How does sidechain compression create the pumping effect in dance music?. Show a quick before-and-after with a simple kick and pad, then visualize the volume ducking as an animated meter. Keep it practical with one common setup and one creative variation for different vibes.

Transcript

In dance music, sidechain compression creates the pumping effect by using a kick drum to trigger gain reduction on a pad, causing rhythmic volume dips. Before compression, the pad sounds steady, but afterward the pad ducks with every kick hit, as if an animated meter visually displays the drop and rise in volume. A common setup uses a fast attack, fast release, and a moderate ratio so the pad cleanly pumps in sync with the kick, delivering a punchy mix. A creative variation employs a ghost trigger or multiband sidechaining to duck only specific frequencies for different vibes, from subtle movement to an extreme rhythmic pulse. Together, these practical techniques fuse mix clarity with creative energy, ensuring that the kick and pad work in harmony like partners in a dynamic ecosystem.