Making bass volume go down when drum hits

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I once saw a comment on a post here explaining how to use automation and the fx channel to lower the volume of the bass when the bassdrum hits so you can more clearly hear it, but i dont remember how and I cant find it. Idk what this is called so if anyone could help me out i'd appreciate it
fugio9 wrote:
Wed Jan 22, 2025 11:54 am
I once saw a comment on a post here explaining how to use automation and the fx channel to lower the volume of the bass when the bassdrum hits so you can more clearly hear it, but i dont remember how and I cant find it. Idk what this is called so if anyone could help me out i'd appreciate it
That is called sidechaining. It can be done in many ways. One way is like this:

But there are also the simple way to just draw it in automation, or to use one of the many plugins that allow you to draw an envelope for volume. BigDippa is one i remember, and afaik it is still free(?).
Besides that, since you are new in Forum
Welcome fugio9 !
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You could also try Gemini or Copilot for future advice and recommendations , they have more answers than you can imagine .

This is what gemini replied for example :

You're describing a technique called sidechain compression or ducking. It's a common mixing technique used to create space and clarity in a mix, especially in genres like electronic music, pop, and hip-hop.

Here's how it works:

The Compressor: A compressor is an audio effect that reduces the dynamic range of a signal. When a sound exceeds a certain threshold, the compressor reduces its volume.
The Sidechain: In sidechain compression, the compressor on one track (in this case, the bass) is triggered by another track (the bass drum). So, every time the bass drum hits, it tells the bass compressor to reduce the bass volume.
The Result: This creates a brief dip in the bass volume whenever the bass drum plays, making the kick drum stand out more clearly in the mix.
How to achieve this in your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation):

Insert a compressor on your bass track.
Find the sidechain input on the compressor. This is usually a dropdown menu or a button labeled "sidechain," "key input," or something similar.
Select the bass drum track as the sidechain input.
Adjust the compressor settings:
Threshold: This determines how loud the bass drum needs to be to trigger the compression. Start low and adjust to taste.
Ratio: This controls how much the bass volume is reduced. A higher ratio means a more noticeable ducking effect.
Attack: This determines how quickly the compression kicks in. A faster attack will create a tighter, more immediate ducking effect.
Release: This controls how quickly the bass volume returns to normal after the bass drum stops. A longer release will create a smoother, more gradual return.
Tips for using sidechain compression:

Subtlety is key: Don't overdo it. The goal is to create clarity, not to make the bass pump excessively.
Experiment with settings: The ideal settings will depend on the specific sounds and the style of music.
Use EQ in conjunction: You can further enhance the effect by using EQ to boost the frequencies of the bass drum that are masked by the bass.
By using sidechain compression effectively, you can create a more dynamic and impactful mix where both the bass drum and the bass have their own space to breathe.