BSharry Side Chainer

BSharry SideChainer 1.2.2 is available, this update is free for owners of the plugin and includes:

•  Fixed plugin not working on apple silicon macs

Get the pumping effect

Side Chainer is a streamlined and intuitive sidechain plugin designed to replicate the signature dance music pumping effect without the need for complex routing or setup. Developed by BSharry and powered by HoRNet Plugins technology, this tool makes it incredibly easy to inject energy, punch, and rhythm into your tracks with just a few clicks. Whether you’re producing house, EDM, trap, or pop, Side Chainer gives you the sound that top DJs and producers rely on—all without the usual hassle of configuring a compressor sidechain.

Classic Sidechain Compression Made Simple

In modern music production, sidechain compression is a widely-used technique that allows one sound (typically a kick drum) to control the volume of another (such as a pad, bassline, or even the entire mix). This technique creates the distinctive “pumping” effect that gives electronic music its rhythmic movement and dynamic energy. It’s essential for making space in the mix, allowing transients to shine, and keeping low-end elements from clashing.

However, achieving this effect typically involves:

• Setting up a sidechain input from a kick track

• Inserting a compressor on the target track

• Routing audio correctly (which varies between DAWs)

• Fine-tuning attack and release times for a smooth rhythm

For new producers or those working in DAWs with limited routing flexibility, this can be a frustrating and time-consuming process.

Side Chainer eliminates all of that. It provides a fully self-contained sidechain effect that works without needing a trigger track, without routing, and without a compressor. The plugin generates its own internal control signal and automatically syncs it to your host DAW’s tempo, giving you immediate and consistent results across any project.

Automatic Trigger Signal with Tempo Sync

Instead of requiring an external audio signal (like a kick drum) to trigger the ducking, Side Chainer creates an internal modulation curve that simulates the dynamic behavior of a sidechain compressor. This curve is tempo-synced to your project and can be subdivided in various rhythmic divisions such as 1/4, 1/8, 1/16 notes and more.

This automatic modulation:

• Frees you from dealing with complex routing

• Makes the plugin usable on any track instantly

• Guarantees a consistent rhythmic pulse

• Enables precise timing and groove alignment with your music

Whether you’re looking for a subtle duck or an aggressive pump, the plugin keeps your workflow fast and efficient.

Intuitive Controls for Creative Shaping

Side Chainer features a simple and effective control layout, designed for fast results and easy experimentation. At the center of the plugin are four rounded knobs that allow you to shape the timing and contour of the ducking curve:

• Attack: Controls how quickly the signal ducks when the curve starts

• Release: Determines how fast the volume returns to normal

• Depth: Adjusts the amount of gain reduction

• Shape: Modifies the curvature of the modulation envelope

These parameters are carefully calibrated so that every setting produces a musically useful result. You can dial in everything from gentle volume movement to heavy breathing effects with just a few tweaks. This design ensures you spend less time adjusting parameters and more time creating music.

Real-Time Visual Feedback

To help users see exactly how the plugin is shaping their audio, Side Chainer includes a visual waveform display at the bottom of the interface. This section displays:

• The original audio signal in white

• The processed (modulated) signal in purple

• Two bars of musical time for easy reference

This real-time visualization allows you to monitor the impact of the plugin and make informed adjustments as you work. It’s an especially helpful tool when fine-tuning groove alignment or dialing in creative rhythmic modulation on pads, vocals, or basslines.

Creative Possibilities Beyond Compression

While Side Chainer is built to emulate sidechain compression, its functionality opens the door to creative sound design as well. You can use it to:

• Add rhythmic movement to static synths or pads

• Create pumping effects on vocal reverb tails

• Shape dynamics on master buses for full mix groove

• Synchronize ducking across multiple elements in a mix

• Experiment with unconventional timing for glitchy or off-grid effects

Because it works without needing a sidechain trigger, you’re free to place it anywhere in your project and still get the desired movement and rhythm.

Ideal for Beginners and Pros Alike

Side Chainer is perfect for beginners who want the classic EDM pumping effect without learning advanced compression and routing techniques. But it’s equally valuable for professional producers who want to save time and simplify their setup.

It offers:

• Instant gratification: drop it on a track and start shaping dynamics immediately

• Total recall: consistent results with zero reliance on routing or external signals

• Creative freedom: adjust the rhythm and depth independently of your drums

This makes it a go-to tool for anyone producing in time-sensitive environments or working with modular setups, hardware synthesizers, or live performance templates.

Developed by BSharry, Powered by HoRNet

Side Chainer was conceptualized and designed by BSharry, a producer and DJ known for creating accessible tools that help artists make better music faster. The plugin uses core DSP technology from HoRNet Plugins, a trusted name in the audio industry known for developing lightweight, efficient, and musically-focused tools.

This collaboration ensures that Side Chainer delivers not only intuitive usability but also high-quality sound and low CPU usage, making it suitable for large sessions and live performance scenarios.

Conclusion: Rhythmic Ducking Without the Hassle

Side Chainer is a compact yet powerful plugin that gives you instant access to the signature sound of modern electronic music production. By eliminating the need for external routing and complicated compressor settings, it empowers producers of all levels to add movement, depth, and space to their mixes in seconds.

Whether you’re producing in the studio or performing on stage, Side Chainer gives you the rhythmic edge you need to stand out in the mix—without standing in your way.