6 of the best VST/AU plugins for pumping sidechain compression

Pump up your jam

So you’ve developed a thirst for sidechain compression, but which plugin should you use to create the perfect pump?

Your first stop should be your DAW’s stock compressors, as they’re easy to route due to tight integration, and usually CPU-light, so things run smoother when sidechaining multiple tracks.

If you want a third-party processor that'll help you to perfect your pump, however, read on. For a complete guide to the secrets of sidechaining - including video tutorials - check out Computer Music 219 (August 2015) which is on sale now.

HoRNet MultiComp Plus

A great external sidechain-enabled compressor is HoRNet MultiComp Plus. Its three modes each produce a different reaction - from precise to loose - giving you a quick way to try different pumping vibes.

4 out of 5

Read HoRNet MultiComp Plus review

FabFilter Pro-MB

For even more creative use, FabFilter’s Pro-MB can pump specific frequency ranges for greater control.

4.5 out of 5

Read FabFilter Pro-MB review

BUY: FabFilter Pro-MB currently available from:
USA: Sweetwater

Waves OneKnob Pumper

There are a number of auto-pumping tools out there that don’t actually require a sidechain input to work, instead producing a regular volume modulation (eg, on every beat) that mimics the effects of sidechain pumping.

The simplest pumping tool on the market has to be Waves’ OneKnob Pumper, which was free, but now has to be paid for.

Find out more about Waves OneKnob Pumper

BUY: Waves OneKnob Pumper currently available from:
USA: Sweetwater

Xfer Records LFOTool

Taking things a little further, Xfer Records’ LFOTool offers trance gating, tremolo, auto panning and dubstep-style wobbling, too.

4 out of 5

Read Xfer Records LFOTool review

Cableguys VolumeShaper 4

Cableguys’ VolumeShaper 4 gives you three frequency bands of pumping, stuttering, gating goodness.

4.5 out of 5

Read Cableguys VolumeShaper 4 review

Vengeance-Sound Multiband Sidechain

The undisputed daddy of autopumping is Vengeance-Sound’s Multiband Sidechain. Pumper of choice on countless Swedish hits, it offers incredible control over a multiband filter, and customisable envelopes to control high- and low-pass filters.

4.5 out of 5

Read Vengeance-Sound Multiband Sidechain review

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