electronic music.
- Look elsewhere if: you want curved volume shapes (Inertia, LFO Tool or ShaperBox 3) or gating of separate frequency bands, which Sinevibes' Array does.
Where to buy
- Sinevibes: $29
Tutorials and reviews
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