Sometimes you just want an answer. In this free video tutorial we show you how easy it is to set up side chain compression in Pro Tools. We get straight to the point showing you what you need to know in under 60 seconds!
What Is Side Chain Compression?
When people refer to side chain compression they usually mean external side chain compression. All compression uses a side chain. the side chain is the signal which is being monitored by the detector i.e. the signal which is controlling the gain reduction. This is usually the signal, which is having the gain reduction applied to it but it doesn’t have to be. When an external signal is controlling the compressor it is referred to as side chain compression..
In this simple example an Avid Channel Strip is reducing the gain each time the kick drum hits, giving the familiar, rather over-used pumping effect. Side chain compression can be used much more subtly than this but in all cases the method is the same.
Julian Rodgers is Editor of Production Expert. He has a background in live sound and has been a Pro Tools user since 2001. He lives by the sea in West Cornwall where he plays piano, bass and guitar equally badly and is an avid collector of microphones and opinions about all things audio.