Advanced Higher
Side-chain compression
Side-chain compression uses one signal to control compression applied to another signal.
Level relevance: introduced at Advanced Higher; tagged for every later level where the same concept remains useful.
Explanation
A common example is using a kick drum to trigger compression on a bass or pad so the kick cuts through. Side-chaining can solve mix problems or create obvious rhythmic pumping effects.
Topics
DynamicsMixingProcessing
Curriculum statusofficial concept
Review statusdraft
Sources
- Advanced Higher Music Technology course specification, May 2023, version 3.0 · accessed 2026-07-08
Used for Advanced Higher technology skills, technology concepts, and progression from lower levels.