Sidechain Compression Masterclass - Advanced Mixing Tutorial

[@inthemix]

I've got some very special news to share with you all soon (May 5th). If you don't want to miss it, please turn on notifications for my channel. I can't wait to share what I've been working on over the past year!

[@MaxmerRomansUnashamed]

Already Subscribed & Notification Bell 🔔Turned On Since I First Subscribed To You, Michael@InTheMix! ;) :) 😮❤🎉😂😅😊

[@cdasteez]

I watch all of your videos in minutes! Indispensable.

[@seansley]

A baby??

[@FuChungKu]

Really looking forward to your special news in 3 weeks. I just hope you haven't been learning a new DAW for the last year and will announce a switch from FL Studio ha ha ha.

[@inthemix]

@@FuChungKu Definitely not that sort of announcement! It’s something that we can all benefit from :)

[@igorristic391]

Thanks!

[@inthemix]

Thanks for the support!

[@dantepatel]

BROOOO this is exactly what I've been working on / trying to figure out lately. Clearing up the mid range masking is the hardest thing for me rn.

[@Rannument]

Pretty much from beginner stuff to advanced techniques like these, I've always learned from you since the early days of my music journey. Keep it up! Can't wait to see the special news

[@siphosethuketwa]

Oh i so wish I watched this video a while ago just blew my mind right now this minute, thank you for such transperency you are literally the only person in this whole entire thing who can give out proper and understandable content on KZbin @youtube give this guy a bonus

[@preshbeatz8743]

Thank you Michael, when I began my mixing and Mastering journey it was so confusing even with the many tutorials I found on KZbin I got confused even more! Thankfully, I came across your channel and that was it! Thanks you so much!

[@inthemix]

Thanks for the kind words. I’m happy to help!

[@legendarystuff69]

Even though I've been watching your videos for a long time, today I realise I didn't subscribe to you! Just did it. Love your channel bro.

[@kelvin123721]

Clear instructions with clear demonstration, I really appreciate what this channel have taught me SO MUCH here. You are a good teacher. Thank you for providing such a good content for us.

[@lionrecords57]

I didn't see a Producer 😢 Like u Michael, I love how u prepare the leçons to start to finish. 🎉🎉🎉❤❤

[@OlbaidMusic]

My special technique is using a Peak Controller as source and then use the signal to control the band volume on EQ2. That way everytime the peak controller gets activated by, lets say, the vocal, the EQ2 on the lead turns down on certain freqs. This can be combined with the aux filter method too.

[@Donny6th]

💯

[@s.j.warden801]

Would love to see this technique done (I’m more of a visual learner) I am going to attempt this tonight, will update tomorrow!

[@OlbaidMusic]

@@s.j.warden801 I explain here (is in spanish but you can use the subtitles) kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3zdk4CLh8lnbM0

[@reginaldtechno]

That filtered parallel bus sidechaining blew my mind..

[@shorerocks]

I remember first learning this technique and it blew my mind. I got my hand on the then just released first version of trackspacer and never looked back. I is in every production on lots of my tracks.

[@djsunnysideup23]

This technical stuff gets a bit over my head, but I will come back to this later. 🔥Fellow subscriber/producer here.🎹Keep loving yourself!✌from Japan 🍣

[@BraveHeartOriginals]

Superb 🍀 thanks for giving us all these great tips 👍

[@indiscreetz5129]

Your face cam quality and lighting is getting insanely good, thanks for the production quality.

[@Chromic_Friend]

I'm just finding this channel again after discovering your "hearing compression" video a long time ago. Glad I did, as I have the hardest time finding worthwhile teaching sources who: A: aren't just trying to sell some plugin B: *Actually provide useful insight, instead of the same tired tips, and C: SHAMELESSLY ROCKS FL STUDIO. For real. there is sooo much to this daw and it's refreshing to have a coherent, non-ego driven guide to this powerhouse. thanks for the tips! I use sidechain comp all over the place, but there were a few good extra tips that is didn't think about before. Stay safe! *P.s. if you did a live mix review event some days, I'd gladly Tip/Pay for your ear time and useful Critique. I don't have any musical / production minded friends and 'd love an experienced outside opinion, and I imagine there might be many like me that desire to escape the echo chamber of ones' own self judgement! *

[@ZypherXD]

Out of bare necessities, I've been doing this unknowingly for the past two years now. My mix has started getting better since then.

