Dharma Worldwide has released KSHMR Essentials Kick, a free sound design plugin (VST/VST3/AU/AAX) that is suitable for enhancing the kick drum. 120 Best Free VST Plugins you must try in 201 Premium Included 4.7. ShaperBox 2 is an amazing modulation tool in general, so confining it just to sidechain compression is a bit of an insult. Free VST Plugins for Kick Drum Synths, Drum Machines, and Drum Kits 1.
Here’s a few of the plugins offering sidechain-like effects at the moment: Cableguys ShaperBox 2 Since then, sidechain compression has evolved a lot, and with digital plugins, we can get a lot more nuanced and controlled. The result? Less harsh vocals that you could actually listen to. It would listen to a narrow frequency band of the vocal, and turn down the original vocal when that band got too loud. When sidechain compression first came about, it was used as a ‘de-esser’ to reduce the ‘s’ sounds in vocals. Modern Alternatives To Traditional Sidechain Compression Use different ratios, thresholds, attack and release values. There is merit to allowing some instruments to breathe while others receive a bit of ducking.
Don’t use it ‘just because’ – that approach never works.Īdditionally, when you do use it, don’t apply it the same on every instrument necessarily. My recommendation? Use it only as a problem-solving tool, or as a creative tool. Ducking might create strange volume movements that actually separate your mix apart rather than glue it together. If you’re trying to go for a natural mix, sidechain compression might actually lead you astray. It seems novel due to the exciting sound it has, but sometimes the best thing you can do for your mix is to avoid using sidechain compression. Visit us today to check out tons of sound packs. While it’s a lovely effect, it can easily fall prey to shiny object syndrome, much like regular compression has over the years. Get the best music loops, sample kits & audio loops. Using similar settings to the vocal-instrument sidechain setup, we can get a gentle ducking to clean up the mix: An Important Note on Sidechain CompressionĪfter the above example, you may be tempted to use sidechain compression on everything. However, I want to keep the effect and that level when the vocal isn’t present. The reverb is quite powerful and is a little too noticable with the vocal present in the mix. If you set up reverb or delay on a send, you can carve out space on them by using sidechain from the desired element. Effects like reverb and delay can chew up a lot of space in the mix.īut sometimes you want the effect without it overpowering other important elements like synths, pianos, guitars or vocals.