Sidechaining is about control, not just pumping.
 
In this on-demand mentoring video, I break down three different approaches to sidechaining, showing how and why you might sidechain by signal, by frequency, or a combination of both, depending on what the track actually needs.
 
Rather than working in isolation, everything is demonstrated inside a real track, using musical examples where multiple elements need to coexist without fighting each other.
 
What’s covered in this session:
 
Signal-based sidechaining using Ableton’s Compressor
Creating the classic, obvious ducking effect for rhythmic movement and space.
Noise-triggered sidechaining
Using a noise channel sidechained to a bleep to exaggerate movement and demonstrate how sidechaining can be used creatively, not just functionally.
Frequency-based sidechaining with TrackSpacer
Sidechaining a string against a bass only between 20Hz–100Hz, allowing both elements to exist in the low end without masking each other.
This approach keeps the string full and musical, instead of thinning it out with static EQ, while leaving the bass untouched.
 
Why frequency-based sidechaining is incredibly effective for:
 
Musical material
Vocals
Dense arrangements
Subtle, transparent mix control
Surgical signal-based sidechaining with Kickstart 2
Tight, reliable ducking of the bass against the kick for clean, controlled low-end impact.
When plugin choice matters, and when it doesn’t
Including why tools like Kickstart 2 can outperform traditional compressors for specific jobs.
 
Core ideas throughout the video:
 
Choosing the right type of sidechaining for the situation
Letting elements coexist rather than removing them
Avoiding over-processing that makes sounds thin or unnatural
Using sidechaining as a mixing and arrangement tool, not just an effect
 
This session is about understanding why you’re sidechaining, not just copying settings.
 
If you’ve ever:
 
Sidechained something and hated the result
Felt forced to remove frequencies you actually wanted
Wanted clearer mixes without sacrificing musicality
 
…this video will give you multiple, practical solutions.
 
No rules for the sake of it.
No one-size-fits-all settings.
Just intentional sidechaining, applied in context.