Gate (or noise gate) - a type of dynamics processor that acts like an automatic on‑off switch: it "opens" (allows sound through) when the input exceeds a user-defined threshold and “closes” (attenuates or silences the audio) when it falls below that level. It offers controls such as attack and release (to smooth how quickly it opens and closes), hold (to maintain openness briefly after the signal dips), and range (how much it attenuates when closed), and may include sidechain triggering or hysteresis for stability. Noise gates are widely used to clean up unwanted background noise, prevent mic bleed (e.g. in drum mics), and even create rhythmic or gated effects, such as the classic gated-reverb snare sound.
De-esser - a specialized type of dynamics processor—essentially a frequency‑focused compressor—designed to reduce harsh sibilant sounds like “s,” “sh,” “z,” “ch,” and “j” (typically in the 2–10 kHz range) by detecting when these frequencies exceed a threshold and attenuating them dynamically, rather than using a static EQ cut. It targets a narrow band, applying gain reduction either across the full signal or only within the sibilant band depending on its design (wide‑band vs split‑band), allowing the vocal to remain bright and clear without becoming harsh. The key parameters include frequency (to pinpoint sibilant content), threshold, range (maximum attenuation), and attack/release times, all tuned to smooth the problematic consonants while preserving vocal character. They're essential in professional vocal processing to enhance clarity and listener comfort without dulling the performance.
