1. Start with a nice sustaining sound like a synth pad or guitar chords and choose the default setting on Tremolator from the preset menu.

2. Set the tremolo shape to "Square" with the drop down menu, and flip on the MIDI switch (If you want you can skip the MIDI switch and type in the tempo or tap in the tempo).

3. Next, set the tremolo rhythm to 1/16th notes with the drop down menu or arrows.

4. Open up the "Rhythm Edit" window (click on the arrow on the right side of the Rhythm display) and select "Edit" at the top.

5. Let's stick with one bar for now. Randomly click on a few of the shapes and they will go away. If you click one out that you wanted, click again, it'll come back (as long as your "Grid" is set to 16th notes). Listen to what you have. The gating may be a bit harsh, but we'll look at that in a minute. Click around till you have a rhythm you like. Remember, you can switch note values.

6. If you "option-click" on an event, you can change the length and amplitude. This can really add some cool feel.

7. OK, now you have the rhythm you want. Let's save it so you can open it in the other plug-ins like FilterFreak. Click "Save" and then delete the name. You'll need to delete letter by letter. Then type in your new name and save.

8. Let's look at how to get the gating to feel right. We love the harsh square gate sometimes, but other times, it's too much. Here's a couple hints. First, try the Ramp Down shape for a more open pulsing feel. It's often too open, but we can work on that.

9. Open the "Shape Edit" window (click on the arrow on the right of the Shape display and select "edit"). Now, click the middle of the waveform. This should add a point that you can drag to the bottom. This will create a shorter ramp. You can move that point closer or further, and you can do it while the file is playing so you can really hear when it's right. Now you have a smooth gate going with your custom rhythm, but let's do one more thing.

10. Click on the "Analog Mode" switch, select the "Squash" setting for a fat loud effect or "Pump" for a poppin' compressed sound. Turn the output back a bit and crank the input. Give it a listen. It should be really poppin'. You can adjust the amount or try other Analog Mode settings to get it all the way you want it.

11. Last but not least, try a bit of swing or shuffle with the "Groove" knob, or add some "Accent" till you get the perfect feel. Save the preset and off you go.

With these tips you can dial in whatever rhythm you want and create some killer gating effects. Don't forget that these work in AudioSuite, too, so you can process a couple of bars for a slammin break down, or cut up the guitar for one chorus. It's cool, it's flexible, it's TREMOLATOR!!!!!