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A rhythm-first audio gate for Ableton Live.

BeatGate is part of the HandyBeats Series. It is a Max for Live audio effect built to turn static audio into movement. Draw patterns in a clear 16-step view, expand up to 64 steps, and shape the result with Groove, Shift, Smooth, Randomize, and Dry/Wet.

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BeatGate – Rhythmic Gate for Ableton Live

What BeatGate does

BeatGate chops incoming audio into a playable rhythmic pattern.

It is designed for fast results and direct control, not deep menu diving.

Drop it on a pad, synth, loop, bus, or full texture, sketch a pattern,

and turn flat audio into something that breathes, pulses, and reacts.

Why it feels different

Always-clear 16-step editing

One focused page at a time
Easy to read while playing
Fast enough for sketching and performance tweaks

Up to 64 steps

Start with 1 page for simple cuts
Expand up to 4 pages when you want longer phrases and variation

Rhythm shaping that stays musical

Rate sets the step resolution from 1/4 to 1/32
Smooth softens gate transitions for a less abrupt feel
Groove is the inspiration knob. From 0 to 50 it adds swing. Above that it starts opening up 2x and x2 rhythmic ideas, so one simple pattern can suddenly feel more alive.
Shift repositions the active pattern without rewriting it

Built for experimentation

Short press Randomize for a fresh pattern on the current page
Long press Randomize to reset the current page to the default 1010 pattern
Dry/Wet makes it easy to go from subtle movement to full rhythmic slicing

See It In Action

Great for

Pads that need pulse and motion
Synths that need more groove
Loops that feel too static
Buses and textures that need rhythmic animation
Fast idea generation inside Ableton Live

Features

Type: Max for Live Audio Effect
Pattern view: 16-step main editor
Length: 1 to 4 pages, up to 64 steps
Rates: 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32
Controls: Smooth, Groove, Shift, Randomize, Dry/Wet
Workflow: Real-time editing with page-based pattern control

Requirements

Ableton Live with Max for Live support
Use on audio tracks, buses, loops, synths, pads, or layered textures

Get BeatGate FREE