For this, we recommend FabFilter Pro-C, Waves RCompressor, or your stock DAW plugin! Traditional sidechain compression is best for sidechaining the compressor unit to a trigger channel that is not perfectly in sync with the groove of your track (for example, a vocal). Traditional sidechain is most useful for subtle sidechaining effects that preserves a more organic, natural, and imperfect feel. This is the workflow I demonstrated above, where we select the channel for a sidechain input and use the typical parameters within a compressor to control our gain reduction.

Here, we actually use a compressor and just enable the sidechain feature. Traditional sidechain is most similar to regular compression. There is traditional sidechain and LFO sidechain. In other words, regular compression reduces the volume on the main channel in response to the volume of the main channel, and sidechain compression reduces the volume on the main channel in response to another element in the mix.īut when it comes to the tools used for sidechain compression, you have two options. Whereas standard compression listens to the volume of a channel and reduces the volume of that same channel, sidechain compression reduces the volume of a channel by listening and responding to the volume of another channel, or the trigger channel. Sidechain compression is similar to regular compression but with one crucial difference. I will teach what sidechain compression is, how and why to use it, and give you some actionable pro tips to help you improve your sidechain game today. I'm writing this article to create the best guide on the internet to sidechain compression. That first one is the easy one, it's that classic pumping effect in Eric Prydz's 'Call On Me' or the iconic down lifters in Deadmau5's 'Strobe' that add so much movement and emotion even when the kick drum is not playing.īut the second purpose, creating room and space and making your tracks live and breathe and react to the very music itself.well, that's a completely different ball game.

To create room and space for elements in your track.

To create that pumping effect we all know and love.

Sidechain compression has not one, but two main purposes: While teaching hundreds of producers, I've learned that sidechain compression - in its many forms - can elevate an average production to a great one. Sidechain compression is undeniably an effective production technique, especially when creating balance in electronic music.

How to sidechain with fruity limiter