Side-Chain Input
Many VST 3 effects feature a side-chain input. Side-chaining allows you to use the output of one track to control the action of an effect on another track.
Effects from the following categories feature side-chain:
Modulation
Delay
Filter
By activating the side-chain input you can do the following:
Use the side-chain signal as a modulation source.
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Apply ducking to the instrument, that is, reduce the volume of the instrument track when a signal is present on the audio track.
Compress the signals on one audio track when a second audio track starts.
This is typically used to add compression on a bass sound when the drums are hit.
For detailed descriptions of the plug-ins that feature side-chaining, see the separate document “Plug-in Reference”.
Certain combinations of tracks and side-chain inputs may lead to feedback loops and added latency. If this is the case, the side-chain options are not available.
Side-chain connections are only kept when you move an effect within a channel. When you drag and drop an effect between channels, or when you copy an effect into another effect slot, the side-chain connections are lost.
Side-Chain and Modulation
Side-chain signals bypass the built-in LFO modulation and apply modulation according to the envelope of the side-chain signal. Since each channel is analyzed and modulated separately, this allows for creating astonishing spatial modulation effects.