How to Sidechain in Any DAW (The Complete Producer’s Guide)

Sidechain compression is when one sound controls the volume of another. The classic move is simple: every time the kick hits, the bass ducks out of the way. Used well, sidechain makes the low end cleaner and the groove stronger.

Why sidechain works

Kick and bass compete for the same low-end space. If they hit at full level together, the mix gets muddy or the limiter works too hard. A small duck creates room and makes the kick feel louder without actually turning it up.

Basic setup in any DAW

1. Put a compressor on the bass channel.
2. Choose the kick as the compressor sidechain input.
3. Lower the threshold until the bass ducks when the kick hits.
4. Set attack fast so the duck starts immediately.
5. Set release in time with the groove.
6. Adjust until the low end breathes without disappearing.

Starting settings

• House pumping: fast attack, 100–250 ms release, 4–8 dB gain reduction.
• Subtle mix cleanup: fast attack, 40–120 ms release, 1–3 dB gain reduction.
• Techno drive: medium release so the bass pushes back after each kick.
• Pop vocal space: duck pads or guitars 1–2 dB when the vocal enters.

Creative sidechain uses

Sidechain is not only for kick and bass. You can duck reverbs when a vocal is present, duck synth pads around a lead, or use ghost triggers to create rhythmic pumping even when the kick is not playing.