Sidechaining is a powerful technique that can provide a more dynamic and professional sound to your music. By using sidechain compression, you can create space for other elements in your mix, such as kicks, snares, and vocals. It can also help create a sense of groove and movement, adding interest and excitement to your tracks.

Sidechaining is relatively easy to set up in FL Studio. First, create two channels: one for the element you want to sidechain (the ducker) and one for the element you want to duck (the key). Next, add a compressor to the ducker channel and set the sidechain input to the key channel. Now, when the key element plays, it will reduce the gain of the ducker element.

The amount of gain reduction depends on the settings of the compressor. The threshold determines how loud the key element needs to be before the compressor starts to reduce the gain of the ducker element. The ratio determines how much the gain is reduced. The attack and release times determine how quickly the compressor reacts to the key element and how quickly the gain returns to normal after the key element stops playing.

How To Sidechain Fl Studio

Understanding the Concept of Sidechaining

Sidechaining is an advanced audio engineering technique used to create space in a mix by dynamically reducing the volume of one track when another track plays. It allows you to control the loudness of certain instruments or vocals in relation to the main rhythmic elements of your song, such as the kick drum or bassline.

Sidechaining works by sending the signal of the triggering track (usually the kick drum) to a compressor on the other track. When the kick drum hits, it triggers the compressor, which then reduces the volume of the other track, creating a space for the kick to be heard more clearly. This process is often used in electronic dance music (EDM) to make the kick drum stand out and create a sense of rhythm and groove.

In FL Studio, sidechaining can be achieved using the Fruity Limiter plugin. To set up sidechaining, follow these steps:

Insert a Fruity Limiter plugin on the track you want to sidechain.
Click on the “Sidechain” tab in the Limiter plugin.
Select the track that you want to trigger the sidechain from the “Source” dropdown menu.
Adjust the “Threshold” and “Ratio” settings to control how much the other track is reduced when the trigger track plays.

Setting	Description
Threshold	The level at which the compressor starts to reduce the volume of the other track.
Ratio	The amount of gain reduction applied to the other track when the compressor is triggered.

Loading the Sidechain Sample

Selecting the Sample

Begin by identifying the audio sample you want to use for sidechaining. This sample will typically be a kick drum or bassline, as these elements often require precise control over their dynamics.

Importing the Sample into FL Studio

Once you have chosen your sample, import it into FL Studio by dragging and dropping it into the project window or using the "File > Import" menu. The sample will appear as an audio clip in the Playlist.

Loading the Sample into the Sidechain Input

Now, you need to load the sidechain sample into the input of the compressor or other effect where you want to apply sidechaining. To do this:

Open the compressor or effect plugin you want to use.
Locate the "Sidechain In" or "Control In" parameter.
Click on the "Input" drop-down menu and select the audio clip you imported earlier.

Sidechain Input Parameter Setting

Parameter	Value
Sidechain Source	Imported Audio Clip

Setting Up the Compressor

Now that your tracks are routed, it’s time to set up the compressor. Here’s how:

1. Insert a Compressor Plugin

Open the mixer window and select the track you want to compress. Then, click on the “Effects” tab and select “Add” > “Dynamics” > “Compressor”. This will insert a compressor plugin into your signal chain.

2. Adjust the Compression Ratio

The compression ratio determines how much the compressor will reduce the dynamic range of your signal. A higher ratio will result in more compression, while a lower ratio will result in less compression. For sidechaining, a ratio of 4:1 or 8:1 is a good starting point.

3. Set the Threshold and Attack Time

The threshold determines the level at which the compressor will start to apply gain reduction. The attack time determines how quickly the compressor will react to changes in the signal level. For sidechaining, you’ll want to set the threshold so that the compressor only kicks in when the signal from the sidechain input exceeds it. The attack time should be set to a fast value, such as 10ms or 20ms, so that the compressor responds quickly to the sidechain signal.

Parameter	Setting
Ratio	4:1 or 8:1
Threshold	Set to the desired level
Attack Time	10ms or 20ms

4. Experiment with Other Settings

Once you have the basic settings dialed in, you can experiment with other settings to fine-tune the sound of your compressor. For example, you can adjust the release time to control how long the compressor takes to release the gain reduction after the sidechain signal drops below the threshold. You can also adjust the gain makeup to compensate for any volume loss caused by the compression.

