NuPump Free Sidechain and Volume Shaping

Sidechain compression is a cornerstone of modern mixing

However, setting up dedicated routing, dummy buses, or ghost kick tracks can disrupt production flow.

NuPump, developed by Dead Signal Audio as part of their “Nu Series,” is a free sidechain and volume-shaping plugin designed to create rhythmic ducking and pumping movements quickly, offering both tempo-synchronized modulation and external audio-triggered operation.

Dual Operating Modes: Tempo Sync and Audio Sidechain

NuPump adapts to different production workflows through two distinct trigger modes:

SYNC Mode: Automatically locks the modulation cycle to the DAW’s host tempo and grid. Time divisions range from 1/16th notes up to a full bar (including dotted 1/8th note values), eliminating the need for any external trigger source.
SIDECHAIN Mode: For tracks with off-grid grooves, swing, or tempo fluctuations, NuPump can receive an external audio signal (such as a kick drum) via its sidechain input. A dedicated SC Thresh (Sidechain Threshold) control ensures that only intentional transient peaks trigger the ducking envelope.

Envelope Control and Curve Shapes

To suit different instruments—whether cleaning up basslines, adding movement to synth pads, or creating stuttered rhythmic gates—NuPump provides four distinct volume curves alongside precise envelope parameters:

4 Preset Shapes:
- Pump: The classic EDM sidechain curve that scoops low-end and swells back in.
- Duck: A rapid transient attenuation designed to carve out brief pockets of space for drum hits.
- Gate: Sharp, squared on/off transitions for rhythmic chop effects.
- Sine: Smooth, continuous wave modulation suitable for tremolos and gradual swells.
Envelope Sculpting:
- Attack: Sets how quickly the signal drops in volume when triggered.
- Length: Defines the duration of the volume dip before beginning recovery.
- Curve: Adjusts the slope and tension of the volume rise back to full level.

Workflow Tools and Metering

Nudge: Provides fine timing adjustments, allowing producers to shift the ducking pocket slightly ahead of or behind the grid to align with groove swing or hardware latency.
Mix Control: Enables parallel sidechain processing by blending the processed signal with the dry input.
Visual Scope: A real-time scrolling waveform display combined with a synchronized ducking lane and an interactive tracking indicator, showing exactly where and how gain reduction occurs.
Preset Library: Includes 12 factory presets targeting various genres, from Classic Pump and Future Bass Breath to Trance Gate and Metalcore Breakdown Pump.

Compatibility and Formats

macOS: VST3 and Audio Unit (AU) — compatible with macOS 12 or newer (Universal support for Intel and Apple Silicon).
Windows: VST3 (64-bit, Windows 10 and 11).
Price: Free download via email registration on the developer’s site.

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