[@kshitijukey1645]

This is exactly the video about sidechaining I was waiting for. Thanks a lot!

[@w.7258]

mans putting UK and FL majorly on the map of the universe big time

[@_mickmccarthy]

Excited to hear what news you've got to share! Congrats on the 1M subscribers, this channel was my main learning resource when picking up music production (and my reason for choosing FL Studio), and it's been an awesome help with my learning. So thanks so much for that!

[@hibikikanade]

Phenomenally professional video with interesting and useful techniques. Thanks for sharing!

[@HappyFarmerMG]

7:24 hey! Great video! I can't wait to try this out. I feel like I've been a caveman recording with two sticks until now, thanks for the info. This section right here where you're saying the bass being all warbly or whatever makes me want to make a mix where it sounds like that on the one for the bass but then tightens up right after that until it comes to the one again.

[@mullewap6670]

Oh man, right. If I had known that beforehand, I could have saved myself the track spacer. Thank you Michi

[@DanneK66]

Hey Michael! Really love your content and this video was a game changer! 🤩 I found out that I had to go into the plugins "processing settings" and from there connect my sidechain signal in order for the external sidechain to work properly (used TDR NOVA GE), otherwise the plugin only used the internal signal even though I had put "Ext SC" on. Also, congratz to 1m subs! Keep it up 🙏👏

[@m.c.truevibez]

Good to see you back Man

[@TICTAP]

Your videos are always really helpful to me. 👍👍

[@Swiftopher755]

Soothe 2 is great for this, so much controll but great idea in general, cheers

[@ahmedyadam7240]

Loved the ease and the confidence in the whole journey of yours on this channel Carry on my friend

[@jishnugoyal4397]

This video gave me soo many new ideas! Also just discovered what could I have done better in my last song. Thanks!

[@c1966m]

nice reveal, especially the fl stock routing, I never thought of doing that.

[@j-e-s-u-s-4-4-4]

your video sitted perfectly on the mix.

[@nashsevenofficial]

yo, thanks your parents who created you bro. for real. Thats a game changer. Specially people that sing in chorus or 6 vocal layers

[@MistaHexHash]

This is gold mate, I've erronesly been using SC just for kick/bass and just panning everything else, and spacing it out in terms of frequencies (where they fall in stereo field, what register they're in etc.) whereas it just makes more sense to get more creative with SC. Cheers for this!

[@kroh]

if you want something even cleaner than the first technique, check out track spacer

[@sieje]

Thank you for these techniques. Fl studio really allows you to create. Music and modality

[@antonmattsson2039]

That vocal is masterful, I need this track🔥

[@inthemix]

What You Did To Me - Kennedy Wilde. She’s an amazing artist!

[@antonmattsson2039]

@@inthemix Thank you! yes wow

[@FuChungKu]

Your channel is truely the Holy Grail for FL Studio music production! What would you say is better to achieve this? A Dynamic compressor or a Dynamic EQ? I know they are the same, but not the same, if that makes sense. I've been tinkering with different plugins in FL and patcher to achieve this and appriciate you sharing your knowledge on this top secret advanced mixing technique.

[@inthemix]

Thanks! In general, multiband compressors give you more control over the attack and release of the compression whereas Dynamic EQs have less control over attack and release. However, there are exceptions to this! I prefer Dynamic EQ when I am doing very specific resonance suppression and multiband compression when applying more gentle band reduction. I hope that helps!

