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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.

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

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.

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.

wormcode wrote: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...

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.

deafblindmusic wrote: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.

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.

6ense_muzik wrote: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.