How to Use Sidechain Compression: Basics And Benefits

Sidechain compression is a powerful tool that can make the mix come to life and it can elevate the impact of certain elements inside the track. Understanding how, why, and when to use sidechain compression is essential, whether you’re a seasoned producer or new musician. In this blog post, we’ll go through sidechain compression, and explore its techniques, benefits, and creative applications. 

Basics:

Compressor is used to minimize the dynamic range of a sound. It brings the sounds louder and quieter areas closer together in volume.

Sidechain is in charge of the compressor because it directs how it should respond to the signal. 

How to use it:

The main purpose is to create space and balance within the mix by prioritizing specific elements. This also helps to reduce potential conflicts between them. With sidechaining certain elements, such as kick, basslines, or vocals are able to cut through the mix while still preserving the overall clarity of the other instruments. 

To apply sidechain compression, the sidechain source (instrument or audio track) is routed to a compressor inserted on the main signal. Sidechain signal’s amplitude is analyzed continuously, and when it exceeds the threshold set on the compressor, the compressor reduces the gain or volume of the main audio. 

Here you can find a great video from iZotope to learn more about sidechain compression: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLn8K8Baz5M&t=3s

Key parameters

Attack → The attack determines how quickly the compressor engages once the sidechain signal surpasses the threshold. Fast attack time means an immediate reduction in volume, resulting in a more pronounced pumping effect. A slower attack time allows initial transients of the main audio signal to come through before the compression kicks in, resulting in a more transparent effect. 

Release → The release determines how quickly the compression recovers once the sidechain signal falls below the threshold. A short release time creates a more defined pumping, and a longer release time leads to a smoother recovery of the volume. 

Ratio → The ratio control determines the amount of gain reduction applied to the main audio signal once the sidechain signal exceeds the threshold. Higher ratio settings means more pronounced volume reduction, and lower settings mean a subtler attenuation.

Below you can find a picture of sidechain compressions key parameters

Conclusion

Sidechain compression is a powerful technique in audio production. By selectively reducing the volume of certain elements in a mix, it helps create clarity, separation and rhythmic clarity, making it a great tool for producers.

Tip: Check out our other post about compression here