What Is Side Chaining? Breakdown for Beginners

Deciding if and how to use sidechain compression is a critical step in your production process. More than simply ducking one track under another, it involves careful consideration – your musical style, the frequency overlap in your mix, the size of your audience, your artistic goals, and more.

We want to make this process easier for you. TYX Studios has helped countless artists (both emerging and established) achieve professional, dynamic mixes through effective sidechaining.However, deciding how much sidechaining to include in your track is ultimately up to you. This guide will help you explore the technique’s possibilities—whether you want to add punch, build momentum, or refine your sound—so you can craft a mix that stands out.

Table of Contents

1. Definition of sidechaining
2. How sidechain compression works
3. 5 Essential components of side chaining
4. Common uses in music production
5. Practical steps to sidechaining
6. Popular Sidechain plug-ins

What is sidechaining?

Sidechaining is a technique used to make one sound trigger a compressor on another signal. The result is ducking, where the second track’s volume lowers as soon as the trigger crosses a set threshold.This ducking prevents clashes in the mix, particularly when instruments share a similar frequency range.A classic example is using sidechain compression to carve space for a kick drum in the bass track. By lowering the bass at the exact moments kick drum hits occur, you maintain punch and clarity in the low end of your song.This approach helps each track remain audible, giving the overall music a sense of definition and polish.Sidechaining was first widely adopted in radio broadcasting. Broadcasters used it to duck background tracks whenever DJs spoke, keeping vocals on top.Over time, studios adopted sidechaining for creative music production, with two examples being disco-era pumping loops and pop tracks emphasising the beat.

By the 1990s, the popularity of electronic dance music propelled sidechain compression into the mainstream. The driving, pulsing bassline so characteristic of dance genres often stems from ducking the bass each time the kick hits.

How sidechain compression works

Sidechain compression depends on configuring a compressor so it listens to an external input rather than its own track.In many situations, the kick provides the sidechain input, causing the affected track to reduce its volume when the kick surpasses the compressor’s threshold.This allows the kick to stand out, maintaining a clean transient and rhythm while emphasising the beat.As soon as the trigger returns below the threshold, the ducked track goes back to its normal volume. Attack and release controls shape how quickly this ducking starts and stops.You can also adjust the ratio to determine the degree of volume reduction, influencing how prominent the pumping becomes.

5 Essential components of sidechaining

1. Compressor

This is the core piece of gear or plugin responsible for applying compression based on the level of the sidechain input. It monitors the signal against a threshold and lowers the track’s gain when that threshold is exceeded.You typically have control over parameters like attack, release, and ratio, which all contribute to how the ducking reacts over time.In sidechaining specifically, the compressor listens to an external trigger rather than the track’s own audio, allowing you to sculpt the dynamics according to another source.When the compressor detects that one track has crossed the threshold, the volume of the target channel is reduced, enabling the triggering signal to occupy the spotlight.

2. Sidechain input

The external signal that tells the compressor when to start and stop ducking. The most common sidechain input is the kick, but snare and even hi hats can be used to produce unique rhythmic interactions.Choosing the right input is vital for shaping the overall energy of your music, deciding which instrument or sound takes precedence in the mix at key moments.By routing the trigger correctly in your digital audio workstation, you ensure that the compressor only reacts when and how you intend.

3. Threshold

This parameter sets the level at which the compressor begins to reduce the track’s volume. If your threshold is too high, the compressor may never engage; if its too low, you risk over-compression that can make the track lose its natural feel.Balancing the threshold properly is essential for a smooth sidechaining experience—subtle enough to maintain musicality but strong enough to provide clear separation between elements. Producers often adjust this parameter while listening carefully to hear how the ducking impacts the mix.

4. Ratio

The ratio determines how much the track’s volume is reduced once the threshold is crossed. A low ratio results in gentler dips, preserving a sense of musicality and subtlety, whereas a higher ratio can induce a more pronounced pumping effect.In a sidechaining context, medium ratios often work best for achieving a stable groove without overwhelming the listener. Experimentation is key here, as different styles of music call for different levels of percussion intensity.

