SideKick2
Key Features
- Fully editable shape graph for drawing custom volume automation curves synced to project tempo
- Pre-made sidechain and trance gate presets for instant pumping and rhythmic gating effects
- Adjustable rhythmic divisions (1/4, 1/8, 1/2, and 1/1) to match different tempos and musical styles
- Mix (dry/wet) knob for parallel processing that blends original and affected signals together
- Save and load custom shape presets to recall your favorite volume curves across sessions
- Copy-and-paste system for transferring settings between multiple plugin instances in a project
Description
SideKick2 by Rewired Records is a volume automation plugin that recreates the pumping sidechain compression effect without requiring an actual compressor or audio routing. Instead of ducking audio in response to an external signal, it uses an editable shape graph to draw custom volume curves synced to your project tempo.
The plugin ships with pre-made sidechain shapes for instant results, but its real strength is the fully editable graph where you can design your own amplitude envelopes from scratch. Rhythmic divisions of 1/4, 1/8, 1/2, and 1/1 let you match the ducking speed to different tempos and genres.
Beyond standard sidechain pumping, SideKick2 handles trance gate effects by drawing multiple sharp volume cuts across the graph. This technique has seen renewed popularity in modern EDM productions that blend rapid gating with melodic elements.
A Mix percentage knob acts as a dry/wet control, letting you blend processed and unprocessed signals together. This parallel approach fills out the mix when full-depth ducking leaves too much empty space, which is especially useful on pads and sustained chords.
SideKick2 includes a copy-and-paste system for transferring settings between plugin instances across multiple tracks in your project. It runs as a 64-bit VST3 plugin on Windows and requires the Visual C++ Redistributable Packages for Visual Studio 2013.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does SideKick2 use actual sidechain compression?
No, SideKick2 is a volume shaper rather than a true sidechain compressor. It automates volume using a drawable curve synced to tempo instead of ducking based on an external audio signal like a kick drum. This means it works best with four-on-the-floor patterns and steady rhythms where the ducking timing is predictable.
Can SideKick2 create trance gate effects?
Yes, by drawing multiple sharp volume cuts across the editable graph you can create rhythmic gating patterns. The plugin includes trance gate presets out of the box, and you can customize the shape and timing by adjusting the rhythmic division and drawing your own curves.
Does SideKick2 require any additional software to run?
SideKick2 requires the Visual C++ Redistributable Packages for Visual Studio 2013 to be installed on your system. This is a one-time download from Microsoft that many other plugins also depend on.
Why does the sidechain effect sound unnatural on tracks with irregular kick patterns?
Because SideKick2 uses a fixed tempo-synced volume curve rather than responding to an actual audio trigger, it cannot adapt to irregular kick rhythms or off-grid hits. For non-four-on-the-floor patterns, you may need to automate the rhythmic division setting or draw custom shapes that match your specific kick placement.
