Designed by Nicky Romero and Cableguys, who also make the more feature-rich VolumeShaper, Kickstart features a big Mix control, 16 hand-crafted modulation curves, a precise oscilloscope, and can run synced or retriggered via MIDI, with loop and one-shot modes all available on a streamlined interface. Read more at Cableguysĭrop Kickstart on any track and this effective plugin will immediately apply sidechain-style compression to provide space and definition or give your sound a rhythmic advantage. It also runs samples in sync with your DAW, in Hz mode up to the audible range or retriggered via MIDI. VolumeShaper provides a visual approach to volume shaping to create musical effects such as multiband sidechain compression simulation, creative gating, tempo-synced stutters and tremolo, precise sample-sculpting, and bit-crushing effects. VolumeShaper features multiband waveform-based editing, a comprehensive selection of preset curves, an oscilloscope, a big spectrum view and a selection of presets. VolumeShaper is an extremely flexible tool that lets you shape the levels of any audio signal in pinpoint detail. Equipped with dozens of presets, this handy tool is capable of achieving desired results quickly, or you can shape your own curves with the customizable point+tension-curve editor which is switchable via MIDI notes or automation to add expressive movement to your sounds.
LFOTool can also generate MIDI CC messages to control other instruments, effects, or external hardware. LFOTool is an effect utility plugin developed by Xfer Records that allows users to sculpt custom waveshape curves to modulate volume to create effects such tremolo, auto-pan, trance-gate, wobbles, as well as simulate sidechain compression with minimal effort. To alleviate the setup process and keep the creative train rolling we rounded up six alternative sidechain compression plugins that offer immediate results without any audio routing or need for external audio sources. Sidechain compression is also used for various other purposes to treat all types of audio sources in musical ways.Īlthough sidechain compression is fairly simple to set up, it can often be a tedious process that can become inconvenient when your workflow is in high gear.
This vital mixing technique creates space by removing bass frequencies that could conflict with the low frequencies of the kick making it sound less powerful. For example, one of the most common uses of sidechain compression is using a kick drum to trigger a compressor on a bass track to quickly duck the volume each time the kick drum plays allowing it to cut through the mix with more impact. Sidechain compression is achieved by using an audio source to trigger a compressor placed on another source to attenuate the volume of the audio being played. Sidechain compression is an essential mixing technique used to create space in a mix so other elements are heard more clearly or can be applied creatively to add that signature ‘Pumping’ effect, create rhythmic gating effects, and add movement to static sounds. In this roundup, we look at six alternative sidechain compression plugins that offer immediate results without the need to set up a compressor triggered by an external audio source.