5. Attack and release

These timings govern how fast the compressor reacts once the sidechain input goes above the threshold, and how quickly the volume recovers once the trigger subsides. A short attack time prompts an immediate dip, ideal for emphasising the transient of a kick or snare.Conversely, a slower release time can let the track rise back up more gradually, avoiding jarring changes in volume.Carefully balancing attack and release ensures the ducking feels cohesive with the song’s overall rhythm, rather than sounding artificial or abrupt. Understanding these elements is key to achieving the right sound. Balancing threshold and ratio allows you to find the perfect amount of ducking for your mix.You might set a gentle ratio for subtle dips, or a stronger ratio for a more pronounced effect.

Common uses in music production

Producers use sidechain compression to keep kick and bass from colliding. By ducking the bass just enough each time the kick triggers, the low end remains defined and the overall music feels punchy.Another frequent application is sidechaining sound using a reverb plugin with a vocal as the trigger, ensuring the reverb recedes whenever the vocal is present, keeping words clear and intelligible.Sidechaining also appears in creative contexts, like using a snare to duck synths or hi-hats, resulting in a captivating bounce. When multiple instruments occupy the same frequency range, sidechaining helps them coexist without masking each other.

Practical steps to sidechaining

Begin by placing a compressor on the track you want to duck. Next, select the sidechain input—often your kick drum—and route it to the compressor’s sidechain. Adjust the threshold so the compressor starts working whenever your kick hits, creating the desired dip in volume.Then, fine-tune the ratio to control how steeply the volume falls. A shorter attack will make the ducking immediate, while a slightly longer attack can preserve the initial transient of your track.Next, set your threshold so that compression is triggered each time the kick hits the bass channel. Adjust the ratio to control the depth of the volume reduction, and shape your attack and release controls based on how natural or dramatic you want the pumping effect to be.Carefully adjust the release controls to determine how long it takes for the audio signal to return to its original level, shaping the rhythmic feel of the ducking.

Popular sidechain plug ins

Cableguys Volume Shaper toolWhile many DAWs offer built-in sidechaining capabilities, dedicated plugins can provide enhanced control, cleaner results, and unique creative possibilities. These specialised tools have shaped the sound of modern music production, offering everything from transparent compression to instant rhythmic effects.Here are four standout plugins that have earned their place in professional studios worldwide:FabFilter Pro-C 2 – Industry-standard compressor featuring pristine sound quality and detailed visual feedback. Its transparent compression and intuitive interface make it perfect for both subtle ducking and creative effects.Trackspacer – A unique plugin that creates space in your mix by analyzing the frequency content of your sidechain signal and automatically applying matching EQ cuts. Ideal for complex mixing scenarios.Cableguys VolumeShaper – Advanced volume modulation with multi-band capabilities and precise curve editing. Perfect for creating complex rhythmic patterns beyond traditional sidechaining.LFOTool – A highly versatile tool that uses custom waveforms for precise volume control. While not strictly a sidechain compressor, it's become an industry standard for creating tight, rhythmic ducking

Conclusion

Sidechain compression might feel overwhelming at first, but it's quickly become one of music production's most valuable tools. At its core, it's simply about making space in your mix – letting your kick drum and bass dance together instead of fighting for attention. Whether crafting punchy electronic beats or adding subtle clarity to a rock track, mastering sidechain compression helps turn good mixes into great ones.The best part? There's no right or wrong – it's all about experimenting until you find that perfect groove that makes your music hit exactly how you want it to.

Kickstart your production journey at TYX Studios

If you aspire to produce beats, compose tracks for artists, or craft a signature sound, our dedicated team is ready to guide you every step of the way. Step into our state-of-the-art music production studios and receive expert advice on your mixes. We'll help you develop the confidence and skills needed to bring your vision to life.Book your session today with TYX Studios and begin mastering essential production techniques for a clean and professional mix.