Creative Tips for Using Side-Chaining in Music Production

Side-Chaining? You may have never heard of it, or you may be a seasoned producer. Either way, it’s a great technique that can be used creatively and technically in your music.

What is a Side-Chain?

A side-chain is effectively an input into a device. The strength of this signal tells the device, such as the gain controller of a compressor, how much to reduce its gain by. For example, most audio compressors will feature a side-chain input.

Using Side-Chains

Using this input can be used to ‘duck’ signals, with the most common use in dance music being to reduce bleed between the kick drum and bassline, thus cleaning up the low end of your mix.

Creative Applications

Used creatively, side-chains can create the classic ‘pumping’ bassline effect found in genres from Electro House to Trance and Psytrance. Many filters also have a side-chain input, making them ideal for creative use.

Further Reading

There’s more to it, and the experts over at Computer Music Magazine have written a short article about using side-chain inputs for creative effects. You can also read “8 Creative Sidechaining Tips” on Music Radar and learn more about exactly what a side-chain is on Sound On Sound.