[@FuChungKu]

@@inthemix Thanks Michael. There are so many issues overlooked by bedroom producers like me, and I appriciate you taking time to discuss, and provide a solution. If you ever run out of ideas for videos, maybe you could occasionally do a 'fix a Discord channel members mix' style video. Would be quite entertaining to watch you painfully tackle some dreadful compositions ha ha ha.

[@GamsrangMarak]

I've been doing this with stock plugins ... No fancy VST cuz i am broke. 😂😂😂 .. i am a producer from a small village . 💪🏼 ... Great to see this from you. 🤩 ... Cuz i learned a lot from you when i started out.

[@inthemix]

You're welcome. It's amazing what is already available in most DAWs when you spend some time learning them!

[@s.j.warden801]

Thank you! Been following a couple years now and this is the best tutorial on the topic from you to date I think! Nice work and very understandable!! 🤜🏼

[@michaeltablet8577]

Your videos are always helpful! Thank you so very much for sharing your knowledge!

[@kolwindigitalstudio]

Thank you Mike, learned alot from you. Greetings from Papua New Guinea 🇵🇬 and congratulations for 1M subscribers 👏💯 Keep up the great work.

[@MastrKillz]

Congrats on 1m subs! I’m grateful for you and your tips!

[@inthemix]

Thank you, I'm happy to help.

[@RobertCorrington]

Trackspacer by by WavesFactory is $59 and can do frequency compression similar to FabFilter MB, but better. Rather than compressing the entire range, it carves the frequencies that the main track needs out of another track in real time. It's super easy to use and produces great results. I use it all the time.

[@longlemusic21]

Sidechained the vocal to the whole instrument bus was quite impressive since the vocal will always be above instruments. Yes, it will be more effective if we balance each instrument track individually and EQ, compress, reverb, and saturate the vocal. I usually used this technique as the last step in my mixing process, just to ensure the vocal will always be on top or when you only have the vocal the full instrumental beat.

[@sandilesihlangu3446]

Wow I'm glad I learned a new sidechain skill

[@sedna2644]

definitly need more advanced tuts like this

[@Keroser1983]

Thank you very much man!!! Good tips. Also very curious about the news :)

[@dennisb3173]

That second frequency sidechain technique is so simple but efficient, I feel dumb not thinking about it myself 😅

[@Donny6th]

Thank you so much Micheal!! However, another way of doing a frequency sidechain with stock fl studio plugins: - Load up 'parametric EQ 2' in your Instrument's effect chain - Load up 'peak controller' in your vocal's effect chain - Pick the frequency band you wish to sidechain in the Instrument's EQ (i.e bands 1 - 7) and Link the band to the "Peak" in the peak controlller plugin by right clicking the chosen EQ band's leveller at the right hand side and tapping "Link to controller" - when you tap "link to controller" Set the input to "INVERTED" - By now your EQ should be sidechained, but it'll be going upward. To fix this head to peak controller and increase the 'base' value in the 'peak' section to 50. - now mess with the 'Volume' and 'Decay' in the 'peak section' till it's perfectly sidechained. - Also increase or reduce the bandwidth in the EQ to get more precise sidechain. - You don't have to repeat this for every single instrument's effect chain, you can link ANY instrument's EQ to one 'peak controller' just make sure to turn off "remove conflicts" before linking another instrument. Also works with drums No problem try it out, hope this helps!

[@inthemix]

Thanks for sharing. I used to use that method but I find it to take longer and not work quite as elegantly. However, it does use 100% stock plugins which is a bonus!

[@cdasteez]

Brother this is just what I needed right now. Trying to mix my second album right now and forgot the one plugin that did these functions for me 😂..... Better to know myself anyway. Thank you.

[@sukhi.rockstar]

ALways Helpful Videos From You... 😃

[@inthemix]

Thanks for sticking around! I'm glad to be helping.

[@CRBRS]

What a timing, was just watching your sub and bass sidechaining guide😁

[@inthemix]

This video should give you even better results, I hope.

