<p>The effect can be achieved with side-chain compression.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2012-01-29T18:28:39.600Z
2012-01-29T18:28:39.600Z
J.K.
<p>Yup, don't know why datageist didn't expand, but it's called ducking.  The song or part of it 'ducks' out of the way of a signal, usually a big ol' kick.</p>

<p>You can insert a compressor into the signal chain of the track to be ducked, with a side-chain key input (as J.K says): meaning that the kick's amplitude/level will cause the mix to be compressed, i.e. reduced in volume.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2012-01-30T02:18:36.237Z
You don't need sidechans to get this effect; it's a natural result of mix bus compression with a really loud transient.  If release is kinda slow you get this pretty dramatically.
Bill Gribble
CC BY-SA 3.0
2012-02-01T00:32:28.757Z
I really wish @FriendOfGeorge would stop editing things that aren't mistakes in people's answers.  If someone says "hope that helps", it's a kick in the nuts to remove that sentiment.  Considering this site has next to no activity, it might be helpful to keep the users happy, and not put words in (or take words out) of their mouths
Kieren Johnstone
CC BY-SA 3.0
2012-02-01T13:20:50.383Z
To say "hope that helps" is redundant.  The only reason to post an answer is in the hope that it helps someone:)  I'm just trying to keep the signal to noise ratio up.  In my opinion, Thanks and Hope that Helps belong in the comments, not the Q&A.  If you would like to discuss this further let's move it to chat.
Friend Of George
CC BY-SA 3.0
2012-02-01T13:32:20.320Z
Well, I guess you have to keep yourself busy somehow.. completely pointless and fairly derogatory to correct people's good intentions. Whatever makes you happy.
Kieren Johnstone
CC BY-SA 3.0
2012-02-01T14:16:34.223Z
Meta question on this subject [here](http://meta.avp.stackexchange.com/questions/238/should-we-allow-things-like-thanks-and-hope-that-helps-inside-questions-and/239#239).
Friend Of George
CC BY-SA 3.0
2012-01-29T22:43:51.787Z
2012-02-01T00:26:43.163Z
2012-02-01T00:26:43.163Z
Kieren Johnstone
<p>The effect in question can be used with side chain compression, parallel compression or even with a excessive compression. </p>

<p>The side-chain effect is the one used to create "a "pumping" effect which can clearly be heard in "Call On Me" by Eric Prydz, "Hung Up" by Madonna, and 99% of Daft Punk housier tracks. Almost all DAWs come with compressors that support side-chain, in the worst case scenario you can look for a VST to do the job, but I'm pretty sure you'll need a VST3 compatible DAW to route the signal. </p>

<p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallel_compression" rel="nofollow">Parallel Compression</a> is more associated with rock music than electronic - but since many NY Producers end up using it (Like Armand Van Helden), some people confuse it with side-chaining. </p>

<p>Anyways, the effect can also be achieve by adding a strong compressor the song and making the kick really loud - obviously you'll have little control over the amount of effect and you'll have a hard time mixing/mastering.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2012-01-31T13:56:48.860Z
2012-01-31T13:56:48.860Z
Johnny Bigoode
<p>What is this type of processing called?</p>

<p>In some popular songs with a very strong bass beat, the strength of the bass beat is exaggerated by momentarily "turning down" the rest of the sounds while the bass beat hits.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-11-09T01:28:09.647Z
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ducking
datageist
<effects>
Dynamic saturation exaggeration
themirror
# Dynamic saturation exaggeration

(Asked by: username_0 on 2011-11-08)

What is this type of processing called?

In some popular songs with a very strong bass beat, the strength of the bass beat is exaggerated by momentarily "turning down" the rest of the sounds while the bass beat hits.

**Tags:** effects

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ducking  

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## 3 answers

### Answer by username_6 on 2012-01-31. Score: 3 | Accepted answer

The effect in question can be used with side chain compression, parallel compression or even with a excessive compression.

The side-chain effect is the one used to create "a "pumping" effect which can clearly be heard in "Call On Me" by Eric Prydz, "Hung Up" by Madonna, and 99% of Daft Punk housier tracks. Almost all DAWs come with compressors that support side-chain, in the worst case scenario you can look for a VST to do the job, but I'm pretty sure you'll need a VST3 compatible DAW to route the signal.

[Parallel Compression](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallel_compression) is more associated with rock music than electronic - but since many NY Producers end up using it (Like Armand Van Helden), some people confuse it with side-chaining.

Anyways, the effect can also be achieve by adding a strong compressor the song and making the kick really loud - obviously you'll have little control over the amount of effect and you'll have a hard time mixing/mastering.


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### Answer by username_3 on 2012-01-29. Score: 3

Yup, don't know why username_1 didn't expand, but it's called ducking. The song or part of it 'ducks' out of the way of a signal, usually a big ol' kick.

You can insert a compressor into the signal chain of the track to be ducked, with a side-chain key input (as J.K says): meaning that the kick's amplitude/level will cause the mix to be compressed, i.e. reduced in volume.

> **Comments:**
> **username_4**: You don't need sidechans to get this effect; it's a natural result of mix bus compression with a really loud transient.  If release is kinda slow you get this pretty dramatically.  
> **username_3**: I really wish @FriendOfGeorge would stop editing things that aren't mistakes in people's answers.  If someone says "hope that helps", it's a kick in the nuts to remove that sentiment.  Considering this site has next to no activity, it might be helpful to keep the users happy, and not put words in (or take words out) of their mouths  
> **username_5**: To say "hope that helps" is redundant.  The only reason to post an answer is in the hope that it helps someone:)  I'm just trying to keep the signal to noise ratio up.  In my opinion, Thanks and Hope that Helps belong in the comments, not the Q&A.  If you would like to discuss this further let's move it to chat.  
> **username_3**: Well, I guess you have to keep yourself busy somehow.. completely pointless and fairly derogatory to correct people's good intentions. Whatever makes you happy.  
> **username_5**: Meta question on this subject [here](http://meta.avp.stackexchange.com/questions/238/should-we-allow-things-like-thanks-and-hope-that-helps-inside-questions-and/239#239).  

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### Answer by username_2 on 2012-01-29. Score: 2

The effect can be achieved with side-chain compression.


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