Hey guys! Ever wondered how to get that pumping, rhythmic feel in your tracks? Sidechain compression is your answer! It's a technique used by countless producers to create space and groove between the kick drum and the 808 bass. In this guide, we’re diving deep into how to sidechain a kick and 808, ensuring your tracks hit hard and sound professional. Let's get started!

Understanding Sidechain Compression

Before we jump into the how-to, let's clarify what sidechain compression actually is. At its core, sidechain compression is a technique where the compressor’s reduction is triggered by an external source—usually, in our case, the kick drum. The compressor is applied to the 808, and every time the kick hits, the 808's volume ducks down momentarily, creating that distinctive pumping effect. This not only adds groove but also prevents the kick and 808 from clashing, ensuring a cleaner and more powerful low end.

Think of it like this: imagine two people trying to talk at the same time. It gets messy, right? Sidechaining is like politely asking one person to lower their voice when the other is speaking. In music, this translates to the kick making space for itself by temporarily reducing the volume of the 808. The result? A track that sounds much more dynamic and professional. Properly executed sidechaining can turn a muddy mix into a clear, punchy banger. The beauty of sidechain compression lies in its versatility. You can subtly apply it to create gentle movement, or you can crank it up for a more pronounced, aggressive effect. It all depends on the vibe you're going for. Experimentation is key, so don't be afraid to tweak those settings until you find what works best for your track. Remember, the goal is to enhance the groove and clarity of your mix, not to create a distracting or unnatural sound.

Step-by-Step Guide to Sidechaining Kick and 808

Okay, let's get practical. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to sidechain your kick and 808, ensuring a tight and professional sound. We'll cover different methods, including using a compressor plugin and volume shaping tools.

Method 1: Using a Compressor Plugin

1. Insert a Compressor:
   • First, place a compressor plugin on your 808 track. Most DAWs come with a stock compressor that will do the job just fine, but feel free to use your favorite third-party compressor. Popular choices include FabFilter Pro-C 2, Waves C1, and Ableton’s Compressor.
2. Set the Sidechain Input:
   • Next, activate the sidechain input on the compressor. In most plugins, you’ll find a dropdown menu or a button labeled “Sidechain,” “External Sidechain,” or something similar. Select your kick drum track as the sidechain source. This tells the compressor to react to the kick drum’s signal.
3. Adjust the Attack and Release:
   • This is where the magic happens. The attack and release settings control how quickly the compressor reacts to the kick and how long it takes to return the 808 to its original volume. A fast attack (1-10ms) will quickly duck the 808 out of the way of the kick, while a slower attack (10-30ms) will let some of the kick’s transient through before the 808 ducks. The release setting determines how long the 808 stays ducked. A shorter release (50-150ms) will create a tighter, more rhythmic pump, while a longer release (150-300ms) will create a smoother, more sustained effect. Experiment to find what sounds best for your track. A good starting point is an attack of 5ms and a release of 100ms, then adjust from there.
4. Set the Threshold and Ratio:
   • The threshold determines how loud the kick needs to be before the compressor starts working, and the ratio determines how much the 808’s volume is reduced. Start with a moderate ratio (4:1 or 6:1) and adjust the threshold until you hear the 808 ducking in time with the kick. You might need to lower the threshold quite a bit if your kick is relatively quiet. Be careful not to overdo it with the ratio; too much compression can sound unnatural and squash the dynamics of your 808. Aim for a subtle but noticeable pumping effect.
5. Fine-Tune and Listen:
   • Now, listen carefully to how the kick and 808 interact. Adjust the attack, release, threshold, and ratio until you achieve the desired groove and clarity. Pay attention to the overall feel of the track and make sure the sidechain effect complements the music. It’s often helpful to A/B the track with and without the sidechain to ensure you’re making improvements.

Method 2: Using Volume Shaping Tools

Another popular method for sidechaining is to use volume shaping tools like LFO Tool, ShaperBox, or even automation in your DAW. These tools allow you to draw custom volume curves that sync to the beat, creating precise and rhythmic sidechain effects.

