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How do I use sidechain?

KO IItutorialguide
By ivan.codes·Updated Jul 2026·Official KO II Guide ↗

Sidechain on the KO II uses note triggers to duck the volume of one group whenever another sound plays, great for making kick drums pump against a bassline.

Open sidechain settings

Press shift and FX to open the output settings, then press + to switch from the master compressor to sidechain.

Select the source

Hold a group pad and press a pad to select the sound that will trigger the ducking. For example, hold Group A and press your kick drum pad.

Select the destination

Hold shift and press a group pad to choose which group gets ducked. For example, hold shift and press Group B to duck the bass.

Shape the effect

Turn knobX to set the length of the duck, controlling how long the volume dips after each trigger. Turn knobY to adjust the shape, which changes how the duck curves in and out.

Tips

  • The sidechain uses note triggers, so it responds to the sequenced rhythm of the source sound, even if the source pad is silent.
  • You can select multiple destination groups by holding shift and pressing additional group pads.
  • Combine with the master compressor drive and speed settings for a more pronounced pumping effect.

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