[sdiy] What is a "gate" exactly?

[Magus Ship]

most simply s gate is usually a pulse from 0 - +5V that lasts for the
duration that a key is pressed down.  It is sometimes or usually used in
combination with a trigger which is an instantaneous pulse of +5v that goes
from 0 - +5v and back the moment each key is pressed.  this is useful for
retriggering envelopes and such before the gate has expired.  hope that
helps...
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>From: "Jimmy Gogas" <toothpick_77 at hotmail.com>
>To: synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl
>Subject: [sdiy] What is a "gate" exactly?
>Date: Thu, Mar 21, 2002, 1:57 PM
>

>I was wondering if someone can give me an exact explanation aout what a gate 
>is? I know it's a pulse, but what is its width? Does it last as long as the 
>key is pressed, or does it last for a constant amount of time? How about the 
>voltage? I'm currently building a Littleman synth (like a Fatman), and was 
>wondering what the amplitude (voltage) of this pulse is. Does the voltage go 
>back to zero, or does it go to a negative value.
>
>Thank you in advance.
>
>
>
>
>
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