← All lessonsModule 16 · Production Secrets

The Sidechain Pump

Why dance tracks breathe: on every kick the pads and bass duck, then swell back. Learn what a compressor does, let the kick take control in sidechain mode, and build a pumping four-chord house loop.

In this lesson you'll

  • Know what a compressor does and what sidechain mode changes.
  • Hear the pump: chords that dip on every kick and swell back between kicks.
  • Build a four-on-the-floor house loop with a pumping pad.

Music in this lesson

  • One More TimeDaft Punk · 2000
  • Call on MeEric Prydz · 2004

Remember

A compressor turns sounds down when a signal gets loud; usually that signal is the sound itself.

In sidechain mode the kick drum's signal controls the compressor on the pads and bass, so they dip on every kick and swell back between kicks.

The kick cuts through clearly, and even long sustained chords start to pulse in rhythm: the track breathes.