Adjusting the Sidechain Amount

The sidechain amount controls the level of the ducking or pumping effect. A higher amount will result in more extreme ducking or pumping, while a lower amount will produce a more subtle effect.

The sidechain amount can be adjusted using the “Amount” knob on the sidechain compressor. This knob ranges from 0 to 100%, where 0% means no ducking or pumping will occur, and 100% means that the sidechain signal will completely control the gain reduction of the compressor.

As a general rule of thumb, starting with a low sidechain amount and gradually increasing it until you achieve the desired level of ducking or pumping is a good idea.

Table: Sidechain Amount and its Effects

Sidechain Amount	Effect
0%	No ducking or pumping
25%	Slight ducking or pumping
50%	Moderate ducking or pumping
75%	Strong ducking or pumping
100%	Extreme ducking or pumping

In some cases, it may be desirable to use a high sidechain amount to create a very extreme effect. This can be useful for creating dramatic changes in the level of a track or to create a “pumping” effect that is commonly used in dance music.

Fine-tuning the Attack and Release Times

The attack and release times determine how quickly the sidechain responds to the input signal. A shorter attack time will allow the sidechain to react more quickly, while a longer release time will allow the ducking effect to sustain longer. Balancing these times is crucial for achieving a balanced effect without excessive distortion or muddiness.

Here are some tips for fine-tuning the attack and release times:

1. Start with a Moderate Attack Time

A moderate attack time of around 10-20 milliseconds is a good starting point. This will allow the sidechain to respond quickly enough to the input signal while preventing excessive distortion.

2. Adjust the Release Time to Match the Input

The release time should be set to match the duration of the input signal. A shorter release time will create a more abrupt ducking effect, while a longer release time will allow the ducking to persist over a longer period. Aim for a release time that is approximately twice as long as the decay of the triggering signal.

3. Experiment with Different Settings

The optimal attack and release times will vary depending on the specific track and desired effect. Experiment with different settings to find the combination that sounds best in your mix. Refer to the table below for a general overview of how attack and release times affect sidechain compression:

4. Use Automation for Dynamic Control

If you want more control over the ducking effect, you can use automation to adjust the attack and release times over time. This allows you to create complex sidechain patterns and dynamic transitions within your mix.

5. Monitor the Sidechain Metering

Most DAWs provide a visual representation of the sidechain input level. Use this meter to monitor the level of the triggering signal and ensure that it is not causing excessive gain reduction. Aim for a balance between the input level and the desired amount of ducking.

Using the Sidechain Frequency Range

The sidechain frequency range determines which frequencies in the source track will trigger the compression of the destination track. By carefully selecting this range, you can target specific elements of the source track, such as the kick drum or bassline, and ensure that these elements are effectively ducked without affecting other parts of the mix.

To adjust the sidechain frequency range, use the ‘Sidechain Frequency’ knob in the Fruity Limiter settings. The frequency range is displayed in Hertz (Hz), and you can specify a lower and upper frequency limit.

Narrowing the Frequency Range

Narrowing the sidechain frequency range allows you to focus the compression effect on a specific frequency band. For example, if you want to duck only the kick drum, you can set the lower frequency limit to around 50 Hz, which is the typical frequency range of a kick drum.

Broadening the Frequency Range

Broadening the sidechain frequency range allows you to duck a wider range of frequencies. For example, if you want to duck both the kick drum and bassline, you can set the upper frequency limit to around 150 Hz, which encompasses both the kick drum and bassline frequencies.

Using EQ to Fine-Tune the Frequency Range

To further refine the sidechain frequency range, you can use an EQ plugin on the source track. By boosting or cutting specific frequencies, you can emphasize or de-emphasize the frequencies that will trigger the compression.

Frequency Range	Target Elements
20-50 Hz	Sub-bass
50-150 Hz	Kick drum, bassline
150-500 Hz	Snare drum, vocal sibilance
500-1000 Hz	Hi-hats, vocal overtones
1000 Hz and above	High-frequency instruments

Applying Sidechaining to Specific Tracks

To apply sidechaining to specific tracks in FL Studio, follow these steps:

1. Select the Trigger Track

Click on the track you want to use as the trigger for sidechaining.

