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10.6.1 Side Chaining - Definition‌

Side Chaining uses the signal level of a secondary input to control the modulation/manipulation (e.g. the compression level) of the main signal.

In case of a Compressor, when the secondary (side chain) signal is stronger, the compressor acts more strongly to reduce output gain. This is used by disc jockeys to lower the music volume automatically when speaking; in this example, the DJ's microphone signal is routed to a stereo compressor's side chain input. The main music signal is routed through compressors main input, so that whenever the DJ speaks, the compressor reduces the volume of the music, a process called ducking.

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