How to bring your vocals upfront using SIDE-CHAIN COMPRESSION in CUBASE 8.5 - MixdownOnline.com

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of using side-chain compression in Cubase 8.5 to bring your vocals to the forefront of your mix. This technique can enhance clarity and presence, making your vocals more prominent. While the focus is on vocals, you can also apply this method to other instruments for a more polished sound.

Step 1: Set Up Your Project

1. Open Cubase 8.5 and load your project.
2. Ensure all your audio tracks, including the vocals and the track you want to use as the side-chain source (often a kick drum or bass), are properly set up.
3. Adjust the levels of your tracks so that they are in a suitable range for mixing.

Step 2: Add a Compressor to Your Vocal Track

1. Select the vocal track in the mixer.
2. Insert a compressor plugin on the vocal track.
3. Look for the side-chain option within the compressor settings.

Step 3: Enable Side-Chain Input

1. On the side-chain compressor, enable the side-chain input.
2. Choose the track you want to use as the trigger (e.g., kick drum).
3. Make sure the side-chain input is correctly routed to the compressor on your vocal track.

Step 4: Adjust the Compressor Settings

1. Set the threshold of the compressor to determine when the compression will kick in.
2. Fine-tune the ratio to control the amount of gain reduction.
3. Adjust the attack and release settings:
   • Attack: Set a fast attack to quickly reduce the volume of the vocals when the side-chain input triggers.
   • Release: Set a medium to fast release to allow the vocals to come back up quickly after the side-chain input stops.

Step 5: Fine-Tune the Sound

1. Play back your track and listen to how the vocals respond to the side-chain compression.
2. Adjust the threshold, ratio, attack, and release settings as necessary to achieve the desired effect.
3. Avoid heavy compression to prevent your vocals from sounding unnatural.

Step 6: Deactivate Auto Make-up Gain

1. If your compressor has an Auto Make-up Gain feature, consider disabling it.
2. Manually adjust the output gain to ensure your vocals sit well within the mix without being overly boosted.

Step 7: Apply to Other Instruments

1. You can use the same side-chain compression technique on other instruments, such as bass lines or pads, to create space in your mix.
2. Repeat steps 2-6 for each instrument you want to apply this technique to.

Conclusion

Side-chain compression is an effective tool to bring your vocals forward in a mix. By following these steps, you can enhance vocal clarity and presence while also applying the technique to other tracks. Experiment with different settings to find the best sound for your project. Happy mixing!