1. Insert a Volume Shaping Plugin:
   • Place your chosen volume shaping plugin on the 808 track. These plugins typically offer a graphical interface where you can draw volume curves that modulate the track’s volume over time.
2. Create a Volume Curve:
   • Draw a volume curve that dips down on each beat where the kick hits. Most plugins will allow you to sync the curve to the tempo of your track, making it easy to create rhythmic patterns. A simple curve might involve a sharp dip followed by a gradual rise back to the original volume. Experiment with different shapes to find what sounds best.
3. Adjust the Depth and Timing:
   • The depth of the curve determines how much the 808’s volume is reduced, and the timing controls how quickly the volume dips and rises. Adjust these parameters to create the desired pumping effect. A deeper dip will create a more pronounced sidechain, while a shallower dip will be more subtle. Similarly, a faster timing will create a tighter, more rhythmic pump, while a slower timing will be smoother.
4. Sync to the Beat:
   • Make sure the volume curve is perfectly synced to the beat of your track. Most plugins offer various sync options, such as beat divisions (1/4, 1/8, 1/16) and tempo synchronization. Experiment with different sync settings to find the groove that works best for your track.
5. Fine-Tune and Listen:
   • As with the compressor method, listen carefully to how the kick and 808 interact and make adjustments as needed. Volume shaping tools offer a lot of flexibility, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your volume curves. You can create complex patterns and rhythmic variations that would be difficult to achieve with a traditional compressor.

Tips for Perfecting Your Sidechain

Achieving the perfect sidechain requires more than just following the steps. Here are some additional tips to help you refine your technique and create professional-sounding results.

Use EQ to Clean Up the Low End

Before you even start sidechaining, make sure your kick and 808 are properly EQ’d. Use a high-pass filter on the kick to remove any unnecessary low-end rumble, and use a low-pass filter on the 808 to prevent it from clashing with other elements in your mix. This will create more space for the sidechain to work its magic.

Adjust the Release Time to Match the Tempo

The release time of your sidechain is crucial for creating a natural and rhythmic feel. If the release time is too short, the sidechain will sound choppy and unnatural. If it’s too long, the 808 will linger too long after the kick, muddying the mix. A good rule of thumb is to adjust the release time so that it syncs with the tempo of your track. Use a BPM calculator to find the length of one beat, and then set the release time accordingly.

Be Subtle with the Effect

While it can be tempting to crank up the sidechain for a dramatic effect, subtlety is often key. An overly aggressive sidechain can sound unnatural and distracting. Aim for a subtle but noticeable pumping effect that enhances the groove of the track without overpowering it. Remember, the goal is to create space and clarity, not to draw attention to the sidechain itself.

Experiment with Different Sidechain Sources

While the kick drum is the most common sidechain source, don’t be afraid to experiment with other sounds. Try sidechaining the 808 to a snare, hi-hat, or even a vocal sample. This can create interesting rhythmic variations and unexpected grooves. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and see what you can come up with.

Use a Sidechain EQ

Some compressors offer a sidechain EQ, which allows you to shape the frequency content of the sidechain signal. This can be useful for fine-tuning the sidechain effect and preventing unwanted artifacts. For example, you can use a high-pass filter on the sidechain signal to prevent low-frequency rumble from triggering the compressor.

Listen in Mono

Checking your mix in mono can reveal issues that you might not hear in stereo. This is especially true for sidechaining. Listening in mono can help you identify phase issues and ensure that the sidechain effect is working correctly in all playback systems.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a solid understanding of sidechaining, it’s easy to make mistakes that can detract from your mix. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.

Over-Compressing

One of the most common mistakes is over-compressing the 808. This can squash the dynamics of the track and make it sound lifeless. Use a moderate ratio and adjust the threshold carefully to avoid over-compression. Remember, subtlety is key.

Incorrect Attack and Release Settings

Incorrect attack and release settings can ruin the sidechain effect. If the attack is too slow, the kick will clash with the 808. If the release is too short, the sidechain will sound choppy. Experiment with different settings until you find the sweet spot.

Not EQing Properly

Failing to EQ the kick and 808 properly can lead to a muddy mix. Use high-pass and low-pass filters to clean up the low end and create space for the sidechain to work effectively.

Ignoring the Overall Feel

It’s easy to get so focused on the technical aspects of sidechaining that you forget to listen to the overall feel of the track. Make sure the sidechain effect complements the music and enhances the groove. If it doesn’t sound good, it doesn’t matter how technically correct it is.

Conclusion

So there you have it! Sidechaining kick and 808 is a powerful technique that can add groove, clarity, and punch to your tracks. Whether you choose to use a compressor plugin or volume shaping tools, the key is to experiment and find what works best for your music. By following the steps and tips outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to creating professional-sounding mixes that hit hard and make people move. Now go forth and sidechain with confidence!