Sidechain White Noise in Pro Tools: A Step-by-Step Guide

Sidechain compression is an essential technique used by audio engineers and music producers to add unique sonic elements to their mixes, create space for specific instruments, or emulate the iconic pumping and breathing effect often heard in electronic dance music. One interesting application of this technique is the sidechaining of white noise, which can add an ethereal and dreamy texture to a track or help immerse the listener into the mix. In this article, we will guide you through the process of sidechaining white noise in Pro Tools.

Step 1: Create a white noise track
First, you need to create a new stereo auxiliary input track. To do this, go to the 'Track' menu, then select 'New', and choose 'Stereo' and 'Aux Input'. Name this track 'White Noise'.

Step 2: Add a white noise generator plugin
Insert your favorite white noise generator plugin on the 'White Noise' track. Pro Tools comes with several stock plugins that can generate white noise, such as the 'Signal Generator' or 'AIR Noisette'. Adjust the parameters in the plugin to get the desired white noise texture Adjust the parameters in the plugin to get the desired white noise texture Adjust the parameters in the plugin to get the desired white noise texture Adjust the parameters in the plugin to get the desired white noise texture and volume.

Step 3: Create a new bus, routing the audio from the noise generator to the sidechain input of a compressor

Create a new stereo bus in Pro Tools by going to the 'I/O Setup' window under the 'Setup' menu. Name the bus 'Sidechain'. Now, route the output of your white noise generator Now, route the output of your white noise generator Now, route the output of your white noise generator plugin to this new bus by selecting 'Sidechain' as the output in the plugin's routing options.

Step 4: Set up the sidechain compressor on the target track
Insert a compressor plugin on the track you want to sidechain the white noise to (usually a melodic or harmonic element, like a lead synth or a vocal). In the compressor plugin settings, enable the sidechain option, and select the 'Sidechain' bus as the external sidechain input.

Step 5: Fine-tune the sidechain compression settings
Now that the compressor is receiving the white noise as its sidechain input, start playing your mix and begin adjusting the compressor settings to achieve the desired effect. You will need to tweak the threshold, ratio, attack, and release parameters to find the perfect balance between the white noise and the main audio source.

Step 6: Automate the white noise levels
For a more dynamic and engaging sidechain effect, consider automating the volume of your white noise track. This way, you can control when the white noise is present and when it fades away. To do this, enable automation for the volume fader on your 'White Noise' track and draw in the desired automation curves.

Now that you have successfully sidechained white noise in Pro Tools, you can experiment with different textures, automation shapes, and combinations of audio sources to create an endless array of unique and captivating sonic landscapes.