Effects and mixing
What is sidechain compression? The pumping sound, explained
Sidechain compression turns one sound down whenever another sound plays. In dance music, the bass, chords and pads duck every time the kick hits, which keeps the low end clean and creates the rhythmic pumping heard in house, techno and EDM. In EASY RAVE, every machine has a SIDECHAIN effect that does this in two clicks.
What does sidechain compression do?
A normal compressor turns a sound down when that same sound gets loud. A sidechain compressor turns a sound down when a different sound gets loud.
In dance music the "different sound" is almost always the kick. Every time the kick hits, the bass and the chords dip in volume for a moment, then swell back up before the next kick. Repeat that on every beat and the whole track breathes in and out with the drums.
Why do producers use sidechain?
For 2 reasons, one technical and one musical:
- Room for the kick. The kick and the bass both live in the low frequencies. If they hit at the same moment, they blur into one mushy thump. Ducking the bass under the kick lets each one be heard.
- The pump. Pushed further, the ducking becomes an effect you can hear: chords that swell between kicks like they are being sucked in and blown out. That is the sound of French house, big room EDM and a lot of techno.
How do you sidechain in EASY RAVE?
Every machine has SIDECHAIN in its SOUND EFFECTS rack:
- Open the SOUND EFFECTS bar at the bottom of the machine you want to duck, for example CHORDS (POLY-6).
- In the SIDECHAIN section, choose the mode: Kick to duck under the kick drum, or 4/4 for a steady pump on every beat.
- Turn AMOUNT up. A little keeps the low end clean; a lot gives the obvious pump.
- Press play and listen to the chords against the kick. Adjust AMOUNT until the pump sits in the groove.
There is no routing to set up and no extra compressor to add. Kick mode already knows where the kicks are, and in EASY RAVE the BASS comes with sidechain switched on.
Which mode should you use?
| Mode | Ducks when | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| Kick | A kick drum plays | The kick pattern is the heartbeat, and the duck should follow it, including any extra or missing kicks |
| 4/4 | Every beat, steadily | You want the pump to keep going in a breakdown with no kick, or your kick pattern is busy |
How much sidechain is too much?
When the ducked sound almost disappears and comes back late, the pump starts to sound like a fault instead of a groove. Some rules of thumb:
- Bass: enough to clear the kick, but not so much that the bass vanishes. You want to feel the bass, then the kick, then the bass.
- Chords and pads: this is where the audible pump lives. Go as deep as the style wants.
- Leads and vocals: usually little or none. A melody that pumps can sound seasick.
- Drums: do not sidechain the kick to itself. Hats can take a touch for extra bounce.
Sidechain is one part of balancing a track; how to mix a beat covers the rest.
Can you sidechain without a kick?
Yes. Choose 4/4 and the machine pumps on every beat even when no kick is playing. That is useful in a breakdown: take the kick out with NO KICK in the LIVE FX bar, keep the chords pumping in 4/4, and the groove survives until the kick returns. Live effects shows how to perform that.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between compression and sidechain compression?
A compressor reacts to the sound it is working on. A sidechain compressor reacts to a different sound, usually the kick, so one instrument gets turned down whenever the other plays.
Should I sidechain my bass to the kick?
In most dance music, yes. Ducking the bass under the kick stops the two low sounds from clashing, so both sound clearer and punchier. Use a moderate amount so the bass still feels continuous.
Is there a free online sidechain effect?
Yes. EASY RAVE is a free groovebox in your browser where every machine has a SIDECHAIN effect with Kick and 4/4 modes and an AMOUNT knob. No plugin or download is needed.