How do I use sidechain?
KO IIEP-133 sidechainduckingsidechain compression EP-133
The EP-133 has a built-in sidechain compressor for that pumping effect:
What sidechain does:
- Ducks (lowers volume) of other sounds when the kick hits
- Creates the classic "pumping" EDM effect
- Makes kicks punch through the mix
Setting up sidechain: 1. Enter effects mode (press FX) 2. Navigate to the compressor effect 3. Enable sidechain mode 4. The kick drum (typically pad 1 in group A) becomes the trigger
Sidechain parameters:
- Threshold — How loud the kick must be to trigger ducking
- Ratio — How much the other sounds are reduced
- Attack — How fast the ducking kicks in
- Release — How long until sounds return to full volume
Tips for good sidechain:
- Use a strong, punchy kick
- Set release to match your tempo (faster tempo = shorter release)
- Works best on sustained sounds (pads, bass, synths)
- Too much sidechain sounds unnatural
Alternative method: If you want manual sidechain, use the fader to automate volume dips in sync with your kick pattern.