Sidechaining is an essential technique in music production that allows you to create a pumping effect by reducing the volume of one sound whenever another sound, usually the kick, hits. This technique is widely used in electronic dance music to make the kick drum cut through the mix and create a more dynamic sound. If you’re an FL Studio user, you’re in luck because the software comes with several tools that make sidechaining a breeze.
One of the most popular ways to sidechain in FL Studio is by using the Fruity Limiter plugin. This plugin allows you to route the kick to a sidechain input and use it to control the volume of another sound. You can adjust the attack, release, threshold, and ratio parameters to fine-tune the effect and get the desired result. If you’re new to sidechaining, this is a great place to start.
Another way to sidechain in FL Studio is by using the Peak Controller. This plugin allows you to use the peak level of one sound to control another sound’s volume. You can route the kick to the Peak Controller input and then use the output to control the volume of another sound. This technique is more advanced, but it gives you more control over the effect and allows you to create more complex patterns. Whatever method you choose, sidechaining is a powerful tool that can take your music production to the next level.
Understanding Sidechain and Kick
If you are a music producer, you might have heard the term “sidechain” many times. Sidechain compression is a technique that helps to create space in a mix by reducing the volume of one track when another track is playing. This technique is commonly used in electronic dance music (EDM) to make the kick drum cut through the mix.
The kick drum is the foundation of any dance track, and it’s essential to make it sound punchy and powerful. However, when other elements in the mix, like bass, synths, and vocals, are playing at the same time, the kick can get lost in the mix. This is where sidechain compression comes in.
Sidechaining the kick drum to other elements in the mix means that the volume of those elements will be reduced when the kick hits. This creates space in the mix, allowing the kick to cut through and be heard clearly.
To sidechain the kick, you need to use a compressor plugin and set it up to receive a sidechain input. The sidechain input is the audio signal that triggers the compressor to reduce the volume of the track. In this case, the sidechain input will be the kick drum.
Once you have set up the sidechain input, you can adjust the compressor settings to achieve the desired effect. The most important settings to adjust are the threshold, ratio, attack, and release. These settings determine how much the volume of the track will be reduced and how quickly the compressor will react to the sidechain input.
sidechain compression is an essential technique for creating space in a mix and making the kick drum cut through. By understanding how to sidechain the kick to other elements in the mix, you can achieve a professional and punchy sound in your tracks.
Setting Up FL Studio
Before we dive into the process of sidechaining, it’s important to make sure that FL Studio is properly set up. Here are a few things you should check before getting started:
1. Load Your Audio Tracks
First, you’ll need to load the audio tracks you want to work with into FL Studio. This can be done by simply dragging and dropping the audio files into the playlist window.
2. Set Up Your Mixer
Next, you’ll need to set up your mixer. To do this, simply click on the mixer icon at the top of the screen. Here, you can adjust the levels of each track, as well as add effects and plugins.
3. Add Fruity Limiter to Your Kick Track
To sidechain your kick, you’ll need to add the Fruity Limiter plugin to the kick track. To do this, simply click on the kick track in the mixer, then click on the plugin icon. From here, select Fruity Limiter from the list of available plugins.
4. Configure Fruity Limiter
Once you’ve added Fruity Limiter to your kick track, you’ll need to configure it to sidechain properly. To do this, follow these steps:
- Click on the sidechain button in the top left corner of Fruity Limiter.
- Select the track you want to sidechain to (in this case, it will be the track you want to duck).
- Adjust the threshold, ratio, and attack/release settings as needed to achieve the desired effect.
And that’s it! With FL Studio properly set up, you’re ready to start sidechaining your kick to create a more dynamic mix.
Choosing the Right Kick Sample
Choosing the right kick sample is crucial for creating a powerful and punchy sound in your tracks. Here are some tips to help you choose the right kick sample for your sidechain:
1. Look for a Kick with a Clear Attack
A kick with a clear attack will help your sidechain cut through the mix and create a powerful sound. Look for a sample with a sharp transient that stands out in the mix.
2. Consider the Key of Your Track
Make sure the key of your kick sample matches the key of your track. This will help your sidechain blend seamlessly with the rest of your mix and create a cohesive sound.
3. Pay Attention to the Tone of Your Kick
The tone of your kick is just as important as the attack. Look for a kick sample that has a tone that complements the rest of your mix. If your track is dark and moody, a deep and resonant kick may be the best choice. If your track is bright and energetic, a punchy and bright kick may work better.
4. Experiment with Layering
Layering different kick samples can add depth and complexity to your sidechain. Try layering a deep kick with a brighter kick to create a unique sound that stands out in the mix.
By following these tips, you can choose the right kick sample for your sidechain and create a powerful and punchy sound in your tracks.
Creating a Sidechain Track
When it comes to mixing electronic music, sidechain compression is an essential tool for creating a clean and punchy mix. In FL Studio, creating a sidechain track is a straightforward process that can make a big difference in the overall sound of your mix. Here’s how to do it.
Adding a Compressor
The first step in creating a sidechain track is to add a compressor to the track you want to sidechain. In this case, we’ll be sidechaining the kick drum to the bassline. Here’s how to add a compressor:
- Open the Mixer window by pressing F9 on your keyboard.
- Find the track you want to sidechain and click on the arrow next to the track name to open the channel settings.
- Click on the Insert slot where you want to add the compressor.
- Select Fruity Compressor from the list of plugins.
Setting the Sidechain Input
Once you’ve added the compressor to the track, the next step is to set the sidechain input. This tells the compressor which track to use as the trigger for the compression. Here’s how to set the sidechain input:
- Click on the arrow next to the compressor plugin to open the plugin settings.
