Stop Sidechaining Like This (Do This Instead)

Stop Sidechaining Like This — here's how I actually do sidechain compression in my trance tracks after 25 years of producing. Most sidechain compression tutorials just tell you to slap a compressor on the bass and call it a day. In this video I show you why that's only half the story, and what I use instead for clean, click-free results. I break down the compressor method step by step in Ableton Live — exact attack, release, threshold, detection mode settings — then I show you why I actually reach for volume shapers like LFO Tool, Kickstart, and Shaperbox most of the time. Plus a workaround for Ableton's latency bug that messes up your sidechain timing. 🎯 What you'll learn: 0:00 — Intro 0:12 — The history of sidechain compression (1930s film to Daft Punk to Eric Prydz) 2:46 — Sidechain compression with Ableton's stock compressor 3:00 — Setting the perfect release time using 1/16th note math 4:00 — Peak vs RMS detection mode explained 4:15 — Pro tip: high-pass your sidechain input at 800 Hz 4:32 — Full kick signal vs high-passed signal comparison 4:39 — Why I don't use Ableton's compressor (the click problem) 5:19 — Volume shapers: LFO Tool, Kickstart, and Shaperbox compared 5:58 — Fixing Ableton's latency bug with MIDI trigger routing 6:36 — Building a latency-free sidechain template 7:30 — Which tool for which situation (quick rundown) 8:00 — Sidechain cheat sheet (screenshot this!) 8:30 — Final thoughts and what to watch next 🔧 Sidechain Cheat Sheet: • Attack: as close to 0 as possible • Release: exactly 1/16th note duration in ms for your BPM • Detection mode: Peak • High-pass sidechain input at 800 Hz • Set threshold to taste 🎹 Tools mentioned in this video: • Ableton Live stock Compressor • Xfer LFO Tool • Kickstart 2 • Cableguys Shaperbox 📚 Related videos: • How I Build a Full Trance Track From Scratch in 57 Minutes →    • I Built a Complete Trance Track Faster Tha...   • Trance Melodies Explained →    • Pro Melody in 5 minutes or less! | Trance ...   --- 👋 I'm ReOrder — trance music producer signed to Armada Music, FSOE, and more. I've played Tomorrowland, Transmission, and been making trance for over 25 years. On this channel I share everything I've learned about music production in Ableton Live. 💬 Drop a comment: do you prefer compressor sidechain or volume shapers? What's your go-to sidechain plugin? I read every single comment. 🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell so you don't miss the next one! 🪄MAGIC TRANCE MUSIC MAKER: 🎓 MY COURSES 🎓 https://www.readyformasterclass.com 🆓 How To Make Trance – FREE COURSE: https://readyformasterclass.com/free-... 💿 REAL HUMAN MASTERING: https://www.readyformasterclass.com/m... ⚡️ PRESETS, SAMPLES & PACKS ⚡️ 🪄 MAGIC TRANCE MUSIC MAKER: https://readyformasterclass.com/produ... 🎹 INSTANT MELODY MAKER MIDI PACK: https://readyformasterclass.com/produ... 🎵 PRESET & SAMPLE PACKS: https://readyformasterclass.com/shop/ 💘 FOLLOW MY CHANNEL:    / @reorderdj   🥰 Connect with ReOrder ▶   / reorderdj   ▶   / reorderdj   ▶   / reorderdj   ▶   / reorderdj   ▶   / reorderdj   ▶   / reorderdj   📩 Contact / bookings: [email protected] 🎶 Check out my SPOTIFY PLAYLIST 🎶 https://open.spotify.com/playlist/71K...