Sidechain is a technique used in music production and mixing where the signal from one track is used to trigger an effect on another track. It’s most commonly applied in dynamics processing (like compressors) to control volume or the intensity of an effect.
Table of Contents
How Sidechain Works
- Trigger Signal: In sidechaining, the audio signal from one track (e.g., a kick drum) controls the effect applied to another track (e.g., a bass line).
- Common Use Case: A typical example is “ducking,” where the bass volume is reduced every time the kick drum hits. This creates space for the kick to stand out and makes the mix sound clearer.
Benefits of Sidechaining
- Improved Separation: Helps important elements like kicks or vocals stand out by reducing interference from other sounds.
- Enhanced Groove: Volume changes can add rhythmic movement and energy to a track.
How to Set Up Sidechain
1. Use Dedicated Plugins
Plugins like Kickstart or LFO Tool make sidechaining easy to set up, especially for rhythmic ducking effects.
2. Use a Compressor
Route the trigger signal (e.g., a kick drum) into the sidechain input of a compressor on another track (e.g., bass). Most DAWs have built-in compressors that support sidechaining.
3. Manual Volume Automation
Draw volume automation curves manually to mimic sidechain effects. This offers precise control but can be time-consuming.
Creative Applications
- Reverb Control: Apply sidechain compression to reverb so it ducks when the main sound plays, keeping the mix clean while maintaining ambiance.
- Frequency-Specific Processing: Use multiband sidechaining to apply the effect only to specific frequency ranges, such as ducking low frequencies without affecting mids or highs.
Sidechaining isn’t just for EDM or club music—it’s widely used across genres like pop, rock, and even orchestral music. It’s an essential tool for creating cleaner, more dynamic mixes and adding rhythmic interest.
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