Using FL Studio's Sidechain Feature for Enhanced Productions

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As a music producer and audio engineer, you're likely no stranger to utilizing every tool at your disposal within digital audio workstations (DAWs) like FL Studio. One often-underappreciated feature in FL Studio is the sidechaining capability found primarily in its EQs and Compressors. In this article, we'll dive into what sidechain processing entails, why you might want to use it in your productions, and provide step-by-step instructions on how to implement sidechains within FL Studio.

What Is Sidechain Processing?

-----------------------------

Sidechain processing refers to the act of routing an audio signal from one part of a mixing chain or effect processor into another section of the same chain. In essence, you're 'side-stepping' (pun intended) normal signal flow and using a portion of that original audio as control data for various effects.

Why Use Sidechaining in FL Studio?

------------------------------

Sidechain processing offers an incredible amount of creative flexibility within your productions by allowing you to respond dynamically based on the levels or characteristics of other tracks. Here are just a few scenarios where sidechining can elevate your mixes:

1. Gate Vocals Based On Kick Drums: Use a Compressor with its Threshold set low and Route from one channel (e.g., kick drum) into another's Sidechain input. This will 'duck' or gate the vocals whenever the kick drums are playing, creating an interesting dynamic effect.

2. Create Buildups And Drops With Reverb : Send a percussive element through a Delay processor with its Wet/Dry blend set to 100%. Then route that same signal into another instance of the Delay's Sidechain input but inverse it (i.e., flip phase). This will cause the reverb tail to fade in and out as desired.

How To Implement A Basic Sidechaining Setup In FL Studio

-------------------------------------------------------------

To get started with sidechains, follow these steps:

1. Create a New Project: Open up FL Studio and create a new project with two or more audio tracks (depending on how complex you want your setup to be).

2. Insert an EQ/Compressor : On one of the tracks where you'd like to apply the sidechaining effect, insert either an Equalizer 3 (or higher) plugin or Compressors (e.g., Freeverb3's Limiter). We'll use a Compressor for this example.

3. Route The Sidechain Signal: Route your 'source' signal from another track into the 'Sidechain' input on your chosen effect by going to its main routing panel and clicking & dragging an audio cable from the source channel's Output (or wherever you want it to come from) over to where it says 'Source In.'

4. Set Up Your Threshold : Within the compressor/limiter plugin, adjust the threshold slider until only a small portion of your signal is passing through.

5. Route The Wet Signal Back To An Aux: Now route the output (Wet signal) from this processed channel back into an auxiliary track using another audio cable by clicking & dragging it over to where it says 'Aux In.'

6. Mix And Master Your Scene : Finally, send both your original dry and sidechained wet signals into a final stereo bus or master track for mixing and mastering as usual.

-------

In conclusion, implementing simple yet powerful sidechain effects within FL Studio can completely transform the sound of your productions by allowing you to react dynamically based on various aspects of different tracks. With practice comes proficiency in this advanced technique - so experiment with it today!

Fl studio sidechain