Gated Mode is a gain gated automixer algorithm that automatically removes low-level noise by gating microphones—allowing them to open only when their signals exceed a set threshold—while managing the maximum number of open microphones (NOM) and prioritizing channels to ensure clear and controlled audio in acoustically reflective environments.
Settings
Parameter Name
Parameter Range
Parameter Definition
Threshold
-70 - 0 dB (-20 dB by default)
Mute
Enable/Disable
The mute mutes/unmutes the corresponding automixer input.
Prio
1 - 8 (1 by default)
Prio sets the priority order/group of the channels. 8 is the highest priority.
Manual
Enable/Disable
Reset to default
Not Available
Sets weight of all each mapped microphone to default threshold and priority values.
Master
-90 – 0 dB
The master slider sets the automixer output level.
Master Mute
Enable/Disable
The master mute mutes/unmutes the automixer output.
Last Mic
Parameter Name
Parameter Range
Parameter Definition
Last Mic On
Enable/Disable
Leaves the last microphone that was used in the open condition, until another microphone exceeds the Threshold.
Depth
-90 – 0 dB (? dB by default)
Sets the amount of attenuation applied to any input channel when the channel's Gate is closed.
Hold Time
Max Number of Mics
1 - 8 (1 by default)
Sets the maximum number of open microphones
Mode
Selection
Advanced Settings
Parameter Name
Parameter Range
Parameter Definition
RMS Smoothing
2 - 1000ms (5ms by default)
RMS Smoothing in a gated automixer controls how gradually the system measures and responds to changes in input signal levels, helping to avoid rapid gate switching by averaging the signal over time for more stable and natural microphone activation.
Mixer Smoothing
2 - 1000ms (10ms by default)
Mixer smoothing determines how gradually gain changes are applied to the output mix, helping to avoid rapid level fluctuations and ensuring a more natural, consistent sound when microphones activate or deactivate.
Applications of Gated
Gated automixers are well-suited for environments where precise control over microphone activation is needed, especially in acoustically reflective or noisy spaces. Common applications include:
Courtrooms – to ensure only active participants’ microphones are open, improving clarity and reducing background noise.
City council chambers – to manage large numbers of delegate mics while enforcing priority and NOM (Number of Open Microphones) limits.
Lecture halls – to automatically switch between instructor and student microphones based on voice activity.
Broadcast panels and press conferences – where strict control over open mics helps maintain clean, focused audio.
Paging systems – to prioritize specific microphones (e.g. emergency mics) using the priority function.
Multi-purpose halls – where unattended or operator-free operation is needed across varying events and microphone setups.
