Ba si c s – s id ec ha in f ilt er, Sidechain filter, Basics – elysia alpha compressor User Manual
Page 16
16
BA
SI
C
S
–
S
id
ec
ha
in
F
ilt
er
Sidechain Filter
The sidechain filter allows frequency-dependent shaping of the compression process by giving
specific frequency areas a stronger or weaker influence on the detection circuit.
The linked M/S mode is most suitable to demonstrate the effect: Since the largest amount of signal
energy can be found in the middle as a general rule (bass drum etc.), the filter will have its greatest
impact here. A track with a balanced proportion of bass, middle and treble frequencies should be
chosen to give this function a try.
If the SC gain controller is set to HP (High Pass), the filter will act like a 6 dB high pass and the
reaction of the compressor on bass frequencies decreases. The setting LP (Low Pass) turns the
filter into a 6 dB low pass and the compressor reacts primarily on low frequencies. Again, the gain
reduction meter is a reliable aid to evaluate the distinct modes of operation.
The combination of sidechain filters, M/S matrix and different attack settings enables you to make
very selective changes and – depending on the source material – even to process single instru-
ments or voices in finished mixes. Details on that can be found in the Scenarios chapter.
Note: When working in linked stereo mode, the sidechain filters of both channels should be set to
identical values. In linked M/S mode, however, only the sidechain filter of the middle channel is
active, and in unlinked M/S mode the SC filter of the side channel is available, too.
Soft Clip
Gain Reduction
M/S Mode
Active
Channel Link
Mix
Gain
EQ Freq
Hz
SC Gain
dB
SC Freq
EQ Gain
Auto Fast
Feed Forward
On
Auto Fast
x10
On
Transformer
Direct
Compressed
On
Thresh
Attack
Release
Ratio
Soft Clip
Mix
Gain
EQ Freq
SC Gain
dB
EQ Gain
Auto Fast
Feed Forward
On
Auto Fast
x10
On
Transformer
Direct
Compressed
On
Thresh
Attack
ms
Release
ms
Ratio
1:X
Soft Clip
SC Freq
Left
Input
Compressor
Sidechain
Filter
Gain
Stage
Left
Output
M/S Enc
oder
M/S Dec
oder
Right
Input
Compressor
Sidechain
Gain
Stage
Right
Output
S
M
L
R
BASICS