quote:

Originally posted by costizzle is this the same for midi?

No, not the way I described it. You MUST use an audio track with an audio file for the bass drum. This is most likely why it isn't working for you.

quote:

Originally posted by costizzle i set the output of the silent kick to no output but at the same time bus 3?

No. You are combining the two different methods. It doesn't work that way, its one or the other.

1. If you set the silent bass drum track to No Output (named Audio 1 for example), then in the Logic Compressor sidechain source you must select Audio 1.

2. If you select Bus 3 for the silent bass drum track output you must select Bus 3 for the sidechain source in Logic Compressor.

quote:

Originally posted by costizzle and what about the track i want to sidechain to? does that go to bus 3?

No. On the Logic Compressor Sidechain source for that track you select either Audio 1 or Bus 3 depending on which method you are using. The output routing for the track with the compressor on it is irrelevant for this method.

There is a way to do this using MIDI, all you have to do is use the synth's audio output track as the "Silent Bass Drum Track" but try it with the audio track first so you can get it working.

Remember the Compressor's sidechain responds to AUDIO not MIDI. If you are not clear on the difference between audio and MIDI, check this link:


The Difference between MIDI and Audio for Beginners

how do you make a 4/4 track in audio for the bass drum? do you just record a 4/4?

quote:

Originally posted by costizzle how do you make a 4/4 track in audio for the bass drum? do you just record a 4/4?

Use a Bass Drum Sample. As a side note, you may want to look into using Bass Drum Samples for your audible bass drum as well. Makes things easier.

k thanks mate

quote:

Originally posted by costizzle how do you make a 4/4 track in audio for the bass drum? do you just record a 4/4?

Import one single kick sample
Copy to each beat.

for what its worth, I work with a lot of well known producers and quite a few of them also use this method for sidechaining by using an audio kick.
Makes it a hell of a lot easier in Logic, which is probably the most widespread platform used.


The other method is simply to put a spare track at the bottom with a a duplicate kick, set that track to trigger the compressor, but then instead of selecting no output, you mute it FROM THE MIXER PAGE- not muted from the arrange page- always baffled me why that doesnt work...
Same end result.

remember that you dont need to use a kick to trigger it...you can use anything you like, its just the kick is the most prominent and constant, so its traditionally been done that way.

I had been looking for this thread for months :P

AT LAST!!!

Thanks alot man!

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One additional tip here: The release parameter on the compressor is KEY. You need to play with this to make sure that the track "pumps". There will be certain release times that are kind of like "magic spots", where you will hear your sidechained audio just lock in with the groove. When you can "feel" it, then you'll know you have it set right.

Now, there is no one single release time that will be correct, it all depends on what BPM your track is at and what type of groove (or swing) you are trying to get, but as a general rule, you never want your release time to be more than a single quarter note in milliseconds (assuming you are making a 4/4 track). You want the compressor to recover before the next kick drum hits.