Sidechain Compression
Sidechain Compression is used to modulate the sound of one element based on another's. A frequent example of this is ducking the volume of your pad and lead sounds when the kick of your Core Drums hits. This gives the impression that your sounds are responding to each other.
This can be done through a variety of tools, but what is free and out of the box with Ableton Live is using the "Compression" Audio Effect in its extended form with the Sidechain. To activate this, hit the little arrow in the top left corner, so it points to the right:
- Select the kick lane in the "Audio From" section and adjust the blue line so that it triggers at the right volume.
- Play with the parameters (e.g.: Ratio, Attack & Release) util you are satisfied.
Relevant Note(s): Composition