Specifications

Chapter 6: Dynamics III 31
Using the Side-Chain Input in
Dynamics III
(Compressor/Limiter
and Expander/Gate Only)
Dynamics processors typically use the detected
amplitude of their input signal to trigger gain re-
duction. This split-off signal is known as the
side-chain. The Compressor/Limiter and Ex-
pander/Gate plug-ins feature external key capa-
bilities and filters for the side-chain.
With external key side-chain processing, you
trigger dynamics processing using an external
signal (such as a separate reference track or au-
dio source) instead of the input signal. This ex-
ternal source is known as the key input.
With side-chain filters, you can make dynamics
processing more or less sensitive to certain fre-
quencies. For example, you might configure the
side-chain so that certain lower frequencies on a
drum track trigger dynamics processing.
Side-Chain Section
The Side-Chain section lets you toggle the side-
chain between the internal input signal or an
external key input, listen to the side-chain, and
tailor the equalization of the side-chain signal so
that the triggering of dynamics processing be-
comes frequency-sensitive.
External Key
The External Key toggles external side-chain
processing on or off. When this button is high-
lighted, the plug-in uses the amplitude of a sep-
arate reference track or external audio source to
trigger dynamics processing. When this button
is dark gray, the External Key is disabled and the
plug-in uses the amplitude of the input signal to
trigger dynamics processing.
Side-Chain Listen
When enabled, this control lets you listen to the
internal or external side-chain input by itself, as
well as monitor its levels with the Output meter.
This is especially useful for fine-tuning the plug-
in’s filter settings or external key input.
Compressor/Limiter and Expander/Gate Side-Chain
Side-Chain Listen is not saved with other
plug-in presets.
External Key Side-Chain Listen
HF Filter
Enable
LF Filter
Enable