How do I use the sidechain?

The sidechain on the EP-40 uses note triggers to engage a sidechain compressor, letting you choose a source pad to duck the volume of a destination group. A classic use is having a kick drum duck the bass.

Open the sidechain settings

Press shift and fx to enter the output settings, then press + to navigate to the sidechain.

Select a source

Hold a group pad and select a sound to add it as the source for the sidechain. This is the sound that will trigger the ducking effect.

Select a destination group

Hold shift and press a group pad to add it as the destination, meaning this group's volume will be ducked when the source triggers.

Adjust the duck length

Turn knob x to set how long the ducking effect lasts.

Adjust the duck shape

Turn knob y to shape how the ducking effect curves, controlling how it fades in and out.

Tips

One handy detail: because the sidechain is triggered by note data rather than audio level, you can trigger it even from a silent pad. This gives you precise control over the exact length and shape of the duck without needing an actual audio signal to drive it.