Compression, Mixing, Side Chain Compression, House, Tutorial, Oscilloscope. In the old days, mixing engineers would study the volume meters as they danced along the console. By playing back well-mixed songs, these early pioneers learned how to read proper song dynamics. This skill is invaluable when trying to understand and utilize compression. This article discusses a modern approach to developing the same talent cultivated in the old masters: the ability to create pleasing dynamic compression. For this tutorial you will need:
- A VST Host (Ableton Live, Steinberg Cubase, Digidesign Protools, etc.)
- S(m)execope VST/AU Oscilloscope. Download S(m)execope for Windows / Mac OS X.

Finally, free sidechain compression for Mac OSX producers is now available! Get that house music pumping sound using Teragon Audio’s DualComp VST Compressor.
There are very few free compressors that support sidechaining. The SSS Side Chain Compressor makes it extremely easy to get the ducking sound made famous by french house producers like Daft Punk. Click the link below to download the SSS Side Chain Compressor.