Kick and bass fighting? How to sidechain them

The kick and bass live in the same low frequencies, so when they play together they cover each other up. Sidechaining fixes it: the bass ducks down every time the kick hits and comes back right after. You get a clear kick and a full bass, and with more ducking, that classic pumping groove.

How to do it

1. Put a compressor on the bass and set its sidechain input to the kick.
2. Use a high ratio (4:1 or more) and a fast attack.
3. Lower the threshold until the bass ducks 3 to 6 dB on each kick.
4. Set the release so the bass is back up before the next kick.
5. For a big, obvious pump, use a volume-shaping plugin and draw the curve instead.

Why it works

Two sounds at the same frequency at the same moment add up to mud. Taking turns, even for a few milliseconds, lets your ears hear each one.