How to Sidechain Compress in FL Studio
Master the classic pumping effect and create space for your kick drum. This tutorial covers the Fruity Limiter sidechain method.
This tutorial explains how to duck the volume of one sound whenever another sound plays. This technique is essential for making your kick drum punch through a heavy bassline or synth.
Follow these steps
Link the Tracks
Select your Kick track in the Mixer. Right-click the 'arrow' icon at the bottom of the Bass track and choose 'Sidechain to this track.'
Load the Compressor
Load the 'Fruity Limiter' plugin onto your Bass track. Switch the plugin mode from 'LIMIT' to 'COMP' using the toggle at the bottom.
Select the Input Source
Right-click the 'Sidechain' number box in the compressor section. Select your Kick track from the list to tell the plugin which signal to follow.
Adjust Compression Settings
Lower the Threshold and increase the Ratio. You should hear the Bass volume drop significantly every time the Kick plays.
Common mistakes
- Setting the threshold too low, causing the sound to pump unnaturally.
- Sidechaining to the Master track instead of an individual instrument track.