Sidechain compression

Sidechain compression lowers one sound whenever another plays, creating the "pumping" effect in dance music.

A compressor on a pad or bass listens to the kick drum instead of its own signal. Each time the kick hits, the pad ducks out of the way, then swells back. The result is both a cleaner low end and a rhythmic pumping that has become a sound of its own in house and EDM.

The same technique, called ducking, lowers music automatically under a voice in podcasts and broadcasts.

Using it in a prompt

Ask for "heavy side-chain pumping" for EDM energy, or "subtle side-chain" for a gentler groove in deep house and lo-fi.