How to Use Sidechain Compression to Level Up Your Videos

There is one secret trick that all your favorite creators are using and you probably haven't even noticed: sidechain compression. It's the best way to ensure your voice is heard clearly when you still want music playing in the background. Here’s a basic guide to setting this up:

Start with two channels: one for your talking and one for your music.
Adjust the gain: Reduce the gain on your music to a suitable overall level for your talking.
Sidechain the talking to your music: This process tells your music channel to listen to your voice channel.
Add a compressor: Once you've set up the sidechain, add a compressor to the music channel.
Adjust the threshold: Modify the threshold levels on the compressor so you can hear your voice clearly over the music.

This is what your audio might sound like before implementing sidechain compression, and this is after. The effect is subtle but makes a world of difference.

Keywords

Sidechain Compression
Video Editing
Audio Mixing
Gain Adjustment
Threshold Levels
Background Music
Voice Clarity

FAQ

Q: What is sidechain compression? A: Sidechain compression is a technique used in audio mixing where the volume of one audio track is automatically reduced when another track reaches a certain level.

Q: Why should I use sidechain compression? A: It ensures that your voice is clearly heard over any background music or sound effects, creating a more professional and polished final product.

Q: How do I set up sidechain compression? A: Begin with separate channels for your talking and music. Reduce the overall gain of your music, sidechain the talking to your music, add a compressor, and adjust the threshold to ensure voice clarity.

Q: Is sidechain compression difficult to implement? A: While it may seem complex initially, sidechain compression is quite straightforward with the right steps and tools, and it greatly enhances the quality of your video’s audio.

Q: Can sidechain compression be applied to other audio elements besides voice and music? A: Yes, sidechain compression can be used for various audio elements, such as sound effects and different instruments in a music track, to ensure the primary sound stands out.