2. Add a Sidechain Compressor to the Target Track

Right-click on the track you want to affect with sidechaining and select “Add” > “Effects” > “Compression” > “Sidechain Compressor.”

3. Route the Trigger Track to the Sidechain Input

In the Sidechain Compressor plugin, click on the “Sidechain Input” tab.

4. Select the Trigger Track

In the “Trigger Track” dropdown menu, select the track you want to use as the trigger.

5. Adjust the Compressor Settings

Adjust the compressor settings to achieve the desired effect. Typically, you’ll want to use a fast attack time and a high ratio to create a pronounced sidechain effect.

6. Test the Sidechain

Play back your project and listen for the sidechain effect. You should hear the target track’s volume ducking when the trigger track is playing.

7. Fine-Tune the Sidechaining

Fine-tune the sidechaining by experimenting with different compressor settings. You can also use the “Envelope” tab in the Sidechain Compressor to create custom sidechain curves.

| Compressor Setting | Effect |
|—|—|
| Attack Time | Determines how quickly the compressor reacts to the trigger signal. A faster attack time will create a more pronounced sidechain effect. |
| Release Time | Determines how quickly the compressor releases gain after the trigger signal has passed. A faster release time will create a tighter sidechain effect. |
| Ratio | Determines how much the compressor attenuates the target signal relative to the trigger signal. A higher ratio will create a more pronounced sidechain effect. |
| Threshold | Determines the level at which the compressor starts to attenuate the target signal. A lower threshold will create a more noticeable sidechain effect. |

Creating a Pumping Effect with Sidechaining

Sidechaining is a technique used in audio production to attenuate the volume of one track (the "ducking" track) based on the level of another track (the "trigger" track). This effect is commonly used to create a "pumping" sensation, where the ducking track gets quieter whenever the trigger track gets louder.

Steps to Sidechain in FL Studio:

Load both tracks into the FL Studio playlist.
Select the ducking track.
Add the "Fruity Limiter" plugin to the ducking track.
In the Limiter’s "Sidechain" tab, select the trigger track from the "Source" dropdown menu.
Adjust the "Threshold" knob to set the level at which the ducking track starts to attenuate.
Adjust the "Attack" and "Release" knobs to control how quickly the ducking track attenuates and releases after the trigger track gets louder.
Fine-tune the settings until you achieve the desired pumping effect.
Experiment with different settings to create custom sidechain effects.

Parameter	Description
Threshold	Sets the level at which the ducking track starts to attenuate.
Attack	Controls how quickly the ducking track attenuates.
Release	Controls how quickly the ducking track releases after the trigger track gets louder.
Ratio	Sets the amount of attenuation applied to the ducking track.

By adjusting these parameters, you can control the intensity and timing of the pumping effect, creating a powerful and dynamic audio experience.

Sidechaining Techniques

Sidechaining is a technique used in audio production to control the dynamics of one audio track based on the level of another. This can be used to create a variety of effects, such as ducking the volume of a bassline when a kick drum hits, or creating a pumping effect on a synth.

To sidechain in FL Studio, you’ll need to use a compressor or limiter. Insert the compressor or limiter on the track you want to control, and then set the sidechain input to the track you want to use as the trigger.

Troubleshooting Common Sidechaining Issues

1. The sidechain effect is not working

Make sure that the sidechain input is set correctly. The sidechain input should be set to the track you want to use as the trigger.

2. The sidechain effect is too strong

Reduce the amount of compression or limiting applied by the compressor or limiter. You can also adjust the attack and release times of the compressor or limiter to control how the sidechain effect reacts to the trigger track.

3. The sidechain effect is too weak

Increase the amount of compression or limiting applied by the compressor or limiter. You can also adjust the attack and release times of the compressor or limiter to control how the sidechain effect reacts to the trigger track.

4. The sidechain effect is not smooth

Adjust the attack and release times of the compressor or limiter. A faster attack time will cause the sidechain effect to react more quickly to the trigger track, while a slower release time will cause the sidechain effect to decay more slowly after the trigger track has ended.

5. The sidechain effect is causing distortion

Reduce the amount of compression or limiting applied by the compressor or limiter. You can also try using a different type of compressor or limiter.

