SIDECHAINS
Each of Circuit’s two synths has a Sidechain feature. This works in the same manner as
common dynamics processors such as compressors, and can be used to alter the “envelope”
of synth notes in time with the main beat – the “key” source for both sidechains is always
Drum 1.
The Sidechain feature allows the hits of Drum 1 to duck the audio level of the synths. Using
synth presets which produce sustained notes, or using shorter sounds with long Gate times,
you can make the kick drum “pump” the synth sounds to produce some interesting and unusual
effects.
Seven Sidechain presets are available in Circuit, each allowing Drum 1 to modify the sound of
Synths 1 and 2 in subtly different ways. The default state is for Sidechain to be OFF on both
synths.
To open Sidechain View, press Sidechain
5
for either Synth 1 or Synths 2. For Synth 1, the
Sidechain View looks like this:
Synth 1 Drum 1 Drum 2 Drum 3 Drum 4Synth 2Sidechain Sidechain
Sidechain View for Synth 2 is identical.
The lower three pad rows are disabled. The top row of pads corresponds to the seven
Sidechain Presets (Pads 2 to 7); Pad 1 is ‘the OFF button’ – this disables sidechain processing
for the selected synth. Pad 1 is illuminated bright red when the Sidechain is OFF; press any
other pad in the row to enable one of the Sidechain Presets, and Pad 1 becomes dim and the
selected Pad shows bright white.
As with many of Circuit’s other features, by far the best way of understanding sidechain
processing is to experiment and listen. A good starting point is to set a single synth note to
have a Gate value of 16 so that it sounds continuously, and make Drum 1 play a few kick drum
beats. As you select different Sidechain Presets, you’ll hear the different ways in which the
continuous synth note is “interrupted” by the drum. The same Sidechain Preset may have a
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