Side-chain Compression

An effect pedal's side-chain allows for the effect to be triggered by a second audio signal, other than the signal that the effect pedal is processing. This second signal could come from any device you have open on your desktop, for example if you were using the Compressor to compress your bassline you could route a drum machine through the compressors side-chain so that the bassline would duck or drop in volume every time the drum machine played a sound. What is important to note about side-chaining is that whatever audio signal you want to side-chain must be duplicated, with one cable going to the effect's side-chain and one going to the mixer, this can be seen below with the signal from the drum machine being split with the Splitter, with one of the cables going to the Compressors side-chain and one going to the mixer. NOTE: If you want to hear the full effect of the side-chain it is important that the Compressor's ratio is turned all the way down and the Compressor's threshold is turned all the way up. (advised if you want it hardcore)

(Below) Example of the Beatbox 9 being side-chained through the Compressor.