Sidechain compression is an important production technique used in many genres to add space in a mix, create dynamic changes or extreme pulsing effects. In dance music, it is often used with the bassline and kick drum.

In this video, producer and educator Christopher Petti familiarizes you with sidechain compression techniques, allowing you to make smoother, louder, and more spacious mixes. You’ll learn about creating trigger sources and destinations, routing audio signal between devices, and adjusting various compression parameters to suit the needs of the track. Sign up for Splice and download the full Ableton Live project below to follow along with the video and gain a better understanding of how to apply these sidechain compression techniques to your own projects.

Utilizing sidechain compression techniques regularly is one the most useful methods for creating clearer and more impactful mixes that seem to swell and breathe dynamically. This lesson will equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to experiment with sidechain compression more on your own and find creative uses for it in your own tracks.

Key Sidechain Compression Terms: