![]() ![]() Start with the attack as fast as it will go. ![]() Apply 1dB of makeup gain.Ī super-fast attack time is required for this to work. Sidechain the vocal, start with a ratio of 2:1 and adjust the threshold until you see 1-2dB of gain reduction. You can subtly create more room in the mix for the vocals to cut through.Īdd a compressor to whatever is interfering with the vocal. Trick #1: Sidechaining to Create Room for the VocalsĪs a mix engineer, using sidechain compression on vocals is the technique that I find myself using the most.īy sidechaining the vocal and compressing guitars, keys, backing vocals – or even the everything EXCEPT the vocals… Now let’s check out these 5 tricks for making your mix even better with sidechain compression. That’s it! It may seem hard at first, but it’ll become easier and easier the more you practice. ![]() You will learn more about release time in the following section outlining the main use cases. Time it to a quarter note for obvious pumping (common in dance music), or make it faster for subtle ducking to make room for the vocals or kick drum. In the majority of cases, you will want a fast attack (under 2ms)…īut the release time depends on your intention. Step #5: Adjust the attack and release time to taste. ![]() Notice how the compressor ducks every time the kick hits (or whatever else you are using as a sidechain), NOT when the bass hits. Start with a ratio of 2:1 and lower the threshold until you have the desired amount of gain reduction. Step #4: Everything is set up now, so it’s time to adjust the settings. In this case, it’s the kick drum.ĭepending on your DAW, you might have to create a new bus or send to do this. Step #3: Now engage the sidechain on the compressor and select the channel that you want to control the compressor. So I apply the compressor to the bass guitar. In this example, I want to compress the bass guitar when the kick drum hits. Step #2: Add the compressor to the channel that you want to compress (more on this later). Just check if your stock compressor can do it, and look for a new sidechain compressor if it can’t. Of course, you can apply this technique in most DAWs, including Ableton, Cubase, Reason and FL Studio 12. I use Pro Tools and Logic Pro X mostly, and they both have a stock compressors that have a sidechain. Step #1: You need a compressor that supports sidechaining. Today, we're going to learn how to create sidechain compression and my It's an incredible tool for creativity (I'm looking at you, EDM) AND a secret trick for creating space in your mixes. Sidechain compression is an extremely confusing but powerful tool that every producer has at their fingertips. You can watch the entire process in this video: The exact steps will vary depending on your DAW, but it should be relatively simple. Of course, there are far better applications, which you will learn about later in this guide. Now when they talk through the microphone the level of the music automatically drops. They would load up a compressor on the channel that was playing the music but sidechain it to the microphone. Sidechaining first became popular among DJs. When the other channel (sidechain) gets louder, the compress clamps down on the channel that it is applied to. So the compressor is monitoring one thing, and controlling another. A different channel or instrument, for example. However, when you engage the sidechain, you can tell the compressor to monitor something else. With regular compression, the plugin will monitor the level of the channel and control the volume of the same channel. You have a threshold, ratio, attack and release times… Now, sidechain compression is exactly the same as regular compression. You are telling the compressor to turn something down once it goes above a certain level. In essence, it’s an intelligent volume control. What is sidechain compression? How is it used in music and mixing?Ĭompression, in its basic form, is a tool that allows us to control the dynamics of a source. This free Masterclass reveals the key steps you ACTUALLY need to make a reliable income doing what you love in 2021.īut if you just want to learn about sidechain compression specifically, keep reading. You don’t need expensive gear, connections, or god-like knowledge to kickstart your career.
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