• SONAR
  • 2 Bus Compression with Side-chaining (vocal) - How do I achieve this technique in Sonar?
2016/04/02 14:34:31
Flagrant Regard
Hey guys/gals. This video has my interest piqued somewhat, but the platform being used is foreign territory.  
 
https://youtu.be/ey2v8ZEjjcY
 
Has anyone got advice on how to set up a 2 buss compression technique that emulates this apparently effective way of getting the vocal to suppress (subtly, of course!) the instrument tracks buss using a side-chaining tool/effect? Have the Waves Merc. collection and some other good plugs, but what would y'all suggest to make this happen and has anyone ever done this in Sonar?  
 
Please & Thanks in advance!
 
Martin D.
2016/04/02 14:58:44
tlw
You need two tracks. Or busses.
 
One is for vocals only, the other for everything else.
 
In the "everything else" track/buss pro channel or fx bin insert any compressor which has a side-chain ability.
 
On the vocal track/bus set up a send which points to the compressor side-chain input. Turn it up. The volume you set the send to will affect how the compressor reacts, as will the compressor settings,
 
The goal side-chain will now be controlling the compressor. Adjust the compressor to give the gain reduction you want whenever the vocals are active and the vocal send likewise.
 
Just be aware that "dipping" music behind sung vocals in this way can sound very artificial compared with riding the faders, writing their movements to automation and adjusting the levels as you go. Ducking of this kind to allow vocals to be relatively louder than the music is most often used for e.g. dropping background music while an announcement is made.
 
It is a handy trick for preventing a bass line and kick drum from de-punching each other though. In that situation the send is on the kick track and the compressor is on the bass so that when the kick hits the bass is dropped in volume for just long enough to allow the kick transient to come through clearly.
2016/04/02 15:43:22
Flagrant Regard
Thanks for this! Great thoughts/excogitations from someone who knows what they're doing by the looks of things. Much appreciated! Now onto my next question (if it hasn't been dealt with already - have to do a search. Parallel compression!)
 
Take care,
Martin D.
2016/04/02 20:33:18
Sanderxpander
What an interesting question from someone who owns such an expensive collection of software.
2016/04/03 18:40:52
Anderton
The PC4K S-Type bus compressor and the PC-76 U-Type compressor ProChannel modules both do parallel compression inherently, because they have wet/dry controls.
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