setup_sidechain
Set up sidechain compression so one track ducks another, creating rhythmic pumping effects for bass, pads, or reverb. Automates aux send, compressor routing, and envelope settings.
Instructions
Set up sidechain compression: source pumps/ducks the target.
Creates an aux send from source→target on channels 3/4, sets the target track to 4 channels, finds-or-adds a compressor on the target, pin-maps channels 3/4 to the compressor's sidechain input pins, and configures the compressor for pumping character.
Use cases:
EDM kick → bass (classic pumping bassline)
EDM kick → pads (breathing pad)
Vocal lead → synth pad (pad ducks under vocals)
Snare → reverb tail (dynamic reverb)
Args: source_track: Track whose signal drives the ducking (e.g. kick). target_track: Track that gets ducked (e.g. pad, bass). amount: 0.0 (subtle) to 1.0 (heavy pumping). Defaults to 0.7. Translates to threshold/ratio if those are not explicit. attack_ms: Comp attack. Fast (2-10ms) = tight pump. Default 5. release_ms: Comp release. 80-250ms for classic EDM pump. Default 180. ratio: Compression ratio. 0 = derive from amount. Typical 4:1 to 10:1. threshold_db: Threshold in dB. 0 = derive from amount. Typical -15 to -30. compressor_name: "ReaComp" (default), "FabFilter Pro-C 2", or any loaded compressor. fx_index: Use an existing FX by index on the target. -1 = find-or-add by name. send_db: Aux send level in dB (drives how hard the compressor reacts). 0 = unity.
Returns: {success, send_index, fx_index, compressor_name, threshold_db, ratio, ...}
Input Schema
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| ratio | No | ||
| amount | No | ||
| send_db | No | ||
| fx_index | No | ||
| attack_ms | No | ||
| release_ms | No | ||
| source_track | Yes | ||
| target_track | Yes | ||
| threshold_db | No | ||
| compressor_name | No | ReaComp |