Sidechain plugs and how to use

[beetle 5]

I just read through some older threads and have decided to use MCompressor as a sidechain compressor for producing brostep. I also downloaded Molot (Russian) but the AU version's interface I don't like as much and doesn't seem as easy to use - I'll have to compare them both. I'm on a Mac using Digital Performer so my choices are limited, but having a good sidechain compressor is a must to make the track pump. If anyone knows of any other reasonably priced Mac compatible AU sidechain compressors, please post. Since I hear you often sidechain compress most or all of the other instruments other than drums, I think I'll submix all the different softsyhths I am running through a stereo master and apply the compressor to that out and bus the kick signal to that compressor to squash everything.

[Triphosphate]

I'm not at all familiar with Digital Performer, but most DAWs have a sidechain capable compressor built in.

[deafblindmusic]

If you are really limited you can use manual volume envelope automation to get the same effect. I'd also note, sidechaining is a useful tool, but it's not the only way to get that "pump". Try offsetting the notes of your sub 1/16th from the kick, it gives the kick transient time to hit, and then the bass takes over. Also makes for some more interesting bassline grooves. With a little creative standard compression, particularly with the attack/release settings you can get things moving around.

[wormcode]

db audioware make AU versions of their plugins, including a sidechain compressor. Great plugins, but as mentioned there's more than 1 way to do it, including just normal over-compression.

[beetle 5]

db audioware make AU versions of their plugins, including a sidechain compressor. Great plugins, but as mentioned there's more than 1 way to do it, including just normal over-compression.

Thanks - I downloaded the Slim Slow Slider - looking forward to using it!

I tired using MCompressor, but it isn't an actual sidechain compressor...

[NinjaEdit]

Cockos ReaComp comes in a package at the Reaper site. If it's like the native version, you send the trigger into channels 3/4 of the track, and select "auxillary l/r" in the comp.

[wub]

If you are really limited you can use manual volume envelope automation to get the same effect. I'd also note, sidechaining is a useful tool, but it's not the only way to get that "pump". Try offsetting the notes of your sub 1/16th from the kick, it gives the kick transient time to hit, and then the bass takes over. Also makes for some more interesting bassline grooves. With a little creative standard compression, particularly with the attack/release settings you can get things moving around.

Great post.

[6ense_muzik]

I use logic and the only times I use sidechaining would be for compression or gating. Both Logic's compressor and noise gate have sidechain functionality built in, and I find it a lot easier than other DAWs.

[beetle 5]

I use logic and the only times I use sidechaining would be for compression or gating. Both Logic's compressor and noise gate have sidechain functionality built in, and I find it a lot easier than other DAWs.

I have Logic too - I used it for a couple of projects years ago - maybe I'll try using it. I'm just so used to Digital Performer, I work for Yamaha where almost everyone developing music for them works in DP so I got hooked years ago.