In this video, we’re going to look at the various modes available to our dynamics processing objects. These modes are the Shared, Individual, and Sidechain modes, and can be accessed from the Properties window when selecting the dynamics processing object. In this example, we have a signal generator feeding a multi-channel gain, that feeds a multi-channel compressor and finally into this meter object so we can see what’s happening. This compressor is set up as an aggressive limiter, with a very high ratio and a -25db threshold. The single tone generator output feeds the three inputs of the gain object, and we’ve set the gains at -30db. This is reflected in the output metering for all 3 channels.
In the Shared Mode, when any channel rises above the threshold, the gain reduction is applied to all the channels. Watch the output meters as I bring channel 1 above the threshold. Notice that the gain reduction has been applied to channel 1, but also to channels 2 and 3. When I bring channel 1 back down, and bring up channel 2, the same thing will happen. This can also be additive. If I bring up channel 3, we can see the additional reduction being applied to channels 1 and 2.
Let’s look at the individual mode next. I’ve reset our example to the gains we started with, and have changed the compressor to the individual mode. In the Individual mode, each signal will trigger its own gain reduction based on its levels. As I bring up channel 1, we can see the gain reduction occurring in the compressor and only channel 1 is affected in our meters. If I bring channel 1 back down and increase channel 3, we’ll see that still only channel 3 is affected. The compression can happen simultaneously. If I also increase channel 1 here, then we’ll see that both channels 1 and 3 are now showing reduction while channel 2 remains unaffected. 
Finally, let’s look at the Sidechain mode. When the Sidechain Mode is enabled, a new input is exposed on the object block. This Sidechain Input signal will control the gain reduction of all the other signals in the compressor. I’ve reset our example once more, but this time I staggered the input levels on the gain object to -10, -20, and -30db. Our compressor threshold is still -25db, but notice that no gain reduction is occurring even though channels 1 and 2 are above this threshold. Our meters still reflect the values that are coming in at the gain stage. Channel 4 of the gain object here is controlling the Sidechain input level. If we bring this level above the threshold level, we’ll see gain reduction applied to all 3 of our channels, even the ones that were below the threshold level.