Logic Tutorial: SideChaining

Sidechaining is the process of fluctuating an instrument around your bass.  To start this process, select the beat instrument that you want the other music to vary around.  Whenever the beat hits on this instrument, the instruments that you have sidechained it to will grow quieter to make the bass hit harder.  Set the output on your beat to Bus1, and turn it up to 0 dB.  Then select your lead, and pull up the Compression input.  In the top right of your compressor, there should be a box that says Side Chain: None.  Change this to Bus 1.

To adjust your sound, you will have to tinker with the settings a bit.  Make sure your Compressor Threshold is very low, because this will allow your lead to become quieter.  Then adjust the ratio.  This is probably the most important factor in how much flutuation you get.  If you ration is very low, you won't be able to tell the difference.  If it is very high, like 30:1 for example, your beat will go from near silent to blasting loud when the beat hits. 

For another special trick, mute your beat (bus 1) and the lead will still fluctuate to the unheard notes.  It can give a very unique, pumping sound.

You Get What You Give

Zac Brown Band recently released their new album called 'You Get What You Give'.  It peaked at 1st place  in the U.S. Billboard Country Albums.  Its singles were also critically recieved.

Expert Recommended Tracks:

Knee Deep (feat. Jimmy Buffet)

Cold Hearted

Colder Weather

As She's Walking Away (feat. Alan Jackson)

Keep Me In Mind