Ok, so you can't do an ACTUAL sidechain INSIDE the MD.
But, you can get close
TO THE SOUND of it1. go to the DYN area in the MASTER FX
2. set the ATCK around 9 o'clock.
we want to have a fast attack, fast to the left - slow to the right.
3. set the REL somewhere close to 1 or 2 o'clock.
we want a quick release of the compressor, fast to the left - slow to the right.
4. set the TRHD somewhere around 11 o'clock, maybe more on the 1 o'clock side.
we want a moderate threshold, low threshold to the left - high to the right.
5. set the RTIO to around 3 o'clock
we want a good-sized ratio rate the compressor works on.
1:1 ratio - all the way left, 1:256 ratio all the way left.
usually you want somewhere in a 4-16:1 ratio on your compressor to have
a drastic effect (one you can distinctly hear).
6. set the KNEE all the way left.
we want a hard knee, hard to the left - soft to the right
7. set the HP around 7 or 8 o'clock.
we want to let some, but not all of the high frequencies through
no high pass all the way left, all high pass all the way right.
8. ok, compare compressed sound with non-compressed sound.
you can do this from here by using the MIX setting.
uncompressed - all the way right
compressed - all the way left
9. based on what you hear, raise the OUTG to give you a relative volume match
when compressed to when it's uncompressed.
That's it...now this isn't a true sidechain. That would have to allow for a specific
signal to effect the compressor. Instead, we're setting the compressor to react to low and loud sounds first and fast!
With these settings you'll probably notice the bass drop a little, but that's because it's working. We want to have the kick hit - but not drown out the other frequencies.
This is what sidechaining is supposed to do. In the case of deadmau5, eric prydz, etc...they've exaggerated the effect and you get the pronounced ducking sound.
I may have made some errors, so please say I'm wrong?!!?
peace