If you’ve been producing music for a while, you’ve probably heard about sidechain compression. It’s an essential technique in genres like electronic, pop, or reggaeton, and one of the most powerful tools for controlling dynamics and creating space between elements in a mix.
In this article, we’ll explain what sidechain compression is, how it works, and how to easily apply it in your DAW to improve your mixes.
What is sidechain compression?
Sidechain compression is a technique that allows one sound (like a bass or pad) to be automatically compressed every time another sound (like a kick drum) plays. In other words, it makes one sound duck or lower its volume every time another comes in, preventing them from clashing in the frequency spectrum.
This is done by using a compressor that receives an external input (sidechain signal) as a trigger. When this signal is detected, the compressor reduces the volume of another track temporarily.
What is sidechain used for?
Although its most common use is to prevent the kick and bass from competing in the low frequencies (key in many electronic music styles), it can also be used creatively in many situations:
- To give “space” to the kick in a dense mix.
- To create rhythmic pumping effects typical in house or EDM.
- To make a vocal cut through a pad without increasing the vocal volume.
- To clean up space between melodic instruments.
In music production, learning to apply this technique is key to achieving a modern and professional sound.
How to apply sidechain compression step by step
Here’s how to set up sidechain compression in Ableton Live, though the process is similar in DAWs like Logic, FL Studio, or Cubase.
- Add a compressor to the track you want to compress
For example, if you want your bass to duck when the kick plays, add a compressor to the bass track. - Enable sidechain mode
In the compressor panel, enable the “Sidechain” option and choose the kick track as the input source. - Adjust the compressor’s parameters
- Threshold: the level at which the compressor starts working.
- Ratio: how much the volume is reduced.
- Attack and Release: how quickly the compression starts and stops.
- A short attack makes the effect immediate.
- A long release can create the signature pumping effect.
Recommended plugins for sidechain
Besides your DAW’s native compressor, there are plugins specifically designed for sidechain compression that are often more intuitive and user-friendly:
- Kickstart (Nicky Romero)
- ShaperBox (Cableguys)
- LFO Tool (Xfer Records)
- Pro-C 2 (FabFilter)
These plugins offer precise control and even allow for sidechain-style effects without needing an external signal, thanks to customizable waveforms.
Learn sidechain compression in our music production courses
At EUMES, we teach how to master sidechain compression both technically and creatively.
Whether you study the Diploma in Advanced Music and Sound, take our Ableton Expert Music Producer intensive course, or join one of our specialized production or mixing programs, you’ll learn to apply this and other key techniques in your own music.
Want to take your mixes to the next level?
Mastering sidechain is just the beginning. Here’s everything you can learn with us:
- Diploma in Advanced Music and Sound – a 3-year higher education program with an optional fourth year in London to become a music industry professional.
- Ableton Expert Music Producer – an intensive music production course certified by Ableton Live, available on-site and online.
Sidechain compression is more than just a pumping effect — it’s a mixing and sound design tool that, when used properly, can elevate the clarity, energy, and professionalism of your tracks.
Final tip: Don’t use it just because it “sounds cool” — use it because it adds something meaningful to your track. Always listen carefully, and remember that attack and release times can completely change how the effect feels.
