Sidechain
A sidechain is a common sound processing technique where one audio signal controls or influences another. Think of it like an automatic volume control where one sound determines how loud another sound plays. It's widely used in music production, radio, and podcast production. The most familiar example is in radio broadcasting, where music automatically gets quieter when the DJ speaks. In modern music production, it's often used to make certain instruments work better together, like making the bass quieter whenever the kick drum plays.
Examples in Resumes
Implemented sidechain compression techniques for dynamic music mixes
Used sidechain processing to balance voiceovers with background music in podcast production
Applied sidechaining methods to create modern dance music effects
Typical job title: "Audio Engineers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Audio Engineers
Online Communities
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you use sidechain processing in a live broadcast environment?
Expected Answer: A senior engineer should explain how to set up automatic ducking for announcer microphones over background music, including proper threshold and release times to maintain natural sound.
Q: What creative ways have you implemented sidechaining in music production?
Expected Answer: Should discuss various applications like ducking bass with kicks, creating rhythmic effects, and managing multiple simultaneous sidechain relationships in a complex mix.
Mid Level Questions
Q: Explain when you would use sidechain compression versus volume automation.
Expected Answer: Should be able to compare the benefits of automatic sidechaining versus manual volume control, and when each approach is more appropriate.
Q: How do you troubleshoot common sidechain problems?
Expected Answer: Should discuss issues like timing delays, inappropriate release times, and how to fix pumping or unwanted artifacts in the audio.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is sidechain compression and where is it commonly used?
Expected Answer: Should explain the basic concept of one signal controlling another's volume, and mention common applications like ducking music under voiceovers or in dance music production.
Q: What are the basic parameters in a sidechain setup?
Expected Answer: Should know about threshold (when the effect starts), ratio (how strong the effect is), attack (how quickly it starts), and release (how quickly it returns to normal).
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of audio compression
- Setting up simple sidechain routing
- Working with basic broadcast automation
- Understanding of gain reduction
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced sidechain routing configurations
- Creative sidechaining techniques
- Troubleshooting complex audio chains
- Multiple sidechain source management
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex broadcast automation systems
- Advanced mixing techniques using sidechaining
- System design for large audio installations
- Training and supervising other engineers
Red Flags to Watch For
- No practical experience with audio compression
- Unfamiliarity with basic audio routing concepts
- Lack of experience with professional audio software
- Unable to explain basic signal flow
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