Audio Glossary
Dynamics · aka ducking, sidechaining
WHAT IS
SIDECHAIN COMPRESSION?
Sidechain compression uses one signal to trigger compression on another. The classic use: the kick drum ducks the bass (or the whole mix) every time it hits, so the kick punches through cleanly. It's both a mixing fix for kick-bass clashes and a creative pumping effect central to house, EDM, and modern pop.
Two jobs: clarity and groove
As a mixing tool, sidechaining solves the eternal kick-vs-bass fight. Instead of EQ-carving them apart, you let the kick briefly duck the bass on each hit — the two stop competing for the same space and the low end gets tight and punchy.
As a creative tool, the same ducking becomes the 'pump' that defines a lot of dance music — the whole track breathing in time with the kick. The amount and release time control whether it's a subtle clarity move or an obvious rhythmic effect. Both come down to the same mechanism: one sound controlling the level of another.
Quick answers
SIDECHAIN COMPRESSION FAQ.
What is sidechain compression used for?
Most commonly to make a kick punch through by ducking the bass or the whole mix on each hit. It fixes kick-bass clashes and creates the rhythmic 'pumping' effect common in house, EDM, and pop.
How much sidechain ducking should I use?
For clarity, a few dB of gentle ducking with a fast release is enough to separate kick and bass. For an audible pumping effect, use more depth and a slower release so the track visibly breathes with the kick.
Related terms
Go deeper
What Is Sidechain Compression? How to Make the Kick Cut Through
Sidechain compression lets one sound control the volume of another, most famously ducking the bass every time the kick hits. How it works, step-by-step setup, settings for subtle vs pumping, the volume-shaper alternative, and the other places pros use it.
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