- Click on the Sidechain button to enable sidechain mode.
- Click on the arrow next to the Sidechain button to select the track you want to use as the trigger for the compression (in this case, the kick drum).
- Adjust the Threshold and Ratio settings to your liking. The Threshold determines how loud the trigger track needs to be before the compression kicks in, and the Ratio determines how much the volume is reduced when the trigger track is playing.
And that’s it! With these simple steps, you’ve created a sidechain track in FL Studio. Experiment with different settings to find the perfect balance between the kick and bass, and you’ll be on your way to a professional-sounding mix.
Adjusting Sidechain Parameters
Once you have set up your sidechain in FL Studio, it’s time to adjust the parameters to get the desired effect. Here are some tips to help you with the process:
Threshold
The threshold determines the level at which the sidechain compression kicks in. If you set the threshold too low, the sidechain compression will be too noticeable. If you set it too high, the sidechain compression won’t be noticeable enough. To find the right threshold, start by setting it to a low value and gradually increase it until you achieve the desired effect.
Ratio
The ratio determines how much the signal is compressed when it goes above the threshold. A higher ratio means more compression, while a lower ratio means less compression. A good starting point is a ratio of 4:1, but you can adjust it to your liking.
Attack
The attack determines how quickly the compressor reacts to the incoming signal. A shorter attack time means the compressor will react quickly, while a longer attack time means the compressor will react more slowly. A good starting point is around 10-20ms, but you can adjust it to your liking.
Release
The release determines how quickly the compressor stops compressing the signal once it drops below the threshold. A shorter release time means the compressor will stop compressing quickly, while a longer release time means the compressor will stop compressing more slowly. A good starting point is around 50-100ms, but you can adjust it to your liking.
Knee
The knee determines how smoothly the compressor starts compressing the signal as it approaches the threshold. A hard knee means the compressor starts compressing abruptly, while a soft knee means the compressor starts compressing more gradually. A good starting point is a soft knee, but you can adjust it to your liking.
By adjusting these parameters, you can achieve the desired sidechain effect in your mix. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try out different settings to find what works best for your track.
Fine-Tuning the Kick and Sidechain
Now that you have successfully applied sidechain compression to your kick, it’s time to fine-tune it to make sure it sounds just right. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your sidechain:
Adjusting the Threshold
The threshold is the level at which the sidechain compression kicks in. If your threshold is too high, the sidechain compression won’t be triggered until the kick is already quite loud. If it’s too low, the sidechain compression will be triggered even when the kick is barely audible.
To find the right threshold, play your track and adjust it until you can hear the sidechain compression working without it being too obvious. You want the kick to cut through the mix without sounding too exaggerated.
Adjusting the Attack and Release
The attack and release settings control how quickly the sidechain compression kicks in and how quickly it fades out. If your attack is too fast, the sidechain compression will sound unnatural and choppy. If it’s too slow, the kick won’t cut through the mix as well.
Similarly, if your release is too fast, the sidechain compression will be too obvious and may cause pumping. If it’s too slow, the kick won’t be able to cut through the mix as effectively.
Experiment with different attack and release settings until you find the right balance.
Using EQ
If you’re still having trouble getting your kick to cut through the mix, try using EQ to boost the frequencies that you want to stand out. For example, you can boost the low end of your kick to make it sound more powerful, or you can boost the midrange to make it more present.
Remember to use EQ sparingly and make small adjustments, as too much EQ can make your track sound unnatural.
By fine-tuning your sidechain compression, you can make sure that your kick cuts through the mix without sounding too exaggerated or unnatural. Experiment with different settings and use your ears to find the right balance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When it comes to sidechaining to kick in FL Studio, there are some common mistakes that beginners tend to make. Here are a few things to keep in mind to avoid these mistakes:
1. Using the Wrong Tool
One of the most common mistakes that beginners make is using the wrong tool for sidechaining. While there are many different tools available in FL Studio for sidechaining, not all of them are created equal. Some tools may not be suitable for the specific sound you want to achieve.
2. Overdoing It
Another common mistake is overdoing the sidechain effect. While sidechaining can add a lot of energy and movement to your tracks, it’s important not to overdo it. Overusing the effect can make your track sound unnatural and can even lead to ear fatigue.
3. Ignoring the Attack Time
The attack time is a crucial parameter when it comes to sidechaining. Ignoring the attack time can lead to an unnatural sound and can even cause the sidechain effect to clash with other elements in your mix. Make sure to adjust the attack time to match the rhythm and tempo of your track.
4. Forgetting to EQ
EQing is an important step in the sidechaining process. Forgetting to EQ can lead to a muddy and unclear sound. Make sure to EQ your tracks properly to avoid any unwanted frequency clashes.
5. Not Testing on Different Systems
Finally, it’s important to test your sidechain effect on different systems. What sounds good on your headphones or speakers may not sound the same on other systems. Test your mix on different systems to ensure that your sidechain effect is balanced and sounds good across different platforms.
Conclusion
sidechaining is an essential technique that can help you achieve a cleaner mix and make your tracks sound more professional. By using the right tools and techniques, you can create a pumping effect that will make your kick stand out and give your music a unique sound.
In this article, we’ve covered several ways to sidechain to kick in FL Studio, including using the Fruity Limiter, Fruity Peak Controller, and Kickstart. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to experiment and find the one that works best for your track.
Remember, sidechaining is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and you should always use it in moderation. Too much sidechaining can make your mix sound unnatural and robotic, so be sure to use it sparingly and only when it’s necessary.
sidechaining is a powerful technique that can help you achieve a more polished and professional sound in your music. With the right tools and some practice, you can create a pumping effect that will make your tracks stand out from the crowd. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with sidechaining!
