Sidechain & dynamics
Quick steps
- Add the built-in Sidechain effect to a track's FX chain (e.g. bass or pad).
- Tempo mode — leave source empty for a tempo-synced pump; set Rate and Amount.
- Track mode — pick a source track (e.g. kick) for envelope-follower ducking; tweak Attack and Release.
- Or add Compressor and pick a Sidechain source for classic kick-driven bass ducking.
Details
Sidechaining ducks one sound when another is loud — the pumping heard in EDM when the kick hits.
Sidechain effect
| Mode | Behaviour |
|---|---|
| Tempo | Ghost-kick pump synced to project tempo |
| Track | Ducks when the chosen source track is loud |
Compressor sidechain
Add Compressor to the target chain; select the kick (or any track/group) as Sidechain source.
Track order matters — the sidechain source track is processed before tracks that read from it.
Alternative
Volume LFO on the track inspector gives rhythmic pump/tremolo without an envelope follower.