Specifications

S3L System Guide148
Using the Sidechain
Dynamics processors typically use the detected amplitude of their
input signal to trigger gain reduction. This split-off signal is
known as the sidechain. The built-in Comp/Lim and Exp/Gate
feature sidechain circuits with external key and EQ filter capabil-
ities.
With external key sidechain processing, dynamics processing is
triggered using an external signal (such as another input) instead
of the input signal. This external source is known as the key input.
With sidechain EQ filters, you can make dynamics processing
more or less sensitive to certain frequencies. For example, you
might configure the side-chain so that certain lower frequencies
on a drum track trigger dynamics processing.
Engaging the Sidechain
The sidechain must be engaged to enable both external key and
EQ filter sidechain processing for the selected channel. The Key
In control can be toggled in or out from Channel Control or
on-screen.
To toggle the sidechain in or out of circuit from Channel Control:
1 Assign the Comp/Lim or Exp/Gate function to Channel Con-
trol.
2 Press the Channel Control encoder In switch under the display
showing
Key LF.
To toggle the side-chain in or out of circuit from the on-screen
Inputs or Outputs page:
 For Comp/Lim, click the C/L Sidechain tab, and then click the
Key In button.
 For Exp/Gate, click the E/G Sidechain tab, and then click the
Key In button.
Using External Key Sidechain
The on-screen Key Assign selectors lets you select the side-chain
source for either dynamics processor and its pickoff point.
You can use any of the following as the key source for the
Comp/Lim and the Exp/Gate:
•Self
• Any Input Channel or FX Return
• Any hardware input
• You can also specify the pickoff source for the key signal
for input channels.
To select the key input for the sidechain:
1 Select an Input Channel.
2 Click the E/G Side-Chain tab in the dynamics section to select
the gate.
3 Click the Key Source selector and choose an available channel
or bus.
To select a pickoff point for the key source signal:
 Click the Source Pickoff selector and choose a pickoff source
for the selected key signal:
Key In button
Choosing a Key Source