6. The sidechain effect is causing a delay

Adjust the delay compensation settings in the compressor or limiter. This will help to compensate for the delay caused by the sidechain processing.

7. The sidechain effect is not working with certain plugins

Some plugins do not support sidechain triggering. Check the documentation for the plugin to see if it supports sidechain triggering.

8. The sidechain effect is causing my computer to crash

Reduce the amount of processing power used by the compressor or limiter. You can also try disabling other plugins that are running on your computer.

9. The sidechain effect is not working in FL Studio

Make sure that you are using the latest version of FL Studio. Sidechain processing has been known to have issues in older versions of FL Studio.

Issue	Solution
The sidechain effect is not working	Make sure that the sidechain input is set correctly.
The sidechain effect is too strong	Reduce the amount of compression or limiting applied by the compressor or limiter.
The sidechain effect is too weak	Increase the amount of compression or limiting applied by the compressor or limiter.

Advanced Techniques for Precision Sidechaiding

1. Fine-Tuning Envelope Parameters

Adjust the attack, decay, and release times of the sidechain envelope to optimize the pumping effect. Experiment with different settings to achieve the desired level of reduction.

2. Using Multiple Sidechains

Connect multiple sidechains to the same compressor to create a more complex ducking effect. This allows for different triggering sources and more precise control over the sidechaining.

3. Transient Shaping

Use a transient shaper before the sidechain input to enhance the impact of the triggering signal. This can help to create a more pronounced pumping effect.

4. Parallel Sidechaining

Send a parallel signal to the sidechain, preserving the original uncompressed signal. This technique adds depth and punch to the mix while maintaining the integrity of the audio.

5. Frequency-Dependent Sidechaining

Use a multi-band compressor to apply sidechaining only to specific frequency ranges. This allows for targeted reduction and prevents unwanted pumping in other parts of the spectrum.

6. Mid-Side Sidechaining

Apply sidechaining to the mid and side channels separately. This technique provides independent control over the stereo width and allows for spatial dynamics.

7. Using a Gate as a Sidechain Source

Trigger the sidechain compressor using a gate instead of an envelope follower. This creates a hard gate effect that completely attenuates the signal below a certain threshold.

8. External Sidechain Input

Use an external audio signal as the sidechain source to trigger the compression from another track or source.

9. Creative Sidechaining

Experiment with non-traditional sidechain triggers, such as LFOs, sample loops, or MIDI signals. This opens up possibilities for dynamic and rhythmic effects.

10. Advanced Envelope Shaping

Custom design the sidechain envelope using a graphical envelope editor. This provides maximum flexibility and allows for precise control over the shape and timing of the compression. Consider using curves, slopes, and time-based parameters to create sophisticated pumping effects.

How to Sidechain in FL Studio

Sidechaining is a powerful technique that allows you to create more space in your mix by ducking the volume of one track when another track is playing. It’s most commonly used to pump the volume of a drum track when a bass synth or kick drum hits, creating a more cohesive and dynamic sound.

To sidechain in FL Studio, you will need to use the Fruity Limiter plugin. This plugin has a built-in sidechain function that you can use to control the volume of the track you want to duck.

Step 1: Insert Fruity Limiter on the Track You Want to Duck

To insert the Fruity Limiter plugin on the track you want to duck, simply click on the “+” button in the mixer and select “Fruity Limiter” from the list of plugins.

Step 2: Enable Sidechain

Once you have inserted the Fruity Limiter plugin, click on the “Sidechain” tab. Then, click on the “Enable” button to turn on sidechain.

Step 3: Select the Sidechain Input

Next, you need to select the sidechain input. This is the track that will trigger the ducking effect. To select the sidechain input, click on the “Input” drop-down menu and select the track you want to use.

Step 4: Adjust the Sidechain Settings

Finally, you can adjust the sidechain settings to control how the ducking effect works. The following settings are available:

Threshold: This setting controls the level at which the sidechain input will trigger the ducking effect.
Ratio: This setting controls the amount of gain reduction that will be applied to the track when the sidechain input is triggered.
Attack: This setting controls how quickly the gain reduction will be applied.
Release: This setting controls how quickly the gain reduction will be released.

Once you have adjusted the sidechain settings, you can click on the “Listen” button to hear how the effect sounds. If you are not happy with the sound, you can adjust the settings until you get the desired result.