[@aaronpower2614]

I find your videos very helpful thank you so much Much respect 🙏

[@MaxmerRomansUnashamed]

AWESOME Advanced Mixing Tutorial Of How To Master Your Sidechain Compression, MICHAEL @INTHEMIX! ;) :) 😮❤🎉😂😅😊

[@manoeuder]

u are the best! tnks

[@sixd4bit]

This is something I really need to hear

[@jonsmeeguitar8665]

Your videos are awesome! Thank you for your wisdom and well explained videos! 🔥

[@Irishpineapple97]

Such a great resource, thank you! Could you get a very similar sort of effect from using fruity parametric eq2 with the peak controller on a specific band? Maybe it's just a tad bit more conveluded?

[@Jost2011]

👍 - _also_ for the YT algo! 😊

[@inthemix]

Thanks again Jost

[@dantepatel]

I've got a question, if you don't mind answering. Do you ever use sidechain with Soothe2? I've been experimenting with using it on the mid/high range instruments with the vocal as the input signal. I wanna know if you would find this preferable to the regular band compression method you showed in the first part. How would you characterize the difference? Thanks!

[@jmontoh675]

Can you create few compression presets and share them here? Btw I just downloaded the Nova ready to used but I still need to go step by step with this video. Thanks again for your great effort ❤

[@djse]

You can also use the frequency splitter to send only the part you want to trigger the sidechain, it's a bit less specific (cause you can't really make a tight boost like you could with an EQ) but it's easier/quicker to set up and avoid using to much track on the mixer (even though there's no limitation, I know I like to use less track so everything stay on the screen)

[@00_skywalker]

You are genius for real

[@RP123lolololol]

The man

[@vitalyzhukovsky2927]

What about Wavesfactory Trackspacer, Mike? Do you have any experience with it? If yes, did you make any comparison between Trackspacer and the approaches shown in this video? As usual, thank you so much!

[@inthemix]

As far as I know, Trackspacer is an effective tool for this technique/processing. It uses more bands which may or may not sound better (its all subjective!). Of course, it has a cost and is not available for free like these methods are.

[@anotherxlife]

Thank you for this great video! 🔥

[@deathbydesire9832]

Would love to hear your opinion on the multiband sidechain preset for patcher. Thanks

[@anurgmusic]

3:29 there's a faster and easier way, you don't need to create automations. Link the gain of the eq band to a peak controller (load the peak controller in the vocal track and the eq on the keys) and you are done. You might need to tweak some settings in the peak controller to get best results. Also invert the input signal under mapping settings in "link to controller" to get that sidechain

[@inthemix]

This only works in FL studio. The peak controller method is good but I wanted to show a method which could be applied in any software. I hope that makes sense?

[@anurgmusic]

@@inthemix Oo, got it👍

[@A10-Wart-Hog]

Michael is the best!

[@CASHAVV-BEATS]

Amazing

[@lukaszkowalski4160]

Thanks for this vid! nicely explained how to avoid the less obvious clatter. Any chance for a video explaining how to make several tracks made in FL Studio transition seamlessly into each other, like in an album? Thanks!

[@inthemix]

Great idea. I personally use WaveLab to sequence tracks in an Album or EP. In terms of the production, there are many cools ways to do this. You could produce the 2 songs in the same project. You could produce them individually and then being them into a new project to add a new sound that is seamless between the 2 songs etc. What sort of music do you make? I might be able to offer different advice is it’s ambient or acoustic etc.

