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Many DAWS include a frequency stock plugin of some sort allowing you to be as precise as possible with which frequencies need to be balanced. If there are too many instruments/sounds at a particular frequency, the mix tends to sound muddy, unbalanced, and unprofessional.īy sidechaining the bass to the kick, we program the compressor to reduce the volume of the bass everytime that the kick comes in (beats 1-4). It works to duck the volume of a particular frequency to create space for another instrument/expressed signal.įor example, if we have a kick coming in at about 80 Hz for beats 1-4, and a bass sound also around 80 Hz, we can use sidechaining to make space for the kick to be heard. Sidechain compression is essentially regular compression with more specific automation. It works by temporarily reducing the amplitude of certain frequencies so that a frequency is not overbearing in a mix at any particular moment. Parallel Compression works to reduce peaks, but also amplify the moments in a track where raw energy should be recognized.Ĭreating space in the mix – Sidechain compression allows for the engineer to create space in a mix. Since vocals are often dynamic with varying levels of volume and energy, compressors are often applied to vocal busses to smooth out the levels.Ĭreating a fuller sound – Compression is also used to create a wider, or fuller sound, and capture the energy of a particular recording. Reducing peak transients – The most common and basic function of a compressor is to reduce volume spikes, and raise signals significantly softer than the rest of the mix. Keeping these components in mind, let’s take a look at three of the most common uses for compressors:
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Compressor Common UsesĬompressors are very versatile and have a couple of universal parts. If you need to understand more about parallel compression, take a look at this previous article where we discuss it in more detail. Both basic and parallel compression can be used in conjunction with sidechaining, and allowing for a bevy of musical possibilities. Parallel compression takes both the compressed signal and raw track and melds them together. Studio professionals often employ a method called parallel compression in order to solve this issue. However, compressors can leave a mix lacking energy if not blended correctly. The main job of an audio compressor job is to amplify/attenuate the peak volumes of a track in order to create volumes closer to the overall average volume.įor example, if a kick drum’s volume was significantly louder than the other percussion on a track, a compressor would reduce its volume in order to match its levels to the other percussion sounds.Ĭompression allows for a mix to sound cleaner and more cohesive.
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#What does sidechain mean how to#
Let’s briefly review the function of a compressor before getting into how to sidechain. In Sidechain Compression Explained, we’ll dive into how sidechaining works, and how you can use this simple, yet noticeable effect to take your tracks to the next level.Ĭompressors 101 The Waves Audio C6 Multiband Compressor, commonly used for sidechaining. If you’re looking for the next step to make your mixes greater, look no further. Professionals understand compression deeply, and know where to use its various forms. One thing that sets a beginner producer apart from an engineer is the proper use of compression.