Kickstart

Kickstart

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Sidechain compression: no top-notch EDM, house or R&B production can do without. Kickstart is the fastest way to get that signature sidechain effect in your own tracks. Nicky Romero and Cableguys have it all laid out for you. Forget complicated compressor routings, simply drop Kickstart on your channels—a big Mix control and hand-crafted modulation curves get you started. You can use Kickstart in any VST or AU sequencer such as Ableton Live, Logic, Cubase, or FL Studio.

Dynamics Compressor Sidechain

Cableguys
Added 6mos ago

Kickstart is a VST plugin developed by the renowned electronic music duo Nicky Romero in collaboration with Cableguys. This plugin was designed to simplify and enhance the process of achieving the popular sidechain compression effect, which is a staple in modern electronic dance music (EDM) production.

History

Kickstart was first released in 2013, during a period when sidechain compression was becoming increasingly essential in dance music. The plugin was born out of a desire to streamline the process of creating the pulsing, rhythmic effect that sidechain compression provides, without the need for complex routing and setup in a digital audio workstation (DAW).

Common Use in the Industry

Kickstart is widely used in the EDM industry for its simplicity and effectiveness. It allows producers to achieve the characteristic "pumping" effect with minimal effort. The plugin is particularly popular among:

  • EDM Producers: For creating dynamic, rhythmic effects that make tracks more engaging.
  • Mix Engineers: For adding movement and space to mixes without the need for intricate sidechain routing.
  • Sound Designers: For experimenting with rhythmic modulation on various sound sources.

Features

  • Ease of Use: Kickstart features a straightforward interface with a single knob to control the amount of sidechain effect.
  • Waveform Selection: Users can choose from multiple waveform shapes to customize the sidechain effect.
  • Sync Options: The plugin can sync to the host DAW's tempo, ensuring that the effect is always in time with the track.

Fun Facts

  • Artist Endorsements: Many high-profile EDM artists, including Martin Garrix and David Guetta, have praised Kickstart for its efficiency and sound quality.
  • Minimal CPU Usage: Despite its powerful effect, Kickstart is designed to be CPU-efficient, making it ideal for use in complex projects with numerous tracks and plugins.
  • Educational Tool: Kickstart is often recommended to beginners in music production as a gateway to understanding sidechain compression and its impact on a mix.

Kickstart continues to be a go-to tool for producers looking to add professional-quality sidechain effects to their music with ease.