Reference Guide

629
Sidechaining
Mixing
Sidechaining
SONAR supports multi-input plug-ins, which are typically sidechain plug-ins that have two inputs: a
primary input and a sidechain input.
When SONAR detects such a plug-in in an FX bin, a virtual output port is created for each extra
input exposed by the plug-in. Audio track, Bus and Send outputs can be routed to sidechain inputs.
Sidechaining is typically used with compressors to limit one signal depending on the signal level of
another. Common applications are to reduce the level of a bass guitar when there is a kick drum, or
to reduce the level of music whenever a speaker talks (often used for background music in radio-
and television programs). There are of course many more applications that are not mentioned here.
SONAR includes the following plug-ins that support sidechaining:
• Sonitus Compressor
• Sonitus Gate
• Vintage Channel VC-64 (SONAR Producer only)
Sidechaining signal flow
See also:
Signal Flow
To assign a track/bus/send output to a sidechain input
1. Insert the sidechain-capable plug-in in a track or bus FX bin (see “Adding effects” on page 209).
The sidechain input is exposed in the list of available output destinations in all Track/Bus/Send
Output controls (except for outputs that would result in a feedback loop).
Track 1
Output
Track 1 FX Bin
Track 2
Output / Send
Bus
Output / Send
FX
Sidechainable FX
Hardware
Output
Sum
Sidechain input
Bus