By default, Alloy’s Dynamics module will simply respond and react to the incoming audio from the track that Alloy is inserted on. In this way, if the incoming audio, passes the specified threshold values inside of Dynamics 1 or 2, the module begins to process the audio.
When working with sidechain signals however, while each Dynamics module will still process the incoming audio, the module will no longer be triggered by the same incoming audio. Instead the compressor will be triggered either by an external audio source or audio from one of the bands in a multiband dynamics section.
To load the Sidechain menu, click on the Sidechain button in the upper left corner of your dynamics meter in either the Dynamic 1 or 2 modules.
For both Dynamics 1 and 2, Alloy can accept incoming sidechain trigger signals from varying sources of audio as defined inside of your host audio application. When working with single band dynamics, you can select an External audio source from inside of the Sidechain menu.
Inside of your host application, with the use of busses, sends or aux tracks, you will need to send the audio signal you would like to serve as your sidechain trigger, to the audio track that Alloy is inserted upon.
Once you have defined your Sidechain inputs, your Dynamics module will indicate that its processes are sidechained with the logos shown below:
As each audio host application is different, please refer to your host’s help documentation for instructions on how to route audio to Alloy.
Note: Incoming stereo sidechain signals will be mixed and summed to mono for use in triggering the Dynamics modules.
Multiband Sidechain
Traditionally, external audio is used to trigger the sidechain on single band dynamics processes such as compression/gating/expansion. Alloy however, building upon its multiband operation, can allow for the audio output of individual bands to be the trigger source for their own compressors/gates/expanders.
This is done, first by switching either Dynamics 1 or 2 into multiband mode. Then, by opening the sidechain menu, the audio output of each band is available as a source choice to act as the trigger for that modules Compressor or Gate/Expander.
Each of the three available bands in each Dynamics module, as well as any external audio inputs, will be available to choose as a sidechain trigger source. This can therefore allow for unique processing and routing ranging from simple traditional setups to a more complex matrix of dynamic control that moves beyond simple sidechain inputs.
This can also be used as a way of EQ’ing the source audio for Alloy’s Dynamics sections. By using multiband compression, and choosing Band 1 as the compression trigger for all three bands, the Dynamics module will now only be triggered by audio in the lower frequencies contained in Band 1. The result being that the compressor in this example, will only triggered by peaks such as the kick drum in a drum track, or the thump of lower strings in a guitar track.