Hey guys! Ever wondered how to get that pumping, rhythmic groove in your tracks? The secret often lies in sidechaining your kick and 808s. This technique creates space for your kick drum to punch through the mix, making your 808s sound tighter and more impactful. Let's dive into how to achieve this killer effect!

Understanding Sidechaining

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's understand what sidechaining actually is. At its core, sidechaining is a dynamic processing technique where one audio signal (the trigger) controls the volume or other parameters of another audio signal (the target). In our case, the kick drum is the trigger, and the 808 is the target. When the kick hits, it tells the compressor on the 808 track to duck in volume, creating that characteristic pumping sound.

Why Sidechaining is Important

So, why bother with sidechaining? Without it, your kick and 808 can clash, resulting in a muddy and undefined low-end. Sidechaining carves out space for each element, allowing both the kick and 808 to shine. It's like giving each instrument its own moment in the spotlight, ensuring clarity and impact in your mix. Plus, it adds a rhythmic element that can really drive your track forward. Think of some of your favorite electronic or hip-hop tracks; chances are, they're using sidechaining to create that infectious groove. Good sidechaining is the soul of many bangers!

Different Approaches to Sidechaining

There are several ways to achieve the sidechain effect. The most common method involves using a compressor with a sidechain input. However, you can also use volume automation or specialized sidechain plugins for more creative control. Each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages, which we'll explore in more detail later.

Setting Up Sidechain Compression

The most common method for sidechaining involves using a compressor. Most DAWs come with a stock compressor that has sidechain capabilities, but third-party compressors often offer more features and flexibility. Here’s how to set it up:

Step 1: Insert a Compressor on Your 808 Track

First, add a compressor plugin to the track containing your 808. This is the track we'll be sidechaining. Any compressor will do, but some are better suited for this task than others. Experiment with different compressors to find one that gives you the sound you're looking for. Some popular choices include FabFilter Pro-C 2, Waves C1, and Ableton's Glue Compressor.

Step 2: Activate the Sidechain Input

Next, activate the sidechain input on the compressor. This is usually done by selecting the kick drum track as the sidechain source. The exact wording and location of this setting will vary depending on the compressor you're using, but it's typically found in the compressor's settings panel. Look for options like "Sidechain," "External Sidechain," or "Key Input."

Step 3: Adjust the Compressor Settings

Now comes the fun part: dialing in the compressor settings to achieve the desired sidechain effect. Here are the key parameters to focus on:

• Threshold: This determines how loud the kick drum needs to be before the compressor starts working. Lowering the threshold will cause the compressor to engage more frequently, while raising it will make it less sensitive. Experiment to find a sweet spot where the compressor reacts consistently to the kick drum but doesn't over-compress the 808.
• Ratio: This controls the amount of gain reduction applied when the kick drum triggers the compressor. A higher ratio will result in a more pronounced sidechain effect, while a lower ratio will be more subtle. Start with a ratio of around 4:1 and adjust to taste.
• Attack: This determines how quickly the compressor starts compressing the 808 after the kick drum hits. A fast attack (e.g., 1-10 ms) will create a tight, pumping sound, while a slower attack (e.g., 20-50 ms) will allow more of the initial transient of the 808 to pass through. Use a fast attack for a modern sound!
• Release: This controls how quickly the compressor stops compressing the 808 after the kick drum ends. A shorter release (e.g., 50-100 ms) will create a more rhythmic, staccato effect, while a longer release (e.g., 200-500 ms) will result in a smoother, more sustained sound. Adjust the release to match the tempo of your track for a natural-sounding groove.
• Knee: This parameter controls the shape of the compression curve. A hard knee will result in a more abrupt and noticeable compression effect, while a soft knee will be more gradual and transparent. Experiment with different knee settings to find what sounds best for your track.

Step 4: Fine-Tune and Listen Carefully

Once you've set the initial compressor settings, it's time to fine-tune them and listen carefully to the results. Pay attention to how the kick and 808 interact with each other. Are they working together to create a cohesive groove, or are they still clashing? Adjust the compressor settings as needed until you achieve the desired effect. Remember, the goal is to create space for both the kick and 808 to shine without sacrificing the overall energy of the track.

Using Volume Automation for Sidechaining

Another way to achieve the sidechain effect is through volume automation. This involves manually drawing volume curves on the 808 track to duck the volume in time with the kick drum. While this method is more time-consuming than using a compressor, it offers greater control and flexibility.

Step 1: Create an Automation Lane for Your 808 Track

First, create an automation lane for the volume of your 808 track. This is usually done by right-clicking on the track and selecting "Show Automation" or a similar option. You should now see a lane below the 808 track that allows you to draw volume curves.

