Sidechain compression is one of the most useful tools and mixing techniques in modern music. And in Ableton Live, setting up sidechain compression is easier than you think. 

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about how sidechain compression works, different techniques you can use to achieve your desired sound, and various mixing applications for sidechain in Ableton.

Table of Contents:

What Is Sidechain Compression?

Sidechain compression lets you use the signal from one track to control the dynamics of another track. Think of it like an automatic volume knob that responds to another sound.

Let’s look at a practical example. Imagine you’re working on a track with a deep bass track and a punchy kick drum. Often, these two elements will compete for space in the low-end frequencies, resulting in a muddy, undefined sound.

By using sidechain in Ableton, we can set up the kick drum to trigger the compressor on the bassline. Every time the kick hits, the compressor attenuates the volume of the bassline, creating a rhythmic pumping effect. This ducking effect cleans up the low end, creating a punchier and more defined sound where the bass and kick can coexist.

Setting up Sidechain Compression in Ableton Live

Ableton Live offers a variety of ways to apply sidechaining using either its native plugins or third-party plugins like FabFilter Pro-C 2 or Waves C6. Waves C6, in particular, offers multiband sidechaing capabilities, which can offer an even more nuanced approach Here’s how you can set up sidechain compression using Ableton’s built-in compressor:

Using Ableton’s Compressor

  1. Load the Compressor: Add Ableton Live’s Compressor or glue compressor device to the track you want to apply sidechain compression to. This will often be the track that’s being “ducked,” like your bass or synth.
  2. Enable Sidechain Input: Activate the sidechain feature by clicking the triangle icon in the bottom left corner of the Compressor window.
  3. Select Sidechain Source: In the “Sidechain Input” section, choose the audio source or sidechain input signal that will trigger the compressor. This is typically the track with the rhythmic element, like your kick or snare drum.
  4. Adjust Compressor Settings: Fine-tune the compression settings to get your desired sound. The attack and release controls are essential in shaping the character of the ducking effect. Experiment with different values. You will likely need faster attack and release times for rhythmic effects.
  5. Set the Threshold: Use the threshold control to adjust how much the compressor attenuates the signal. As you lower the threshold, the compressor will clamp down on the track more intensely when the sidechain trigger is active.
  6. Dial in the Ratio: Use the ratio to control how much gain reduction is applied when the signal exceeds the threshold. A higher ratio results in a more compressed, pronounced ducking effect. Experiment with different settings. A higher ratio will sound more intense, while a lower ratio will create a subtler groove.

Creative Sidechain Compression Techniques

While sidechaining is frequently used in EDM, hip-hop, and pop music, don’t let that limit you.  Think outside the box and try it out on instruments you may not expect.

Create Call and Response Vocals

Experiment using sidechained effects (like delay or reverb) on vocals to add rhythmic excitement and movement. To take things up a notch, automate the dry/wet knob on your reverb plugin in time with your track, resulting in epic washes of reverb that flow naturally with the music.

Enhance Rhythmic Excitement

Use a sidechain compressor to highlight a specific part of your instrument’s sound, such as the high-end of a synth or the pluck of a guitar. For instance, apply a high-pass filter before the compressor so only those higher frequencies trigger the sidechain.

Tame Reverb and Delay Tails

Another use for sidechain in Ableton is for reining in excessive reverb and delay. When used this way, the tail of those effects won’t clutter your mix when elements like vocals or drums enter the mix. Send the audio that has reverb or delay to a separate bus and put a compressor on it. Choose the vocal (or other element you want to prioritize in the mix) as the trigger. Now, each time those tracks become active, your reverb or delay will duck out of the way.

Ducking for Synths and Instruments

As you explore, you’ll begin to realize sidechaining isn’t just for creating that pumping, rhythmic effect we often hear in electronic dance music. It’s an incredible way to craft space and add clarity to different instruments. Just because a piano or guitar doesn’t have a bass frequency range doesn’t mean sidechain compression can’t work wonders.

Think of how often two sounds cover similar frequency ranges, clash, or even mask each other in a mix. By using sidechain in Ableton on other instruments and experimenting, you can bring a new dynamic to the forefront.

FAQs About Sidechain in Ableton

What does sidechain do?

Sidechaining is an audio production technique that utilizes the audio from one track to trigger and control an effect on a separate track. The most common use is with compressors but it can also be used with effects like gates, reverb, vocoders, and more. When using a compressor, it can result in that classic “pumping” sound common in numerous electronic dance music genres.

How do I sidechain auto filter in Ableton?

Ableton Live’s Auto Filter comes equipped with a dedicated sidechain option, allowing for creative manipulation of audio. To utilize this function, follow similar steps to the sidechaining technique but utilize the Auto Filter instead. Then fine-tune the cutoff and resonance settings in sync with the audio input from a different track to sculpt dynamic sounds.

Conclusion

Whether you want to craft intricate rhythmic patterns or bring clarity and punch to your mix, sidechain in Ableton offers countless ways to enhance your music production workflow. From adding excitement with pumping effects to fixing frequency clashes between your kick and bass, start exploring the capabilities of sidechain in your next project.

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