Microphone Noise Gate & Threshold Visualizer
Connect your live microphone to visualize real-time input dB levels. Tune open/close thresholds to cut out mechanical switch clacks, fan hum, and room echo in OBS Studio.
โ๏ธ Noise Gate Dynamics Settings
Audio louder than this value opens the gate.
Must be lower than Open Threshold to prevent stuttering.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
How does a Microphone Noise Gate work?
A noise gate acts like an automated volume door. When you speak louder than the 'Open Threshold' (e.g., -32 dB), the gate swings open, allowing your voice through unattenuated. When you stop speaking and volume drops below the 'Close Threshold' (e.g., -38 dB), the gate clamps shut to total silence, cutting out background keyboard clacks, PC fan noise, and breathing.
Why should Close Threshold be 5 dB lower than Open Threshold (Hysteresis)?
If Open and Close thresholds are set to the exact same value, natural trailing vocal consonants (like 's', 't', 'th') will stutter and flutter the gate repeatedly. Setting the Close threshold 5 dB to 8 dB lower creates hysteresis, ensuring smooth natural sentence fade-outs without clipping your words.
What are the recommended Noise Gate settings for gaming and streaming?
A great starting baseline for OBS Studio or Discord: Open Threshold: -32 dB to -30 dB, Close Threshold: -38 dB to -36 dB, Attack Time: 15 ms to 25 ms (fast opening so word beginnings aren't clipped), Hold Time: 150 ms to 200 ms, Release Time: 300 ms to 400 ms (gentle taper).
Should I place the Noise Gate before or after Compressor in OBS?
Always place the Noise Gate FIRST (right after Noise Suppression), and place the Compressor and Limiter AFTER the gate. If you put a compressor before the gate, it will boost quiet background noises (like mouse clicks and AC hum), making it impossible for the noise gate to distinguish between your voice and ambient noise.