I used to do sidechaining by manually automating instruments' volumes, which was incredibly tedious, but I'm now using the Gate plugin instead to do that automatically. I'm not entirely sure if it's the best option though.
I notice there are MANY other plugins that have sidechaining capabilities, like the Compressor, Autofilter, etc. I'm wondering what the majority of people here use and why.
EDIT: after experimenting a bit, I realized Gate completely cuts the levels to zero when you use it as a sidechain, which is not ideal. The Compressor device seems better for this purpose, as you can customize how loud the audio is lowered.
Comments (11)
The term "sidechain" refers to the sidechain input on a few devices. The technique you are referring to is called "sidechain compression" and is often shortened to simply "sidechain" nowadays.
You are right to be using a compressor for this function, therefore. The gravity is likely to be your best bet within AT.
Thanks. I assume the Gravity is pretty much the same as the Compressor, just with more customizability?
It's a compressor.
There's the original (green) compressor "pedal" and a newer device, that is also a compressor, called Gravity.
The latter does indeed have more features, but I think the underlying code behind the compression is also different, which results in a subtly different sound.
I use either the green compressor or gravity for sidechain.
however sometimes I automate the volume of whatever I want to sidechain to get the post precise results
It depends on how you want to sidechain though.
the auto filter only sidechains the frequencies that you choose for example, but a compressor can do all frequencies
Thanks! This info is very useful
What do you mean by "tedious?" Just create an automation loop and then use that. I personally like doing sidechain manually because it gives you more customization over how the signal "ducks"
it can be tedious if the kick pattern changes frequently. But I agree, doing it manually and having full control can be useful in some scenarios. Also, you can get a lot of customization out of the compressors.
I still do not manually change the volume, (cuz i'm lazy) but if your songs change kick patterns frequently, as you say, then i would use gravity, as it gives me a good visual on how much the compressor is compressing.
thanks! I plan to get comfortable with the Compressor and then move on to the Gravity once I feel ready for it.
I use gravity