How to Set Up Sidechain Compression in FL Studio

Set up sidechain compression in FL Studio using Fruity Limiter or Gross Beat to create a pumping effect on bass and pads.

Mixing & Effects · intermediate level

Steps

  1. Route the Kick to a Mixer Track

    Click your kick channel in the Channel Rack and assign it to a dedicated Mixer track by adjusting the 'Track' number at the top of the Channel Settings.

  2. Route the Bass to Another Mixer Track

    Similarly, assign your bass or pad channel to a separate Mixer track. This is the track that will be ducked by the kick.

  3. Sidechain-Link the Tracks

    Select the kick's Mixer track, then right-click the send arrow pointing to the bass's Mixer track and choose 'Sidechain to this track'. This sends the kick's signal as a sidechain source without adding audio.

  4. Add Fruity Limiter to the Bass Track

    Open the bass Mixer track's effect slot and load 'Fruity Limiter'. Switch to the 'COMP' (compressor) tab inside the plugin.

  5. Configure the Compressor

    In Fruity Limiter's compressor section, select the sidechain input from the dropdown. Lower the Threshold, set a moderate Ratio (4:1–8:1), fast Attack, and adjust Release to taste for the pumping effect.

More FL Studio tutorials