sidechain-setup

# Sidechain Setup Set up sidechain compression routing. Different DAWs/MCP servers expose this differently — read the available tools and use the simplest path. ## Workflow ### 1. Identify the source and target - **Source** = trigger (the track that *causes* the duck) — usually kick or vocal - **Target** = the track that *gets ducked* — usually bass, pads, or music bed Confirm with user: "Sidechain target = bass on track 2, source = kick on track 1?" ### 2. Choose the technique #### A. Compressor sidechain (standard for kick→bass) - Add Compressor to the target track - Enable sidechain input on the compressor - Route source: select the kick track as the input - Settings: - Ratio: 4:1 - Attack: 5 ms - Release: 80-120 ms (release should match the tempo — at 120 BPM, 1 beat = 500ms, so 100ms ≈ 1/8 note) - Threshold: set so that GR shows -4 to -6 dB on each kick hit - Output gain: +1 to +2 dB to compensate #### B. Glue Compressor sidechain (more musical for buses) Same as above but using Glue Compressor — gives a more "analog" pumping sound, typical for house/EDM masters where you want musical pumping. #### C. LFO Tool / volume automation (creative) If the user wants extreme rhythmic pumping (EDM-style 4/4 pump): - Use Auto Filter or a volume LFO modulator if no LFO Tool plugin - LFO shape: sawtooth (fast attack, slow release looks like ⏐╲⏐╲) - Sync to 1/4 notes - Depth: -6 to -12 dB - This is used when there's no actual kick (e.g., during a breakdown) but ...