GATE-12
by Tilr · Modulation · Envelope and volume shaper
Not rated yet
GATE-12 is a free envelope generator that shapes volume with drawn multi-segment patterns, triggered by MIDI, audio or the beat.
The developer describes it as combining features of Gross Beat and ShaperBox. It is free.
Best for: Drums, Keys & Synths, Vocals, Sound Design. Genres: Electronic & EDM, Hip-Hop & Trap, Pop.
Keywords: free, rhythmic, sidechain input, ducking, drums, open source, undo/redo, MIDI-controllable, mixing, randomize, samples & loops, simple, sound design, tempo-synced, vocals.
What it does
GATE-12 is a free, open-source envelope generator for volume. The developer says it combines "some of the best features of GrossBeat and ShaperBox", and it is used for trance gates, sidechain-style ducking and rhythmic chopping.
- 12 patterns: twelve envelope patterns that you switch between with MIDI notes, plus pattern rotation.
- Envelope editor: multi-segment editing with 8 point types (hold, curve, s-curve, stairs and more), multi-point selection with scale and skew, an adjustable grid, and undo and redo.
- Paint mode: draw with custom, user-defined shapes.
- Sequencer: a built-in step sequencer with randomization.
- Timing: tempo sync or a free LFO rate in Hz, with attack and release smoothing.
- Triggers: MIDI can trigger the envelope or restart its cycle; audio trigger detects transients in Simple or Drums mode and can use the sidechain as input.
- Display: pre and post waveform views to see what the envelope does to the signal.
It is free and open source (GPL-3.0), from the developer's GitHub releases. A KVR user reviewed version 1.2.3 in January 2026.
When to use it
GATE-12 is the free pick for drawn volume gating and ducking. Compared with LFO Tool, it adds 12 MIDI-switched patterns, a step sequencer and audio triggering from transients or the sidechain. Compared with ShaperBox 3, it only shapes volume, with no filter, pan or other shapers, and its interface is plainer. Unlike both, it costs nothing.
- Best for: trance gates, sidechain-style ducking, transient-triggered gating and rhythmic volume chops.
- Genres: trance, EDM, hip-hop and pop.
- Look elsewhere if: you want filter, pan and other shapers in one place (ShaperBox 3).
What producers say
The one KVR user review rates it very highly, as a free plugin that competes with paid tools.
- KVR users rate it 5 out of 5 from 1 review; the reviewer called it "certainly the best free one" among gate plugins and "very competitive" with Cableguys.
Where to buy
- GitHub: Free
Tutorials and reviews
- Tilr Gate 12 Modulation FX 🇺🇦 🌏
- Free Trance Gate - Gate12 by tilr (No Talking)
- Free VST Plugin Gate 12💥TiagoLr
- Why Every Producer Needs Gate 12 in Their Arsenal RIGHT NOW!
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