Applying Aggressive Sidechain Compression and Pumping Effects If you want the initial part of the kick’s transient to be less defined, turn the attack time up, and if you want the tail end of the kick’s transient to be more present, turn the release time up.Ībleton's Glue Compressor using natural sidechain compression settings. Applying Natural Sidechain Compressionįor natural results, start with a ratio of 2:1 or 4:1, an attack time of 0.1 ms, and a release time of 0.2 s.
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Most people want to learn how to use sidechain compression to make room for their kick, so that’s what I’ll be demonstrating how to do. The source material you’re working with will have an effect on the attack, release, ratio, and threshold you should use. Getting these settings right is incredibly important whether you’re shooting for natural, transparent results, or aggressive pumping effects. If you’re unfamiliar with these parameters, I recommend checking out “The Ultimate Guide to Compression.” Now you can start dialling in the attack, release, ratio, and threshold of the Glue Compressor. Set the Attack, Release, Ratio, and Threshold The sidechain input signal is being tapped from a point in another track’s signal flow and this is the signal being filtered. IMPORTANT: Keep in mind that filtering the sidechain input signal doesn’t filter the signal of the track that the compressor has been applied too. This will cause just the transient part of the kick to trigger your compressor, and solve the problem the result is a much more responsive form of sidechain compression. To overcome this issue, you can apply a high-pass filter and cut away the frequency content below approximately 200 Hz. For example, the low-end of the kick being fed through the compressors sidechain circuitry may sustain for a long time, and cause the compressor to stay clamped down on your bass for a period that doesn’t sound good. Filter the Sidechain Input Signalįiltering the sidechain signal is useful if its inappropriately triggering the compressor. The "EQ" button and Headphone Listen button engaged. Click this button to display the sidechain circuitry options. Click the Sidechain Toggle ButtonĪbleton’s sidechain compression pane is hidden behind a sidechain toggle button. This is the track that you’ll be ducking out of the way for another element in your mix.įor example, if you’re trying to make room for your kick, apply the Glue Compressor to your bass. Load Ableton’s Glue Compressor onto the Track You Want to Compressĭrag and drop Ableton’s Glue Compressor, found under the Audio Effects tab, onto the track you want to apply compression too.
All of the following steps apply in exactly the same way. If you prefer to use Ableton's Compressor instead, go for it. There are also a limited number of attack, release, and ratio values that you can choose from, which makes dialing in appropriate settings much less intimidating. The reason I'm using Ableton's Glue Compressor instead of Ableton's Compressor is that I like the sound of the Glue Compressor more.
This will provide your kick with more space in your mix, and result in a kick that is clean and punchy.
I'll be showing you how to sidechain your kick to your bass using Ableton's Glue Compressor. This means that most sidechain compressors can act as regular compressors, but not all regular compressors can act as sidechain compressors. Many compressors have a sidechain circuit that you're capable of engaging that allows them to act as a sidechain compressor.