Placing a simple kick pattern on one track, we were able to make a basic synth line, place a Kickstart plugin on it, and have it pumping in under two minutes. So how does it fare against classic sidechain techniques? One thing that can’t be denied is the speed at which sidechaining can be achieved. Given that sidechaining is so integral to all types of dance music, the only real test of such a simple plugin is how well it fits into a mix. The oscilloscope visualizes the sidechain effect rather nicely, overlaying your selected curve on top of the post-sidechain waveform. In addition there is a Shift Left and Shift Right button to adjust the overall position of the curve. To the right there is a simple panel of controls: a Grid adjustment (to change how often the sidechain happens every measure, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1/1), a high quality oscilloscope to see the plugin’s effect visually, and 16 pre-fabricated sidechain curves. A large “Mix” knob takes up the better half of the left side, allowing you to dial in just the right amount of sidechaining.
The Kickstart interface is wildly simple. No complicated registration procedures or inconvenient iLok keys. Input your license information and you’re good to go. From there it’s as simple as downloading the plugin and following the drag-and-drop instructions to install it. Purchase a license and an account is created for you. There isn’t much to say here, setup is a breeze. With the support of artists like Vicetone, Madeon, and Showtek, the plugin is already making a splash, just days after its release. Going on the idea that something so crucial to dance music shouldn’t be so complicated, dance music master Nicky Romero teamed up with plugin manufacturer Cableguys to create a plugin that made the process fast and easy. Historically, setting up sidechain compression involved complicated bussing and routing. The attack of one sound forces another sound to drop briefly in volume, creating the kind of full-on, aggressive pumping sound we’ve come to expect in modern dance music. Right out of the gate, the Kickstart website says it best: “Sidechain compression: no top-notch EDM, house or R&B production can do without.” Sidechaining allows many instruments or parts to play at one time while not sounding crowded.
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