[@lukaszkowalski4160]

@@inthemix I'm working (slowly) on a New Age album (electronic, in FL Studio) and when finished, I'd like to make the tracks transition to the next without a pause, i.e. with some background fx etc. Thanks for the tips :)

[@inthemix]

@@lukaszkowalski4160 Okay so the only way I’ve made this work is by eventually exporting the songs together (uninterrupted) and then slicing them afterwards. To do this you’ll have to extend the end of each individual song. Maybe this is by extending a pad, sound effect or something at the end of the song. You can then pull all the individual song into a new project, add the transition sound effects (perhaps one of the pads or sounds from the songs?) and blend the ends of the songs together by stacking each song on a different playlist track. Export that whole project together. Master the whole thing together. You can apply different effects to each track but the final limiter must be the same across all tracks. Then take that final audio file and split it up into 4 songs. The playback will be seamless. Unfortunately this process is tedious and difficult in FL studio because it’s not really designed for this sort of work. I use WaveLab for this. Its not an intuitive software but it is excellent for these sort of sequencing jobs during mastering. I’ve done a few seamless transition projects and it’s always a joy hearing them playback on Spotify etc.

[@lukaszkowalski4160]

@@inthemix Thank you very much for your feedback, I'll play around with these techniques before I finish all the tracks just to get the overall idea of how it could work etc.

[@Emariess]

There’s a great plugin called “track spacer” that does all of this for you with a really simple interface

[@inthemix]

Yeah it's a great alternative. Not free though, understandably!

[@pineapple_on_cheeseburger]

I used to use sidechain ott on reverb so it sounds like Skrillex futurebass style

[@KudosCultureCartel]

Another way is to use Fruity Balance and create an automation clip thats only 1 bar long. Set the sidechain curve you want in the Automation Editor and then just trigger the sidechain automation clip using step sequencer notes on its own pattern. Very easy to change when the sidechain hits this way rather duplicating drum patterns and rearranging kick patterns. Just duplicate the sidechain pattern instead

[@inthemix]

I've used the fruity balance method but never triggering it with the step sequencer...I think you're on to something there!

[@KudosCultureCartel]

@@inthemix I cant take the credit think i learned it from FLStduioTips the guy Max i think his name is? Gem though!

[@nashsevenofficial]

Hi bro, do you have a video on how to make that sidechain to the reverb bus? You know so the compressor recieves the vocal signal and duskc the reverb everytime the vocal comes in so we don't have that reverb going all over the next phrases.

[@Skibidi1818]

Have you ever produced edm music? Progressive house for example

[@1loveMusic2003]

Interested in what the news is I really appreciate your videos hope it's good news for you.😃

[@aro7975]

My Slate VSX just arrived and im just wondering if you recommend setting the depth dial to full and does the ear profile actually make much of a difference?

[@JugalsMelodyJugal]

Congrts for 1m S sir

[@inthemix]

Thanks!

[@trashtuber6021]

how do you use several TDR novas on one mixer track? Like how do you direct the audio from a preceding one to another one in a different slot?

[@zackchico6087]

THANK YOU

[@DJGEKTA]

Pease Make a same sidechain video witth pro tools

[@gknt7234]

What do you think about the Neutron 4 unmask option? I don't want to pay that much for fabfilter plugins.

[@C.D.J.Burton]

Is peak controller an option or am I missing something? Perhaps more control your way?

[@LBJedi]

Hi Michael😊 I’ve always used more narrow bands, but I tried widening them after watching this, and it really did sound A LOT more natural. Thanks’ on a different topic, what’s your take on everything surrounding Atmos? I’ve been working entirely on headphones because we currently live in an apartment. However, my wife and I just bought a house, so I’m going to be building my first true studio. I’m really debating on whether I get a stereo pair of really high quality monitors, or maybe I invest in a Dolby Atmos set up of “lesser quality“ monitors.

[@diemturner5755]

I would wait to see if ATMOS actually establishes itself as a format in terms of music reproduction before taking that plunge. At present, you'll be better served by investing that money in a pair of high quality monitors although, one thing that's worth mentioning on this topic is that when it comes to listening environments (particularly those that will be used for mixing and/or mastering where accuracy and the certainty that what you're hearing are the actual sounds and frequencies coming out of your speakers is of paramount importance) your money should be going into room construction and acoustic treatment (I'm not talking about the ubiquitous foam squares you see everywhere, I mean real acoustic treatment). A cheap pair of speakers in a well designed and constructed room will produce more accurate results than even the most expensive speakers in a crap room. I could be wrong but, I don't see ATMOS becoming more than a niche thing in terms of music playback. Or do you really see a lot of run of the mill consumers installing speakers all over the place for ATMOS mixdowns? I can't. But we'll see as time goes on. Hope this helps.

