From the course: Audio Foundations: Compression and Dynamic Processing

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Using side chains creatively

Using side chains creatively

From the course: Audio Foundations: Compression and Dynamic Processing

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Using side chains creatively

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What used to be reserved for the underground electronic music scene has since become a go-to technique for pop arrangers everywhere. Compressing a synth pad or a bass with a side-chain kick drum is a sound that you can't mistake. Let me show you how to set it up. Listen to this unprocessed kick drum and synth pad. (music playing) Now, listen as I enable the side-chain compressor on the synth. (music playing) Here's how I set it up. As with any side-chain workflow, we must first define what will be receiving the compression and what will act as the key of that compressor. In this case we want to compress or duck the synth pad every time the kick drum hits. Now, because the kick drum is plain and nice even four-on-the floor beat, this creates a cool breathing or pumping effect on the synth pad, as if it was swelling to the beat of the music. I'll start by applying the compressor to my synth pad. In this case, I'm using the Waves C1. Now, if I stopped here, I would simply be compressing…

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