How do I set up sidechain compression?
Here’s how to set up sidechain compression.
- Insert a compressor onto the bass track (select a compressor with a sidechain or key input).
- Select the kick drum audio as the sidechain input.
- Adjust the threshold and ratio controls so that the bass is compressed by the desired amount whenever the kick drum hits.
What is the side chain input of a compressor?
A sidechain (also seen as side chain or side-chain) input is a special ‘key input’ found on audio compressor units and noise gate units. It’s an additional input, separate to the main input found on the device.
Can you sidechain EQ?
Trick #3: Sidechain Your Bass to Create Room for the Kick However, you can use sidechain compression along with EQ to improve the balance between the kick and bass.
Should you compress kick drum?
Just like a bass guitar, our kick drum’s “low-end” will require some compression to provide consistency. In other words, we need to “tighten-up” the “low-end” to bring out the “high-end” of our kick drum. Chances are your mix has more than enough “thump”, but it most likely lacks the “bite”.
Is sidechain compression necessary?
Sidechain compression is THE essential technique to get a tight mix in the low end at least. Lot of electronic music genres are dependant on this kind of slightly “pumping”, too, it’s essential for the groove feeling, since also non beat elements will become then part of a groove.
How does side chain compression work?
Sidechain compression is a bit different. It is a type of compression where the effect level on one instrument is controlled by the volume level of another instrument. A common example would be making the compression level on a bass controlled by the output volume of the kick drum.
What is a side chain signal?
Sidechaining is a technique used in professional audio mixing that allows an effect on an audio signal to be activated, or triggered, by another audio signal. The most common application of sidechaining is a sidechain compressor, which compresses a signal when the level of another signal passes a set threshold.
What is a dynamic EQ?
Dynamic EQ is a form of equalization processing that combines traditional EQ with elements of dynamics control normally found in compressors or expanders. Dynamic EQ works similarly to traditional EQ—with a twist.
What does Sidechaining EQ do?
when you patch sidechain eq it canges the threshold sensitivity by frequency by cutting/boosting frequencies. The signal going back into the compressor is the signal used as the compressor’s rms detector signal.
Do all compressors have sidechain input?
If you’re using sidechain compression in Ableton, Logic, or Pro Tools, the stock compressors come with sidechain input. However, many producers use special tools with factory sidechain presets to get the best sound. The majority of these plugins focus purely on sidechaining.
How to sidechain with Logic Pro X compressor?
You can apply sidechain compression by using the default Logic Pro X Compressor. First, you want to load up the ‘Compressor’ on the audio track you want to sidechain (under Dynamics > Compressor). Ideally, you want to leave it on the ‘Platinum Digital’ setting for sidechain, as this will sound the most precise.
How to sidechain compress with a mixer?
Now the compressor is setup for sidechain compression, so adjust your ratio, threshold, attack and release as desired. Firstly, make sure both the sidechain trigger and track you want to apply sidechain to are both routed in the mixer. After that is done, select the sidechain trigger channel.
How do I enable sidechain compression?
Switch on the ‘Side Chain’ switch on the top right of the main interface. I like to use ‘Peak’ mode for sidechain compression, especially if you’re going for EDM-style sidechain (less natural, more obvious).