sidechain compressor

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bosone
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Post by bosone »

can anyone give me an example on how to use the sidechain compressor???
if you want and have some time, you can even post me a pulsar project at my email...
m.bosi@inwind.it)

thanks!
orbita
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Post by orbita »

A simple way to see the effects of side chain compressing is to place a compressor with side chain facility after a synth playing a string or pad type sound. Then, setup a loud percussive sound like a kick drum to play alongside.
To start with do not connect anything to the side chain compressor. As you compress the strings sound you hear that it is compressed evenly over time.
Now connect the output of the kick drum to the side chain of the compressor. You should now hear that the string sound is compressed More when the kick drum is played. This will give a pulsing movement to the strings sound.

This technique is often used on basslines and to prevent the bass and kick drum competing for space at certain points in the mix. It forces the bass to go quieter qhile the kickdrum is playing. Its easier to hear the effect on a pad or strings sound as ive described above.
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at0m
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Post by at0m »

That's a good example.

Another application could be next: Send a full spectrum sound, like distorted bass or a mix, to both the input of the compressor as to it's sidechain. But put a lowcut filter @ 20-40Hz in the sidechain. The one from STW is very good, it is a strong one.

Low basses contain more dynamics, and will sometimes suppress or overrule the other part of the spectrum. The overall dynamic will now be better reflected, the subs you rather feel and don't hear really. So they should not incfluence the overall sound.
samuel40
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Post by samuel40 »

wow!! i have been wainting to understand this concept for awhile and head a few explanations but never really understood it until now ... thanks a mil peoples
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at0m
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Post by at0m »

Oh, another application you will all know:

A de-esser is just a sidechain compressor with the 's' frequency bandpassed in the sidechain.
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