While many different audio plug-in platforms exist today, Microsoft DirectX is the true open standard for audio plug-ins on the Windows platform. This means that you are not limited to a single manufacturer’s proprietary format. DirectX is supported by the industry’s leading manufacturers of digital audio software, giving you a wide range of plug-ins and host programs from which to choose. The Cakewalk Compressor/Gate The Cakewalk Compressor/Gate keeps audio signals from getting too loud or soft. It acts like an automatic volume control that keeps the volume from getting above or below a level that you define. The result is that soft sounds seem louder, and the dynamic extremes are smoothed out. Compressors add punch to drum tracks and smooth out performances that have a wide dynamic range, like those of vocals, bass and guitar. After recording, producers use compressors to tighten up a final mix. The Gate portion allows you to keep the Compressor from “pumping the noise floor,” or bri