user867: What is this type of processing called?
In some popular songs with a very strong bass beat, the strength of the bass beat is exaggerated by momentarily "turning down" the rest of the sounds while the bass beat hits.

user1812: The effect can be achieved with side-chain compression.

user1921: Yup, don't know why datageist didn't expand, but it's called ducking.  The song or part of it 'ducks' out of the way of a signal, usually a big ol' kick.
You can insert a compressor into the signal chain of the track to be ducked, with a side-chain key input (as J.K says): meaning that the kick's amplitude/level will cause the mix to be compressed, i.e. reduced in volume.

user1759: The effect in question can be used with side chain compression, parallel compression or even with a excessive compression. 
The side-chain effect is the one used to create "a "pumping" effect which can clearly be heard in "Call On Me" by Eric Prydz, "Hung Up" by Madonna, and 99% of Daft Punk housier tracks. Almost all DAWs come with compressors that support side-chain, in the worst case scenario you can look for a VST to do the job, but I'm pretty sure you'll need a VST3 compatible DAW to route the signal. 
Parallel Compression is more associated with rock music than electronic - but since many NY Producers end up using it (Like Armand Van Helden), some people confuse it with side-chaining. 
Anyways, the effect can also be achieve by adding a strong compressor the song and making the kick really loud - obviously you'll have little control over the amount of effect and you'll have a hard time mixing/mastering.

867: <p>What is this type of processing called?</p>

<p>In some popular songs with a very strong bass beat, the strength of the bass beat is exaggerated by momentarily "turning down" the rest of the sounds while the bass beat hits.</p>
 1812: <p>The effect can be achieved with side-chain compression.</p>
 1921: <p>Yup, don't know why datageist didn't expand, but it's called ducking.  The song or part of it 'ducks' out of the way of a signal, usually a big ol' kick.</p>

<p>You can insert a compressor into the signal chain of the track to be ducked, with a side-chain key input (as J.K says): meaning that the kick's amplitude/level will cause the mix to be compressed, i.e. reduced in volume.</p>
 1759: <p>The effect in question can be used with side chain compression, parallel compression or even with a excessive compression. </p>

<p>The side-chain effect is the one used to create "a "pumping" effect which can clearly be heard in "Call On Me" by Eric Prydz, "Hung Up" by Madonna, and 99% of Daft Punk housier tracks. Almost all DAWs come with compressors that support side-chain, in the worst case scenario you can look for a VST to do the job, but I'm pretty sure you'll need a VST3 compatible DAW to route the signal. </p>

<p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallel_compression" rel="nofollow">Parallel Compression</a> is more associated with rock music than electronic - but since many NY Producers end up using it (Like Armand Van Helden), some people confuse it with side-chaining. </p>

<p>Anyways, the effect can also be achieve by adding a strong compressor the song and making the kick really loud - obviously you'll have little control over the amount of effect and you'll have a hard time mixing/mastering.</p>
