Ducking is a popular technique used in EDM music to apply percussive processing to pads, leads, and bass lines using side-chains on compressors. This technique is also used as a method for getting bass and drum passages to subtly fit together in mixes. In order to successfully apply ducking to your track you must have the following:
- Compressor inserted on a pad or lead track with side-chain capabilities
- Percussive source to key the side-chain
First, grab a kick drum sample and align it to the desirable rhythm you need. Next, insert a compressor onto your synth lead or pad track. Afterwards insert a send on the sampled kick drum track and set the send to “Pre-fader”. In SONAR, deselecting the [Post] button enables pre-fader sends. Mute the kick drum sample and turn up the gain on the send.
Once you have the signal flow set, enable the Sidechain on the Compressor. Now, every time the kick drum sample plays the Side-Chain will trigger the compressor and “Duck” the signal. You can set the compressor using the Threshold, Attack, and Release settings to shape the kind of effect you want.
Try it yourself with the SONAR X2 Producer free 30-Day trial.