Sidechaining?

david & bloom · Post by **david & bloom** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 1:50 pm

I have tried to read about this. But can someone please explain to me what the hell this is in a simple fashion?!

I work primarily with trackers if that helps!

Cheers

x

macc · Post by **macc** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 2:24 pm

Technical answer: It is using the control voltage (sidechain) of one compressor to control the gain reduction of another.

In a normal compressor as the kick hits, the sidechain/detection circuit sees that the signal is over the threshold, and sends a control voltage to the attenuation circuit telling it to turn shit down (ie compress).

In a sidechain setup, the control voltage is sent to another compressor instead. So the kic hits, the control voltage goes to another compressor and tells that to turn down instead. So the kick hits, the bass turns down and not the kick. Simple

I have no idea how to set this up in your tracker though, sorry.

Sarcastic-but-honest answer: Useful when required, but not the essential mix process the internet seems to makes it out to be these days. It's a bit of an internet fad and IMHO a sticking plaster for poor arrangement (bar creative uses a la 'house pumping' and things like that). Good arrangement and sound selection negates its use as a mix process, and sounds fatter every time to boot.

YMMV IMHO etc.

God I am an arsehole on this forum, sorry... Just being honest!

serox · Post by **serox** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 2:36 pm

Your spot on mac dont worry!

tbh I cannot stand that pumping sound in House/Techno

wub · Post by **wub** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 2:41 pm

Macc wrote:
Sarcastic-but-honest answer: Useful when required, but not the essential mix process the internet seems to makes it out to be these days. It's a bit of an internet fad and IMHO a sticking plaster for poor arrangement (bar creative uses a la 'house pumping' and things like that). Good arrangement and sound selection negates its use as a mix process, and sounds fatter every time to boot.

I played a recent tune attempt to a mate of mine (trance producer that he is) and got the following response;

Him: You got sidechaining on?
Me: Um...........no
Him: Why not?
Me: Didn't really think it needed it tbh
Him: Why the fuck not? All my tunes have sidechaining, really makes it pump in and out!
Me: Makes what pump in and out?
Him: The tune!
Me: Um.......ok
Him: You should totally put some sidechaining on here, would really give the tune some pump to it, you know?
Me: But we're just listening to the opening 8bars. The bass hasn't come in yet
Him: So?

macc · Post by **macc** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 2:52 pm

'yeah but it needs more trumpet and sax solos'

'err, but this is dubstep'

'yeah but all my tunes have trumpet and sax solos'

'but you make jazz, this is dubstep'

'yeah but you should totally put some solos in there'

'fuck off'

[wistful whinge]When will sound selection and arangement be the internet fad?

[/whinge]

wub · Post by **wub** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 2:55 pm

Macc wrote:

[wistful whinge]When will sound selection and arangement be the internet fad? [/whinge]

Sound selection will never be a fad as long as universally available 'Sample Packz' are on the market

Arrangement will never be a fad as long as the same tired formulae are de riguer in the 'massif choons' on any given scene

macc · Post by **macc** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 3:02 pm

Jeez, you're as miserable and cynical as I am

david & bloom · Post by **david & bloom** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 3:04 pm

Cheers Macc! Still no idea how to do this in Buzz! Hahaha but was the best/clearest explanation i've actually read! So thanks again.

x

macc · Post by **macc** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 3:21 pm

http://www.buzzchurch.com/viewtopic.php?t=253

Might help.

BIGG UP GOOGEL YA KNO

wub · Post by **wub** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 3:43 pm

Macc wrote:Jeez, you're as miserable and cynical as I am

I'd like to say that my general downbeat attitude on what is generally being heard these days inspires me to greater endeavours to break the mould

But it doesn't

FSTZ1 · Post by **FSTZ1** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 3:50 pm

great thread

not really for the sidechaining info

more about the comedy

legend4ry · Post by **legend4ry** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 4:04 pm

FSTZ wrote:great thread

not really for the sidechaining info

more about the comedy

Was thinking the same bruv hahaha.

Still though, only time I sidechain is when the mix feels a bit busy on the low-end so I side chain to give the sub / low end of the kicks some space. What Macc said was pretty much it, all thats left is to work out how it works within your tracker. if I knew what tracker it was, might be able to help?

macc · Post by **macc** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 4:39 pm

^ Wotcher boss

FSTZ1 · Post by **FSTZ1** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 4:43 pm

I created a drum and bass tune and I worked some sidechaining into it, just to make sure I could do it

once

once

nellon · Post by **nellon** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 4:44 pm

What Legendary says, I tend to use side chaining when I use very low and intensive kicks.

Sidechaining?

Sidechaining?

yas nas

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