The original signal is acted upon by the compressor using the input from the second signal, therefore only compressing the original signal only when the second signal rises above the threshold. Sidechain compression acts upon the audio signal in the same way, with one very cool difference: Instead of using the original signal’s levels to trigger the compressor, the levels of a secondary signal are ‘sidechained’ to the compressor. The loss in volume is made up through the gain control, therefore boosting quieter sounds as well. So if the threshold is set to -30dB and the ratio is set to 4:1, a -26dB signal will be reduced to -29dB. The compressor, whether it be hardware or software, watches the strength of the input signal and reduces any signal that goes above the threshold by a ratio of 2:1, 4:1, 8:1, etc.
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Or, if you’re just getting started with home music production, you may first want to check out my guide on How To Set Up Your Home Studio.) What is Sidechain Compression?Īs we know, compression is used to squeeze down your audio signal and reduce dynamics, making louder sounds quieter and vice versa. (Sidechain compression is a more advanced topic and requires working knowledge of how a compressor works, so beginners should consider checking out my guide on How to Use a Compressor Plugin before diving into this one. Today we’re going to learn how to use sidechain compression, what it is, and hear an example of sidechain compression in use. A favorite method of many producers is sidechain compression. There are many common methods used to combat this problem, from volume automation to precision EQ. One of the biggest complaints I hear from home studio enthusiasts about the mixing and mastering process is difficulty getting their vocals or melody instruments to “sit in the mix” and not be drowned out by drums, bass, or other rhythm instruments. Choosing the Best Digital Audio Workstation for your Home Studio.Best Acoustic Treatments for Home Studio 2021.Best MIDI Drum Pads for Home Studio 2021.Best MIDI Control Surfaces for Home Studio 2021.Best MIDI Keyboards for Home Studio 2021.Best Audio Interfaces for Home Studio 2021.Fixing Up a Vintage Reel-to-Reel Tape Recorder.How To Build a Studio Guitar with 48 Tones.How to Calibrate Your Studio Monitors with Sonarworks Reference 4 Studio.Synths and Virtual Instruments Menu Toggle.Audified AmpLion 2 Rock Essentials Review.