Step 2: Draw Volume Curves in Time with the Kick Drum

Next, draw volume curves on the automation lane to duck the volume of the 808 in time with the kick drum. You can do this manually using the pencil tool or by creating points and dragging them to the desired positions. The shape of the volume curves will determine the character of the sidechain effect. A sharp, abrupt drop in volume will create a more pronounced pumping sound, while a gradual curve will be more subtle.

Step 3: Adjust the Depth and Timing of the Curves

Once you've drawn the initial volume curves, it's time to adjust their depth and timing to achieve the desired effect. The depth of the curves determines how much the 808 ducks in volume, while the timing determines when the ducking occurs in relation to the kick drum. Experiment with different settings until you find a groove that works for your track.

Step 4: Smooth Out the Curves for a More Natural Sound

To avoid a choppy or unnatural sound, it's important to smooth out the volume curves. You can do this by adding more points and adjusting their positions or by using a smoothing tool provided by your DAW. The goal is to create a smooth, flowing volume curve that sounds natural and musical.

Exploring Sidechain Plugins

If you're looking for even more creative control over your sidechain effect, consider using a specialized sidechain plugin. These plugins offer a range of features and capabilities that go beyond what's possible with a standard compressor or volume automation. Some popular sidechain plugins include LFO Tool, VolumeShaper, and Kickstart.

LFO Tool

LFO Tool by Xfer Records is a powerful plugin that allows you to create custom waveforms to modulate various parameters, including volume, filter cutoff, and pan. This makes it ideal for creating complex and rhythmic sidechain effects. With LFO Tool, you can easily draw your own sidechain curves, sync them to the tempo of your track, and even apply swing and groove.

VolumeShaper

VolumeShaper by Cableguys is another popular sidechain plugin that offers a wide range of shaping tools and presets. It allows you to create custom volume curves, apply filters and effects, and even trigger sidechain effects with MIDI notes. VolumeShaper is known for its ease of use and its ability to create a wide variety of sidechain effects.

Kickstart

Kickstart by Nicky Romero and Cableguys is a simple and intuitive sidechain plugin that's perfect for beginners. It offers a handful of pre-designed sidechain curves that you can easily apply to your tracks. While it's not as versatile as LFO Tool or VolumeShaper, it's a great option for quickly adding a sidechain effect without having to spend hours tweaking settings.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Sidechaining

Now that you know the basics of sidechaining, here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect sidechain effect:

• Use a Short Attack Time: A short attack time on your compressor will create a more immediate and punchy sidechain effect. This is especially useful for creating a tight and rhythmic groove.
• Adjust the Release Time to Match the Tempo: The release time of your compressor should be adjusted to match the tempo of your track. This will ensure that the sidechain effect sounds natural and musical.
• Use a Sidechain EQ: To further sculpt the sound of your sidechain, try using an EQ on the sidechain input. This can help you isolate specific frequencies in the kick drum that you want to use to trigger the compressor.
• Experiment with Different Ratios: The ratio of your compressor will determine the intensity of the sidechain effect. Experiment with different ratios to find the perfect balance for your track.
• Use a Sidechain Filter: A sidechain filter can help you clean up the sound of your sidechain and prevent unwanted artifacts. This is especially useful if you're using a complex or distorted kick drum.
• Don't Overdo It: Sidechaining can be a powerful tool, but it's important not to overdo it. Too much sidechaining can make your track sound unnatural and fatiguing. Less is often more when it comes to sidechaining!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a good understanding of sidechaining, it's easy to make mistakes that can negatively impact your mix. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Using the Same Sidechain Settings on Every Track: Every track is different, so it's important to adjust your sidechain settings to suit the specific needs of each track. Don't just copy and paste the same settings across all your tracks.
• Not Considering the Key of Your Track: The key of your track can affect the way your sidechain sounds. Make sure to choose a kick drum and 808 that are in the same key to avoid clashing frequencies.
• Ignoring the Overall Mix: Sidechaining is just one element of a good mix. Make sure to consider the overall balance and dynamics of your track when making sidechain decisions.
• Over-Compressing the 808: Be careful not to over-compress the 808 when sidechaining. This can result in a thin and lifeless sound. The goal is to create space for the kick drum without sacrificing the impact of the 808.

Conclusion

Sidechaining is a fundamental technique for creating impactful and dynamic electronic music. By understanding the principles of sidechaining and experimenting with different techniques, you can create a pumping groove that will get your listeners moving. So, go ahead and experiment with sidechaining your kick and 808s. Happy producing, guys!