[@whereisbandj]

GOAT

[@francissaute3808]

Thank you

[@harshal8908]

Hey should I buy beyerdaynamic DT 990 pro for watching movies and leasing music?

[@zenoz7294]

damn you're always my favourite

[@louistheeighth8976]

I'm following these exact steps as far as I can tell... trying to have the frequencies of instrument B duck a little in the high end, when instrument A is playing. I have sidechained Instrument A to instrument B, and added TDR Nova to instrument B's mixing channel. I then have followed the steps within TDR Nova that you provided, but instrument B's frequencies are being cut regardless of whether or not instrument A is playing... do you have any advice on what I may be doing incorrectly, please?

[@aro7975]

How are you finding the VSX by Slate? I just bought them on back-order in case they went out of stock again when they are due in, so still have some time to decide if made the wrong decision 🤣. I too was using the dt 1990 beforehand. Edit: I also noticed that you are using the audio interface that Neumann have just released a partnered rebrand version (mt48) or is it that you got one early. How is the interface? Was looking to upgrade to the Neumann one.

[@inthemix]

I’m really happy with the VSX, I of course still use my monitors and all the tools available to me but they have been so helpful with the low end especially! The interface I use looks identical to the MT48 but it is quite different. This is the Merging Anubis. Honestly the MT48 looks better because it is USB C whereas mine connects over a network. They are both built by Merging and the quality is incredible. I haven’t yet tested the MT48 but I think they might send me one for testing. If I try it out, I’ll let you know!

[@aro7975]

​@@inthemix Thanks very much for the info. I'm glad you said low end. I'm in a moderately treated room but being in a residential area and having somewhat hollow floors, mixing with a sub just isn't possible, and I even have a -4db bass roll-off dialed into my monitors. I use the hedd type 07 and they give amazing detail, but needed an all rounder for working into the night, that gives multiple points of reference. I love the fact that they are closed back too , giving the option of tracking vocals or recording for sound design purposes. That's great news with the Neumann , fingers crossed and thanks again 👍.

[@stashill565]

Cant you just link only the kick and the Bass with sidechain instead of putting the compressor on the whole drumbus? If i mentioned it correctly u dont wanted to effect the rest of the drums anyway. And normally u have a mixer track reserved for the kick drum anyway. Please correct me if i am wrong. :D Thx as always for your very helpful tips and your content. Much love! :)

[@taruhmei]

8:03 I get it😄 you are going to be a father😁

[@inthemix]

Nope!

[@ROYMITH]

Sir, if I use (fl studio) demo version and use default instrument sound and default effort of demo version and use any free vst with it in fl studio demo version if make any music and upload that music on youtube I do Will there be any problem then? Please tell me sir

[@rommynine]

Why don’t use frequency splitter, for second example?

[@inthemix]

It would be the perfect tool but I wanted to try and keep the video flexible for those who don’t have FL studio.

[@rommynine]

@@inthemix that’s right. thank you, sir.

[@jishnugoyal4397]

Doubt: What is the difference between sidechaining vs using peak controller and linking it to a band on the paramteric eq2?

[@inthemix]

Peak controlled only follows the peak, not necessarily the energy in a particular range. The peak controller is also only available in FL Studio.

[@wangshu7]

Wow!

[@nuvisionprinting]

I've noticed with fl i can't side chain more than 1 channel to a single channel.

[@BIGDAVEMUZIK]

🔥

[@RebiwGiant-um8vp]

I know the song from the VMR video.